Fashion‘s least suspecting spring/summer trend this year? Corsages. Seen on the runways of Loewe, Richard Quinn and Roksanda, and now trickling down to our favourite high-street stores, the corsage has made quite the comeback.
Originally used to refer to a flower accessory worn by women, the term ‘corsage’ may be something you recognise from ’80s/’90s rom-coms where the heartthrob of the movie would turn up to his date’s house with a fresh flower arrangement to be worn on her wrist. The corsages I’m referring to, however, are 2023’s answer to making florals for spring groundbreaking again.
It’s true: 3D flowers are one of this season’s must-have accessories.
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Getty Images
Far from being those retro ribbon-tie bracelets – or the appliqués that stylist Gok Wan insisted on attaching to everything in the early noughties – corsages are now the main attraction of the silhouettes they feature on, and often make them. Look to these Petal 90 leather sandals, for example. The anthurium flower that stems from the right shoe anchors the inspiration behind Jonathan Anderson’s bold structural designs for his SS23 collection, and serves as proof of the corsage’s modern-day upgrade.
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Getty Images
Elsewhere, rose buds and petals can be seen adorning everything from summer dresses to wedding guest dresses, tops (of the ‘jeans and a nice top variety’), ballet pumps and bags. But how to wear them? Similarly to how you style floral prints and patterns throughout the year, corsages are actually surprisingly easy to don.
Let them take centre of attention, especially if they reside near your face, as anything to counteract their audacious nature may risk your outfit looking like its wearing you rather than the other way round. This two-tone floral mini dress from Mango’s capsule collection with a pair of strappy sandals is spot on for a cocktail party or date night, while all this balloon sleeve rose blouse from & Other Stories needs is a pair of high-waisted jeans and some kitten heels.
If you’re still not sure, though, Zara’s flower scarf offers the perfect opportunity to gently spotlight the corsage trend in your day-to-day, as does True Decadence with this evening bag.
Ready to embrace corsages wholeheartedly? You’ll find 25 decorated items to shop below.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.