How to style innerwear as outerwear
- Fashion Featured
Arushi Sakhuja- 22 minutes read
Arushi Sakhuja
You’ve seen the innerwear as outerwear trend everywhere lately, and it’s at an all-time high. This styling choice is nothing new, but it’s rising in popularity and celebrities have taken to it all over the world. In 2022, a slew of ’90s trends made their way back into our closets. Lingerie — be it bras, bralettes, underwear, lacey or transparent slips — are being worn as tops, bottoms, and dresses once again.
The twist? It’s less of the peek-a-boo tactic and more of a substitution for your typical wardrobe staples. But the innerwear as outerwear trend of today isn’t about playing coy, it is the act of wearing underwear as regular, everyday clothing, but it doesn’t have to be as scandalous as it sounds. And if you’re looking to strike that enviable balance between sensuality and sophistication, below are some style tips that will help you slay the trend.
Over the last few decades, the trend has progressed in a way that is more laid back and less shock value. It’s getting baggier with low-rise pants that show the band of your underwear, and large shirts are worn open at the front to show your bralette and corsets. If you’re looking to strike that enviable balance between sensuality and sophistication, below are some style tips that will help you slay the trend.
The bodysuit
Elevate the traditional bodysuit this summer. We don’t literally mean wearing innerwear as a layer, but why not flaunt it in a modest and sophisticated way? Many celebrities and fashion enthusiasts have been trailblazers of the bodysuit, and it’s not to say that they can be only worn with low-slung flared denim. Consider wearing a bodysuit under a flowy and feminine sheer dress or simply team it under your short suit to take the look from AM to PM. Or you can make it a grunge, street-style look with laid-back linen pants or joggers. However, for a more formal look, stick to monochromes and non-sporty accessories. That ought to guarantee an elegant yet alluring look.
We recommend: Victoria’s Secret Sunset Butterfly Teddy
The pastel colours and cut-out details with delicate embroidery, this provocative piece has a sweet side. Pair it with a frill white skirt for your next beach vacation and for a day in the city, frayed denims will do the trick.
Corset
The revival of the corset saw an uptick last year and is steadily paving its way into people’s wardrobes. This time, with a key upgrade, corsets are no longer made to be restrictive or achieve an ‘ideal’ body type, rather they’re all about feeling sexy, and rocking your underwear as outerwear. Yes, a pro of this silhouette is that they’re waist-cinching and could be flattering. Wearing corsets according to the innerwear as outerwear trend means layering a crisp shirt with an oversized belt or layering the corset over a shirt. Corsets are also becoming alternatives to blouses in Indian wear providing more structure. The trick to nail the corset innerwear as outerwear is in the layering. Pick an oversized shirt or jumbo sweater to offset the sultriness. Looking for a bolder outfit choice? Swap your average t-shirt for a lacey corset and slip into your favourite pair of jeans.
We recommend: Bouji Frida Corset Net Bodysuit Black
A versatile corset style top that can be worn with almost anything in your wardrobe. And for those of you who want to use the corset as an oversized belt.
Bras and bralettes under semi-sheer
Whether you’re looking for a red carpet look or a casual look, this is the easiest clothing item to sport innerwear and outerwear. Exposing your bra is no longer a fashion wardrobe malfunction, rather now it’s acceptable – fashionable, even. Sure, this trend might be a bit too bold and extreme for someone (especially work) but when heading for a night out a glimpse of your underpinnings can be chic. Swap classic everyday bras with bras in bold colours and scalloped edges, because these surely look a million bucks worn beneath a high-necked, semi-sheer top in a monotone or contrasting colour. Want something a little more experimental? Opt for a sheath semi-sheer dress and team it with a matching lingerie set in the same hue. But you’d never be confident till you’re comfortable. So, how you sport the look should ultimately come down to what you feel is most comfortable, and it’s time to get creative and show off those undergarments.
And if you want to play it safe, pair a silky camisole or longline bralette with a sleek blazer, wide-leg pants or shorts and heels for a slick pantsuit look. But if the day is going to be spent on the streets opt for a soft cotton bra with a crisp open button-down, shorts, and sneakers.
We Recommend: Victoria’s Secret The T-shirt Lightly-Lined Wireless Bra
The minimal-designed bra is ideal for a nearly invisible look under your clingy mesh tops and dresses, giving the ultimate look.
Bras and bralettes over shirts
If sporting the above innerwear as outerwear trends might seem a bit too bold for a few, fret not, we have the perfect choice for you– simply reverse the layering! Take the bra-on-show trend one step further and wear it over your top. Style a lace bralette over a crisp white shirt with mom jeans and a pair of heels, and you’re ready for a summer soiree. Daring, yes, but you’ll be on-trend without feeling over-exposed. Choose a delicate lace bralette that demands to be seen and keep the rest of your look minimal and you shall get heads turning.
