Once saved exclusively for pajama-themed parties and late night in the boudoir, wearing lingerie publicly is now more fashionable than taboo. From Carrie Bradshaw embracing the visual bra strap to the spotlighting of lingerie in this spring's runway shows, satin and lace perhaps has indeed trumped pearls as the evening apparel choice of the savvy woman. But before you roll out of bed and straight onto the dance floor, read Recess' guide to the public debut of your privates.
Braziers
Between Catholic School Girls, Pretty Woman and World War III parties this winter, Recess has spotted more unbuttoned oxford shirts exposing lacy bras than it did in its "critical film review" of pornography.
This, clearly, is one way to incorporate lingerie into your evening attire, but for a method that does not scream "theme party," follow the Carrie Bradshaw method: If you would normally wear a beige strapless bra with a shirt, instead wear a hot pink lacy one with straps that are sure to show. Or follow the Vogue-prescribed method: Wear a hot brazier under either a semi-sheer top or blazer.
Bustiers
Nicole Kidman made this a phenomenon in Moulin Rouge, and though the flame has simmered, bustiers still make the most tasteful transition into the real world. Clothing designers (including Victoria Secret and La Perla) even make ones specifically to wear out. To dress one up for a date or (more likely) date function, pair it with great chandelier earrings, nice pants and stilettos. To dress one down for a standard night at Pzods, wear jeans and carry a funky purse.
Negligees
The new lingerie trend is not a license to wear out teddies by themselves. But almost all lingerie, when worn appropriately, can be donned out. A nighty top or short negligee can be paired with jeans or black pants and over-sized jewelry--like a multi-tiered necklace or shoulder-grazing earrings. The important thing is covering the rest of you when you wear such a straightforwardly sexy top. Fun colors like hot pink or lemon yellow embrace the statement, while black looks more ambiguous and white looks misleadingly virginal.
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