It's a Cinch!

Corset. The very word is daunting, a reminder of Victorian days, when women spent hours getting strapped into tighter-than-tight contraptions. So, why a return to these constricting garments? Well, modern-day corsets are far more comfortable than their 19th-century counterparts, mimicking the look and feel of the real thing without any of the pain. Plus, we think they're figure- and asset-enhancing, and kind of romantic too.

Just look at Anne Hathaway's satin-and-lace purple corset dress, which oozes sex appeal while still giving her plenty of room to move. Now, THAT'S liberating. For more ways to shape your torso, look through our slideshow of curve-empowering corsets.