Underwear as Outerwear

As the heat of summer slowly starts to creep up on us, staying cool and looking good in the process is a must.  It’s time to put your chunky knitwear back into storage and show some skin.  Smalls are big this season, so dare to bare and expose your underwear.

Photo: www.thisislondon.co.uk

It might sound daunting but the underwear as outerwear trend is proving to be extremely popular amongst young celebrities.  Amongst the brave are Sienna Miller, Lily Allen (who single-handedly popularised suspender tights) and Lady Gaga.

As expected, there is the danger of resembling a prostitute, if you decide to leave nothing to the imagination that is.  But if done correctly and modestly, underwear as outerwear can be subtle and very feminine.

And sorry boys but this is a very gender specific trend, y-fronts just aren’t sexy enough to pull this trend off. 

Dolce and Gabanna, Marc Jacobs and Prada are just a few designers toying with the trend on the catwalk.  In stark contrast, Marc Jacobs opted for a baby blue silk bra and a high-waist briefs ensemble, layered over a pastel coral chiffon blouse.  Whilst Prada opted for a femme fatale look, using black satins in classic hourglass shapes and small high cut briefs in place of bottoms.

 Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2010

The last time lingerie caused such a stir was in the 1990s, when Jean Paul Gaultier provided Madonna with the iconic conical bra.  This year saw Jean Paul resurrect his cone peaks in jewelled coloured satins, with suspenders, French knickers and army trench coats.  His collection which graced the catwalks of Paris fashion week this year, was aptly named “G-spot”, and is a firm indication that he remains a master of corsetry.

The best way to wear the trend this summer is to avoid overtly sexy underwear in red and black.  Soft pastel colours are a better choice and draping yourself in fabrics like chiffon will prevent you from feeling over exposed.  Corsets are an obvious choice but also look out for delicate camisoles and team with a boy cut blazer for a striking contrast.