But perhaps I was wrong in assuming her “look” was unintentional, as a recent New York Times article proclaimed “underwear as outerwear” as a major trend. Designers like Marc Jacobs are incorporating lingerie as parts of runwa\ outfits, while celebs often don see-through tops to show off pretty bras and popular TV shows show female characters in camisoles and slips in and out of the bedroom. Lingerie retailers have responded by offering bras and underwear with details intended to be seen through or peeking outside of clothes.
Trendy or not, this is a look that I’ve never found attractive
in any form. There are a thousand ways to look sexy without appearing
that you’re trying too hard, and this practice reeks of desperation.
It’s a fairly limited look as well, since there are few places and
situations where this could pass for appropriate as all. Even when the
rest of your look is totally proper and pulled together, a frilly thong
sticking out of a skirt or a bra peeking through a see-through top
destroys the whole outfit.
I think there are definitely different levels of acceptability when it comes to this trend. If you can’t get around showing bra straps under a tank top, at least wear ones that will draw as little attention as possible (i.e. avoid the hot pink push up with rhinestone studded straps). Same goes for low-back tops or dresses where the back of the bra might rise above the top of the garment. Of course, if the bra is going to be really obvious, in the case of a backless dress or tube top, try to find a bra that isn’t going to show, like a convertible or backless bra.
The article also mentioned slip dresses and corset belts as
articles of clothing that shifted from underwear to outerwear. I think
that while these pieces both still harbor sexy associations, the fact
that they’re worn over other clothing, they don’t have the same
suggestiveness. Still, it takes some skill to pair correctly (I love
the look of a corset belt over a menswear-inspired shirt or dress). And
finding the right piece is key; no one wants to walk into a party in a
slip dress and have people think she simply paired her pajamas with
some heels and called it an outfit.
When it comes to underwear, I don’t think there’s ever an excuse for flashing it. If your dress, shorts, jeans or skirt shows your underwear, don’t wear those clothes. A stray bra strap is one thing, but flashing your panties borders on vulgar.
But maybe I’m too strict… what do you think about the underwear as outerwear trend?
