TODAY'S WOMAN: Understand this: Underwear can be outerwear!
When Judy Finnigan slipped up and famously flashed her bra at the National Television Awards, little did she realise she was a decade ahead of the fashion pack.
Celebrities are currently sauntering down the red carpets intentionally flaunting their undies.
Chic Nine star Marion Cotillard has been causing a stir wearing little other than risqu Christian Dior gowns featuring corset detailing. Her other favourite look for celebrity events are equally revealing dresses featuring thigh-high splits that reveal a glimpse of peek-a-boo negligee.
Yet the elegant actress perfectly demonstrates how showing your smalls can be sexy, not trashy. You don't have to be a Lady Gaga clone and flash your pants.
Lingerie-focused looks like Marion's dominated the catwalks when the spring-summer 2010 trends went on show last year. There was virtually a masterclass in corsetry at Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier and Bottega Veneta – and much overt brassiere-flashing at Marc Jacobs, Loewe and Just Cavalli.
Still scared? Modest types, take heart... This season's 'underwear as outerwear' trend can be done tastefully.
And if you're willing to give it a go, Valentine's Day could be the perfect opportunity to ask for some lovely new lingerie to experiment with!
Bra-top tactics
Previously all we've had to worry about with bras is finding the right size...
Now bra tops have gone all Eighties Madonna-style and they're forming the foundations of our outerwear.
The more daring catwalk looks layered bras over tees and blouses, turning traditional dressing quite literally inside out.
If you want to play with the look, avoid bras in sheer fabrics. "Coverage is key," advises Nicky Clayton, creative director at Rigby & Peller, corsetiers to the Queen. "A satin look is much more elegant and will avoid any wardrobe malfunctions."
TRY: Princesse Tam-Tam Vicky floral bustier bra, 33 at Figleaves (08444 932 932 / www.figleaves.com); Rigby & Peller Vintage balcony bra, 89.95 (0845 076 5545 / www.rigbyandpeller.com); New Look black longline bra, 10; Topshop longline seamed satin bralet, 20.
Basque in glory
Wearing a corset is the easiest way to flash your best assets and hide the bits you hate.
With a lean towards vintage, basques, corsets and structured slips can be worn as a glam alternative to a vest or top and most have the added advantage of sucking you in and slimming your silhouette. Tummies, midriff bulges and muffin tops can all be disguised with a well-made basque.
Nicky says: "Basques are boned on the body so they flatten the tummy and give everyone the perfect hourglass waist. Try lace or plain satin, and you can wear them with or without straps. Fully underwired, they also lift the bust and can give as much support as a bra."
TRY: Myla Hortensia nude slip, 89 (08707 455003 / www.myla.com); Simone Perele Avant Premiere basque, 90 (www.simone-perele.com); Charnos Hourglass Corselette, 45 (0115 983 6000 / www.charnos.co.uk); La Senza black lace Babydoll Garter Dress, 35; ASOS Boudoir chiffon bust-tie corset, 40 (www.asos.com).
Underwear or outerwear?
Dresses have also been given a boudoir-style makeover.
Look out for styles featuring bra-style adjustable straps, boning, busk-fastening fronts and lace-up backs. some even have corset-style detail printed on to them. "A great option if you can't get to grips with the idea of using your actual undies as a wardrobe staple – choose dresses in neutral colours such as pale pink, ivory, taupe and beige," Nicky suggests.
"Black is also always a good choice. But avoid acid brights, red or hot pink, as the aim is to look couture, not like an extra from Pretty Woman."
TRY: Marks & Spencer nude corset dress, 59; Elise Ryan Moulin Rouge lace dress, 59 (www.eliseryan.co.uk); New Look Limited Edition corset lace dress, 45; Peaches for PPQ corset prom dress, 69 at Very (08448 222 321 / www.very.co.uk).
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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