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Lingerie as Outerwear

Sexy, naked and chic are three words that have been

describing this season’s hottest fashion trends, and the words leave much to the imagination. There is little doubt that images

of sensual lines, cool fabrics and the most tailored wardrobe pieces are rushing into your mind, and you aren’t too far off. In

fact, those three simple words are used to describe lingerie as outerwear, along with other lingerie-inspired outfits that graced

runways this season.

Before I launch into the world of lace and silk, the subject of anything inspired by lingerie brings to mind one of the best

pieces of advice I have ever received: buy lingerie for yourself and how you will feel in the piece, not for whoever will see you

in it. There is no doubt that fashion designers had that advice firmly in mind when they explored this season’s risqué trend.

Lingerie as outerwear is not a new idea, but it has seen new depths this year. While the old standbys have been revamped

and updated, there is an increasing trend to bring lingerie inspiration into the fashion palette and move away from

traditional lingerie pieces intended only for the bedroom.

Yes, corsets are still as popular as ever and designers such as Bottega Veneta have taken the corset and made it functional,

beautiful and ready to wear for both the office and a night out.It is the lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses and the pantless look

that is taking lingerie to the next level this year.

One of the hottest ensembles this year is the pantless look.

Designers from Dolce and Gabbana to Marc Jacobs brought new definition to the look with seamless lines, form-fitting

bottoms and a splash of the sensual. It has become a popular trend in Hollywood, and paired with oversized sleeved shirts or

tight bodysuits, the fashion-forward are proving that you don’t need pants to leave the house.

Although there is something daring about going pantless, designers appear to be going above and beyond with their

lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses.

Fendi has hit the mark with many of their cocktail dresses and

they played with an assortment of fabrics. A common theme

with the Fendi dresses is the short, baby doll-like cut that stops

high on the thigh. The dresses highlight enough skin to add an

edgy, feminine look but provide enough material to feel

conservative by some.

While many of their cocktail dresses are black on black, they

do offer a look at the softer side of lingerie with muted neutrals

and soft colors. Silk fabrics add a sense of luxury, while

feathers and sheer fabric bring playfulness to the dresses.

On the other side, Fendi also capitalized on the traditional

peek-a-boo style with their sheer cocktail dresses that feature

bold lines and highlights, and are perfectly matched to the

black bra and panties visible underneath.

Another designer that has mastered this season’s trend is

Sophia Kokosalaki. Although her cocktail dresses may seem

conservative to some, the mid-to-low thigh lengths are airy and

light. Silks and sheer fabrics are accentuated with lace and

the overall effect is captured in clean whites and soft neutrals.

Sophia Kokosalaki also plays with style, along with plunging

necklines that accentuate the wearer’s curves and feminine

allure.

Lastly, Proenza Schouler has taken the traditional slip dress and spiced it up with daring animal prints and hints of lace

and feathers. The lines are smooth and elegant and tend to be short, ending at mid-thigh, in a classic black and white palette.

There has been a definite shift in lingerie as outerwear and no look was left unexplored this season. Loungewear has

combined lace and sheer with traditional satins to create light and comfortable everyday wear. Corsets and garters add an

unexpected accessory to traditional outfits and peek-a-boo bras are being paired with oversized jackets and boy-cut shorts.

The best highlight of the lingerie as outerwear trend is also that no fabric is left unexplored. Lace, satin, sheer and silk are key

elements in this season’s most stylish dresses. There is an air of youthfulness to the designs, but they have grown up into

something more elegant than what has previously been seen with this trend.

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