Sexy, naked and chic are three words that have been
describing this season’s hottest fashion trends, and the words leave much to the imagination. There is little doubt that images
of sensual lines, cool fabrics and the most tailored wardrobe pieces are rushing into your mind, and you aren’t too far off. In
fact, those three simple words are used to describe lingerie as outerwear, along with other lingerie-inspired outfits that graced
runways this season.
Before I launch into the world of lace and silk, the subject of anything inspired by lingerie brings to mind one of the best
pieces of advice I have ever received: buy lingerie for yourself and how you will feel in the piece, not for whoever will see you
in it. There is no doubt that fashion designers had that advice firmly in mind when they explored this season’s risqué trend.
Lingerie as outerwear is not a new idea, but it has seen new depths this year. While the old standbys have been revamped
and updated, there is an increasing trend to bring lingerie inspiration into the fashion palette and move away from
traditional lingerie pieces intended only for the bedroom.
Yes, corsets are still as popular as ever and designers such as Bottega Veneta have taken the corset and made it functional,
beautiful and ready to wear for both the office and a night out.It is the lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses and the pantless look
that is taking lingerie to the next level this year.
One of the hottest ensembles this year is the pantless look.
Designers from Dolce and Gabbana to Marc Jacobs brought new definition to the look with seamless lines, form-fitting
bottoms and a splash of the sensual. It has become a popular trend in Hollywood, and paired with oversized sleeved shirts or
tight bodysuits, the fashion-forward are proving that you don’t need pants to leave the house.
Although there is something daring about going pantless, designers appear to be going above and beyond with their
lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses.
Fendi has hit the mark with many of their cocktail dresses and
they played with an assortment of fabrics. A common theme
with the Fendi dresses is the short, baby doll-like cut that stops
high on the thigh. The dresses highlight enough skin to add an
edgy, feminine look but provide enough material to feel
conservative by some.
While many of their cocktail dresses are black on black, they
do offer a look at the softer side of lingerie with muted neutrals
and soft colors. Silk fabrics add a sense of luxury, while
feathers and sheer fabric bring playfulness to the dresses.
On the other side, Fendi also capitalized on the traditional
peek-a-boo style with their sheer cocktail dresses that feature
bold lines and highlights, and are perfectly matched to the
black bra and panties visible underneath.
Another designer that has mastered this season’s trend is
Sophia Kokosalaki. Although her cocktail dresses may seem
conservative to some, the mid-to-low thigh lengths are airy and
light. Silks and sheer fabrics are accentuated with lace and
the overall effect is captured in clean whites and soft neutrals.
Sophia Kokosalaki also plays with style, along with plunging
necklines that accentuate the wearer’s curves and feminine
allure.
Lastly, Proenza Schouler has taken the traditional slip dress and spiced it up with daring animal prints and hints of lace
and feathers. The lines are smooth and elegant and tend to be short, ending at mid-thigh, in a classic black and white palette.
There has been a definite shift in lingerie as outerwear and no look was left unexplored this season. Loungewear has
combined lace and sheer with traditional satins to create light and comfortable everyday wear. Corsets and garters add an
unexpected accessory to traditional outfits and peek-a-boo bras are being paired with oversized jackets and boy-cut shorts.
The best highlight of the lingerie as outerwear trend is also that no fabric is left unexplored. Lace, satin, sheer and silk are key
elements in this season’s most stylish dresses. There is an air of youthfulness to the designs, but they have grown up into
something more elegant than what has previously been seen with this trend.