The definitive guide to wearing underwear as outerwear
If youve spent your hard-earned cash on a gorgeous piece of lingerie, you might as well flaunt it.
Some underwear is just too pretty to be hidden under your clothes.
The underwear as outwear trend has been around for decades and it definitely wasnt invented by the Kardashians.
Think Madonna in her net bustier on the cover of Like A Virgin, or wearing the famous Gaultier cone bra on her Blonde Ambition tour.
Wearing underwear as outerwear, youll be in good company. Rihanna, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham among many others have been snapped choosing to show off their lingerie rather than reserving it for the bedroom.
If youre going to flash your undergarments, you dont have to do it in a way thats particularly risque (unless you want to).
There are plenty of style tricks which mean that you can rock the lingerie trend from day to night.
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Go sheer
Sheer fabrics are perfect for showing off the lingerie youve got on underneath.
They can look floaty and whimsical or sleek and smooth, depending on how you want to wear them.
You might even get away with a well-tailored suit with a sheer, high-neck top underneath that gives the world a peek at your sweet bralette in the office.
If youre feeling daring, try high-waisted underwear beneath a sheer maxi.
Flash some lace
Let that lace be seen instead of hiding it away.
A lacy bodysuit or bralette is the perfect way to update your going out ensemble.
Just throw on a jacket (leather and denim both work, as does a silky bomber) and youve got a flirty, playful look.
A flash of lace peeking out of a top with a wide neckline is another winner.
Try contrasting a knitted jumper with a deep v-neck with a delicate, lacy triangle bra.
Sportswear outside the gym
You dont need to be working out to put on sportswear.
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Its so comfortable and versatile that it definitely deserves to be added to everyday outfits.
Pair your sports bra with highwaisted mom jeans or a pair of denim dungarees for a sporty daytime look.
Nightwear as daywear
Silky pyjama jackets and lace-trimmed slips are perfectly acceptable daytime outfits.
Dress your slip up with chunky platform heels and a leather or faux fur jacket, or keep it office-appropriate with a white t-shirt underneath and a blazer on top.
Throw on a pair of statement sunglasses to complete the look.
Layer it
Its not for everyone, but if youre feeling confident, try layering a bra or bralette on top of your regular clothes.
A sheer bra on top of a white shirt is a strong look, and can be dressed down with a pair of jeans and a boxy jacket over the top.
Show off your straps
Intricate straps deserve to be seen.
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If your bra has unusual straps or detailing, put it on display.
Wear something that hangs off the shoulder or layer with a sheer or mesh top.
Corsets
If youve ever had a goth phase, youll probably remember either wearing a corset or lusting after one in a shop that was definitely out of your price range.
It wouldve been lacy, either black or purple, and covered in complex straps, ribbons, hooks and eyes.
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If Victorian-inspired corsets are your thing, go for it, but much simpler versions of the corset work well too.
Cropped and full-length versions of the corset look great with basically any bottoms for a sultry night time look.
Suit it up
The humble bodysuit has much to offer.
It can bring a sleek element to an otherwise boxy or androgynous outfit, be worn under a suit or glammed up with heels and a daring sequinned mini for a night out.
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In block colours, shiny fabrics or feminine lace, the bodysuit can give an effortless edge of glamour to almost any ensemble.
Harness the power
Kink doesnt have to be your thing for you to rock a harness.
You can buy BDSM-inspired body harnesses in retailers like ASOS and Nasty Gal this season, and theyre not all leather and metal rings and buckles.
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Sheer plastic harnesses, stretchy elastic harnesses and bras with harnesses attached are all the rage.
If you want to update an outfit with a hint of tough but sexy, this is the ideal way to do it.
Whether youre feeling super daring or just a little bit naughty, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your lingerie into your outfit and let the rest of the world lust over your strappy bra or luxe corset.
Give your undies a chance to shine.
MORE: The V&A is launching its own lingerie collection with Coco de Mer
MORE: Men dont want to be seen in the same outfit twice
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