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lingerie as outwear

Lingerie as Outerwear: 25 Party Ready Styles

  |   By Estelle Puleston

We’ve all heard of the lingerie as outerwear trend by now. With lavish lace and other intricate details typical of intimates, this stuff is just too pretty to keep hidden away!

If you’re anything like me though, showing your lingerie to the world can feel a little daunting for the daytime. A party, on the other hand, is the perfect setting to be a bit more adventurous with your wardrobe. You’re dressing to stand out anyway, so why not incorporate some lingerie into your look?


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The key to nailing the lingerie-as-partywear look is mostly in the fabrics. Avoid soft jerseys and comfy cotton that look like they were made for lounging. There’s a lot of sheer fabric in lingerie, but you can always layer it over an opaque camisole or slip dress if you prefer.

Below I run you through how to swap out different pieces from your party outfit with a lingerie equivalent. Plus show you 25 gorgeous items that will look just as good on the dance floor as in the boudoir.

Replace a jacket with…robes:

A chic robe or kimono easily doubles up as a lightweight jacket. Leave the fleece at home and go for silks, satins, and velvets. Short, boxy shapes won’t look obviously like a dressing gown. Ditching the belt and just letting it hang loose helps too.

lingerie as outerwear

Rayna Kimono by Lipsy
Available in US sizes 4-6 to 12-14
via Ann Summers

lingerie as outwear

Francois Curve Robe by Playful Promises
Available in US sizes 14-20
Via House of Fraser

lingerie as outwerwear

Coprimi D’Amore Silk-Velvet Robe by Rosamosario
Available in size S
via Net-a-Porter

lingerie as outerwear

Printed Silk Robe by Carine Gilson
Available in sizes S-L
via Net-a-Porter

lingerie as outerwear

Peacock of Opulence Robe
Available in sizes XS-2XL
via Dottie’s Delights

Replace a top with…bras, bodysuits, corsets, and camis:

When it comes to your top half, you have so many lingerie-as-partywear possibilities! A beautiful camisole is the most natural swap as it’s practically a top anyway. Bodysuits also look very much like a regular top, with the added plus that they won’t become untucked as you dance the night away.

For a look that’s a little more lingerie-inspired, how about a corset? Or, if you’re feeling particularly confident, a bra! Go subtle by letting it peek out from under a blazer, or rock it as you would a crop top. Longline and high-necked styles offer the most coverage. And a high-waisted skirt below will balance out the daring flash of skin.

lingerie as outwear

Amber Bodysuit by For Love & Lemons
Available in sizes XS-L
via Planet Blue

lingerie as outerwear

Black Longline Eyelash Lace Bra
Available in sizes 30B-34D
via Missguided

lingerie as outerwear

Romance Overbust Corset
Available in closed waist sizes 18-38”
via Vollers

lingerie as outerwear

Silk & Lace Camisole
Available in US sizes 2-16
via Marks & Spencer

lingerie as outerwear

Exotique Longline Bra by Dita Von Teese
Available in sizes 32B-38D
via Bare Necessities

lingerie as outerwear

Nuit Interdit Bodysuit
Available in sizes S-XL
via I.D. Sarrieri

lingerie as outerwear

Reno Bra
Available in sizes 32B-36D
via Agent Provocateur

Replace a dress with…slips and nightshirts:

Who says a nightdress is only to wear to bed? Slinky silk slip dresses are back in vogue right now. And if Rhianna approves, you should too.

Long-sleeved nightshirts with lapels and piping offer a unique take on tailored evening wear. Just be sure to keep it glam with glossy silk or satin fabric.

lingerie as outerwear

Silk-Satin Chemise by Fleur Du Mal
Available in sizes XS-L
via Net-a-Porter

lingerie as outerwear

Janus Silk Slip in Jet by Evgenia
Available in sizes S-L
via Etsy

lingerie as outerwear

22-Momme White Piping Silk Nightshirt
Available in sizes S-3X
via Lily Silk

lingerie as outerwear

Century Girl Silk Slip
Available in sizes XS-2XL
via Dottie’s Delights

Replace a pantsuit with…pajamas and onesies:

No, not those onesies. But if you’ve got a satin loungewear jumpsuit like the Lacausa one below hanging around, you can simply dress it up with a glitzy belt.

As for PJs, look for tailoring details such as a collar and breast pockets. The more closely it resembles an actual pantsuit, the easier it will be to pass off as outerwear. A fitted top or one with a belt will keep things looking sharp. And the easiest way to avoid looking like you forgot to get dressed before leaving the house is to pair it with some killer heels!

lingerie as outerwear

Gabi Fresh Joanie Satin PJ Set
Available in US sizes 12-24
via Playful Promises

lingerie as outerwear

Nights In Silk Pajama Set
Available in sizes S-XL
via I.D. Sarrieri

lingerie as outerwear

Satin Lounge Jumpsuit by Lacausa
Available in sizes XS-L
via Nordstrom

lingerie as outerwear

Kaitlyn Satin Pajama Set
Available in US sizes 4-12
via Lipsy

lingerie as outerwear

Lila Brooke Silk Pajama Set
Available in sizes 1-4 (US 2-10)
via Olivia Von Halle

Accessorize with…cinchers, chokers & harnesses:

Accessories create that finishing touch whether you’re going for a full-on lingerie as outerwear look, or just want to throw a nod at the trend.

Chokers are very popular right now, and many lingerie brands are offering them to match specific sets. You can leave this little part of your "lingerie" on show, and no one will be any the wiser!

Cinchers and waspies---underbust corsets that are unusually short---are a great alternative to a belt. One with the added plus of not just highlighting your waist but nipping it in too! And a beautiful harness like the Fleur of England design below can be a belt and necklace all in one.

lingerie as outerwear

Art Deco Collar by Bordelle
One Size
via Pleasurements

lingerie as outerwear

Dare Harness
One Size
via Fleur of England

lingerie as outerwear

Gold Lace Underbust Waspie Corset
Available in closed waist sizes 18”-40”
via Orchard Corset

lingerie as outerwear

Rebelle Rouge Ribbon Corset by Evgenia
Available in sizes XS-L
via Etsy

I haven’t mentioned hosiery in this article because that is outerwear already, as well as being lingerie. But it goes without saying that the right pair of stockings or pantyhose can pull a look together!

Are there any other ways you like to incorporate intimate apparel into your party outfits? Are you a fan of lingerie as outerwear?

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