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Not since Madonna wore "that" pointed bra, has showing off your lingerie looked so phenomenally stylish. This is not about parading down the street in just your bra and panties. This is "Loungerie," a sensual fashion trend that integrates lingerie into your everyday look. Over the past couple of years, wearing underwear as outerwear has revived bralets, girdles, suspenders and corsets, exposing decolletage, stomachs and thighs. So, it is time to raid your lingerie drawer and decide how much you dare to bare.
1.
Wear your bra on the outside.
Some bras are too gorgeous to cover. So, now is your chance to reveal your favorite. During the day, let your bra peek out of a ladylike unbuttoned cardigan or dress. For a more risque look, swap with a sheer or lacy top. A bralet (slightly longer) with high-waisted bottoms is perfect for a night out. You can throw a smart blazer over the top (super-sophisticated) and then throw it off on the dance floor.
2.
Update your partywear with big panties.
Who would have thought Granny's girdle would become so on trend? Thanks to the runways and the Gaga-effect, wearing big panties is a confident fashion statement. Even better, just like girdles, they also double up as shape wear, so you will feel comfortable and confident all night. You can either go simple, with black high-waisted panties over thick tights, or turn heads in a plethora of choices from sequined to leather.
3.
Go for vintage glamor with a corset.
Whether you wear it for the bedroom or for partywear, a corset is a fashion classic that will never go out of style. It gives you enviable curves and effortlessly highlights your assets. Look for garter-like straps, embellishment and ribbons for a more up-to-date take on this age-old undergarment. Pair with a frothy petticoat or vampish pencil skirt for a feminine look. Alternatively, wide-legged pants will give your outfit a more masculine edge.
4.
Give your look pinup confidence for the 21st century in stockings.
Flashing the top of your thigh underneath shorts or a mini-skirt has infiltrated the closets of coquettish celebrities and bright young things over the last couple of years. So go for stockings or hold-ups in every hue and pattern. Just don't over-sexualize this youthful look with heels. Instead, dress down in distressed biker boots for an aloof grunge twist.
5.
Cover your lingerie with sheer layers.
The most conservative way of sporting loungerie is to cover your lingerie with translucent garments. This peek-a-boo effect is flirtatious without revealing too much flesh. Look for lace dresses, gauzy details and sheer panels, and make the most out of your lingerie drawer. Ensure you keep the exposure subtle by matching the color of the layers; a neon bra underneath a black dress looks more cheap than chic.
When revealing your lingerie, play with color, detail and print, including ruffles, floral prints, studs and lace.
If you'd rather not go skintight, look out for delicate camisoles to replace your everyday tank tops.
Replace your regular belt with a garter belt for a subtle loungerie flourish.
A bodysuit will give you all the great effects of a corset, while covering your stomach.
Make sure your lingerie is the perfect fit -- too big and you'll struggle to cover your modesty, too small and you'll create bulges.
Don't just pick anything out of the lingerie drawer; you want lingerie that looks new and fresh -- no holes or fading allowed.
Stockings can pinch in on your thighs, so if you're curvy, choose tights with a hold-up effect to smooth the silhouette of your legs.
