1850’s corsets had been waist cinching and because of the improving steel boning, metal grommets, and metal busks, had by that time become restrictive and shaped and formed the body.
(Photo: 1851 fashion ideal sketch and a real 1851 corset. Waist cinching, it did not constrict hips or force the breasts into shape, and it was still “ok” to have a somewhat “vase” shape on top, meaning the breasts were just sitting on top of the corset and not formed or shaped)