"Underwear as outerwear" is a fashion trend where lingerie-inspired pieces are worn visibly as part of an outfit, rather than being concealed under clothing. This trend has been embraced by designers and fashion icons alike, and it blurs the lines between intimate apparel and everyday fashion. Here's an overview of this concept and how it has evolved:

1. Historical Context

• 1920s Flapper Dresses: The trend can trace some of its roots back to the 1920s when flapper dresses featured sheer fabrics and lace, revealing the slip or chemise worn underneath. This was one of the earliest instances where undergarments became a visible, fashionable statement.
• 1980s and 1990s: The trend gained significant momentum during the 1980s and 1990s with the influence of designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, who famously dressed Madonna in the iconic cone bra corset during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour. This era saw lingerie elements like corsets, Bustiers, and slip dresses being worn as bold outerwear.

2. Key Elements of the Trend

• Corsets and Bustiers: Corsets and Bustiers are often worn as tops, either on their own or layered over shirts and dresses. They add structure and a sense of drama to an outfit, often highlighting the waist and creating an hourglass silhouette.
• Slip Dresses: Slip dresses, originally designed as undergarments, have become a staple in outerwear fashion. These dresses are typically made of silk, satin, or lace and are worn as standalone pieces, often styled with jackets, blazers, or knitwear for a chic, minimalist look.
• Bralettes and Bra Tops: Bralettes and bra tops have become popular as crop tops, especially in the context of summer fashion or layered under sheer tops and blazers. This look is often paired with high-waisted skirts or pants.
• Sheer Fabrics: Sheer tops and dresses that reveal bras or other lingerie underneath are a key component of this trend. Designers use sheer fabrics to create a layered, ethereal look where the undergarment becomes part of the overall aesthetic.
• Lingerie-Inspired Details: Lace, silk, and satin fabrics, as well as details like straps, garters, and bows, are incorporated into outerwear designs, giving them a lingerie-inspired look.

3. How to Style Underwear as Outerwear

• Layering: One of the most accessible ways to incorporate this trend is through layering. For example, wearing a lace bralette under a blazer or a sheer blouse, or a slip dress over a turtleneck or t-shirt.
• Balancing Proportions: Pairing lingerie-inspired pieces with more structured or modest items can create a balanced look. For instance, a corset top with high-waisted trousers or a bustier with a midi skirt adds contrast and sophistication.
• Mixing Textures: Combining delicate lingerie fabrics like lace and silk with more robust materials like denim, leather, or wool can create a striking contrast and make the outfit more versatile for different occasions.
• Accessorizing: Accessories can play a big role in how the look is perceived. For a casual, edgy vibe, pair a slip dress with chunky boots and a leather jacket. For a more elegant look, add delicate jewellery and heels.

4. Modern Interpretations

• Runway Influence: The trend continues to appear on fashion runways, with designers incorporating lingerie elements into their collections. These high-fashion interpretations often blend luxury materials and intricate details with everyday wearability.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities have been key in popularizing this trend, wearing lingerie-inspired outfits on red carpets and in everyday street style. Icons like Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid have all embraced this look.
• Everyday Fashion: While the runway and celebrity versions can be bold, the trend has also trickled down into more wearable options for everyday fashion, where subtle lingerie details are incorporated into mainstream clothing.

5. Cultural and Social Implications

• Empowerment and Body Positivity: The underwear-as-outerwear trend is often linked to movements of body positivity and empowerment. It challenges traditional notions of modesty and encourages self-expression through fashion.
• Blurring Gender Lines: This trend is also seen in gender-fluid fashion, where traditionally feminine lingerie styles are adopted by people of all genders, further breaking down gender norms in fashion.

Make a bold statement!

"Underwear as outerwear" is a bold, expressive trend that allows individuals to play with the boundaries between what is typically hidden and what is displayed. Whether through subtle lace details or full-blown lingerie-inspired outfits, this trend offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression in fashion.