How to Wear Underwear as Outerwear

How do you feel about lingerie beyond the boudoir? It’s true that not everyone will like the idea of showcasing items from their underwear drawer, but before you disregard the trend altogether, hear me out. One of the best parts about fashion is the ability to reinvent ourselves through clothing, and we do that by playing with trends using new items or pieces we already own. And today, we’re focusing on the most under-utilized categories of our wardrobe–lingerie. Sure, they are called intimates for a reason, often saved for those special occasions, but keeping them locked behind bedroom doors or concealed underneath layers of clothing just seems like a waste to me, especially with how wearable lingerie are these days. Besides, how can you say no to making that most out of the items your already own? Obviously, we’re not going as far as encouraging people to walk out of their house in nothing but their underwear; we’re merely just suggesting a few ways that you can incorporate some of your undergarments as an element in your outfit. Let’s start off with something easy.

Satin and Sheer Robes

It might be too intimidating to dive right into corsets and teddies, so let’s first dip our toes in with a robe. Love layering with cardigans? Think of a satin robe, like one from our Matching Chemise Nightgown and Robe Set, as a sophisticated cousin of a your go-to cardigan. And if you’ve got one that ties around the waist, you can treat it like a trench coat. The key here is to make sure you’re not wearing anything else of the same material underneath, otherwise it’ll actually appear as though you’ve just walked out of a lingerie boutique. It’s also recommended that you avoid wearing dresses and skirts underneath, since that could also make it seem like it came as a set with the satin robe. A simple tank and jeans, crop top with wide pants, or matching white denim shorts and a top would do. A sheer robe is also a great addition to a casual ensemble. And if it has a lace, tassel or any other type of finish, it adds a nice boho touch to your final look. Remember that this only applies to the types of robes mentioned above. A terrycloth robe should never be used as anything other than loungewear.  

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Chemises

Got a collection of nightgowns? Chemises come in varying lengths and fabrics, so let’s talk about the different ways that each of them can be styled in public. For satin slips, whether they’re above the knee or calf-length, wear them with a thick tank or tee underneath. Slips are understatedly sexy in contrast with bodycon dresses, and offer a nice, casual vibe when paired with a white t-shirt. If you’ve got a longer, black chemise, you might be able to wear it as a cocktail dress with heeled sandals and a shawl. For babydolls and shorter negligees, you can tuck them into jeans, or go for a more sophisticated vibe with tailored pants with a matching blazer. This works for both lacy and silky nighties. However, just be weary that any outfit featuring a lacy babydoll is more suited for dinner and evening drinks rather than a daytime look.

Bralettes

Out of all your nightwear, bralettes are the most versatile. Editors at Gurl have compiled a bunch of ways you could wear your bralette in public; it’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with. Lacy bralettes, like one from our Lace Bralette and Panty Set, can be worn with high waist culottes and a vest, while strappy ones are perfect with cleavage-, side- or back-baring tops. You can also wear your bralette underneath a sheer blouse if you want to go for something bold. Simply put, treat your bralette as you would a crop top, sports bra, bandeau or tube top, and any other midriff-baring top you own.

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Corsets

They might not be as comfortable as the rest of the lingerie pieces above, but corsets double up as shapewear, enhancing your bust and slimming down your waist (all the while concealing any problem spots in your midsection). Styles like the Floral Bridal Corset work well on their own as a top, but try to offset the amount of skin showing on top with pants. If you’re not comfortable with baring that much cleavage, try wearing a blazer over it, or consider layering the corset over a plain tee, or perhaps a white button-up.

Embrace your inner sexy with this corset!

  Don’t have enough lingerie to experiment with this underwear as outerwear concept? Visit our Nightwear section today so you can get on board with this trend.

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