Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Foxy Lingerie.
The more I invest in adding beautiful and unusual pieces to my lingerie collection, the more I find myself trying to think up outfit ideas that will show them off to the world. After all, if you can wear something as both underwear and outerwear, that makes it doubly good value for money, right?
Lingerie as outerwear has been a popular fashion trend for a while now, but if you’ve never worn your intimates as anything else, it can be difficult to know where to start. Together with Foxy Lingerie, I’ve put together this guide to show you just how easy it can be to work your lingerie into your daily wardrobe. From bras to robes to waist cinchers, there are ideas here for both the more-adventurous and less-daring amongst you…
How to (outer)wear… camisoles
Camisoles are the perfect way to bring a little femininity and delicacy to your look, and they’re also a wonderfully lightweight alternative to a t-shirt for warmer weather (it’s 35°C today and I am wearing one as a top right now!). Dress them up with a skirt or down with jeans; they’ll look great either way. Does your favourite lingerie cami have spaghetti straps or an unusual neckline? Wearing it over a strapless bra – or perhaps boob tape – will keep you feeling supported without your bra ending up on show.
How to (outer)wear… robes
Satin, lace, mesh or velvet, a robe is more eye-catching than a cardigan but just as comfy! Skip the belt and wear it open for a relaxed vibe – this outfit idea works even if you’re dressing casual. For a showstopping evening look however, I love a full-length robe thrown over jeans, heels, and a cami top.
How to (outer)wear… slips
No longer a boudoir-only piece, lingerie-like slip dresses have been trending for a good few years now. Worn with heels and some pretty jewellery, they make for a glamorous evening look, but that’s far from the only way to wear them outside the house. Swap the heels for flats, and the slip dress works great as a minimal summer dress. Or go one step further and make it ultra casual by layering it over a t-shirt or jumper. Rihanna has even paired one with Converse and a denim jacket!
How to (outer)wear… bras
There are three ways to wear bras and bralettes as outerwear, depending on how daring you feel. The subtlest option is to pick one with an unusual, high neckline, and wear it under a V or scoop neck to show off the detail. A much bolder alternative is simply to wear the bra as your top – naturally, this look is easier to pull off with opaque cups, as well as a longline bra for a less bra-like, more crop-top vibe. And the in-between, though perhaps most statement-making option of all, is to layer a bra over your t-shirt. It’s a look that has been all over the runways in recent years!
How to (outer)wear… waist cinchers
Waist cinchers – including corset cinchers – are a chic and eye-catching alternative to wearing a belt. Gather in the waist on a loose-fit dress, or simply pop one over a top or t-shirt for a more streamlined, curve-flaunting look.
How to (outer)wear… bodysuits
Like camisoles, bodysuits are ultra-simple to work into your outfit because they essentially just replace your top. You can wear a bra underneath for added support, or not, it’s up to you. Wear your bodysuit with anything from joggers to a pencil skirt depending on the look you’re going for, and enjoy not having to tuck your top back into the waistband every time you lift your arms up!
How to (outer)wear… lingerie accessories
If you’re looking for a low-key way to wear your lingerie out and about, then accessories are a fun and easy way to switch up your outfit. Some ideas to consider include chokers (so many lingerie brands make them now that I think those count!), thigh garters with shorts, harnesses over dresses, cuffs worn as bracelets, or even just some stylish hosiery – bonus points if it coordinates with both your outerwear and your underwear!
How often do you wear lingerie as outerwear, and what’s your favourite way to do it? (And if you never have, I hope this article has inspired you to give it a try!)
