Ways to Wear: Underwear as Outerwear

by Retro Chick
April 13, 2010
15 Comments
3 minutes read
86 Views
15 years ago

So you can’t have missed that wearing your pants on the outside is a big trend for Spring Summer?

I’ll be honest, my first thought when I read “underwear as outerwear” is along the lines of “*snort* whatever, bring me a nice chunky jumper and some opaque tights, please”.

However, the more I look at it the more I realise that this time round the “underwear as outerwear” incarnation doesn’t have to mean flashing your wonderbra with your tits pushed up to your chin. In fact, this is a look that can be subtly sexy. Lets face it, underwear styles from the 40s and 50s were hardly skimpy, so using these silhouettes means you can give a hint of retro boudoir, without being over exposed.

I have some very nice retro french knickers that I’m wondering if I can work with black opaques, but if you’re in the mood for flashing your pants, here’s some handy tips for Work, Rest and Play.

WORK

Only you know how far you can push it in your workplace. If that’s “not very far at all” then you could just add a touch of the boudoir in the form of some jewellery, like a subtle ribbon choker or these Tarina Tarantino earrings.

If it’s a “a little bit” then try wearing a coloured lace camisole UNDER a white shirt (just make sure it looks like you meant it!) or a lace obi belt.

If it’s “pretty far actually” then go the whole hog and sling on a bustier over your shirt.

<div><a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/underwear_as_outerwear_work/set?.embedder=214864&.mid=embed&id=17808979″><img width=”400″ alt=”Underwear as Outerwear – Work” src=”http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnRqNzl1X2hHM3hHTVdLUklfXzRMS0EAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg” title=”Underwear as Outerwear – Work” height=”400″ border=”0″ /></a><br/><small><a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/underwear_as_outerwear_work/set?.embedder=214864&.mid=embed&id=17808979″>Underwear as Outerwear – Work</a> by <a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=214864&.mid=embed&id=214864″>Retrochick</a> featuring <a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/planet_tops/shop?brand=Planet&category_id=11″>Planet tops</a></small></div>

Underwear as Outerwear – Work by Retrochick featuring Planet tops

REST

Underwear as outerwear is probably not a look you’re going to sling on to go to Tesco, or maybe it is, if you’re in Cardiff.

For your downtime I would say underwear as outerwear means comfortable lounge wear you wouldn’t be ashamed to answer the door in, or rush outside if there was a fire. Hell, actually you COULD go to the shops in it. I’ve certainly seen worse. Think wide leg silk trousers teamed with a lace trimmed camisole, a slinky chemise worn with fine knit cardigan, or, as I’ve done here, a playsuit teamed with a delicate wrap and an elegant turban.

Underwear as Outerwear – Rest by Retrochick featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

PLAY

Playtime. Where so many looks come right into their own. If you’ve got a figure to die for then by all means go out in retro high waisted knickers and a bullet bra under a tuxedo jacket, you’ll look stunning. If you’re feeling brave then show off your stocking tops under a mini dress or wear a sheer bustier under a suit.

If you just want to add a touch of the boudoir to your outfit, then wearing something like this lace waspie over a classic shift looks stunning and elegant, and very flattering. I love the contrasting seams on these stockings, that tie in with the shade of the dress and accessorising with heavy eyes, pearls and this Lulu Guinness lips clutch gives the look a real seductress feel, without revealing, well, hardly anything actually.

Underwear as Outerwear – Play by Retrochick featuring Lulu Guinness bags

15 Comments

Lori Smith April 13, 2010

I bought a white lace buster from a vintage store and am sure it would work as outerwear… just not quite sure how yet.
.-= Lori Smith´s last blog ..Time And Relative Dimensions In Space =-.
PixelHazard April 13, 2010

Ok so there’s some really hot underwear out there but there’s no way i will survive wearing it as outerwear.
.-= PixelHazard´s last blog ..eyes,knees shares 2 e’s =-.
Catwalk Creative Vintage April 13, 2010

If I remember correctly Sienna Miller tried this look a couple of years back and it wasn’t good. Remember the black panties? Ugh!

However, I love your choices here and I think if it’s done in moderation, it could work. I think you need to be incredibly slim to carry it off though.
.-= Catwalk Creative Vintage´s last blog ..Vintage 60s Red Mini Dress Vintage Mod Dress by Gordi-Lyn Size Small =-.
- Retro Chick April 13, 2010
  
  I do! Yes, that wasn’t the greatest, but I think the black tights were a mistake, it made her look like she didn’t mean it and didn’t have the guts to go all the way.
  
  I think it can look great on the right person. Once I started thinking about, for instance, wearing a waist cincher over a dress I think it can look really good, even on the average sized!
  - Catwalk Creative Vintage April 13, 2010
    
    Actually yes. A waist cincher over a dress would look great on a curvy lady. It’s all about experimentation and finding what suits you. 🙂
    .-= Catwalk Creative Vintage´s last blog ..Vintage 60s Red Mini Dress Vintage Mod Dress by Gordi-Lyn Size Small =-.
Piper April 13, 2010

OMG, I was laughing reading this post! you’re right – when i saw the title i had visions of madonna circa 80’s!! but the retro 40’s & 50’s look…now that’s something I can get down with!!
.-= Piper´s last blog ..{shake it up – week 15 scoop} =-.
Style Eyes April 13, 2010

Love your ideas, I have been thinking about trying out this trend but am not sure if I have the courage
.-= Style Eyes´s last blog ..Polka dots and pink =-.
Elsie Dabney April 13, 2010

not the present day underwear..i agree..the vintage…there’s always something about it..it’s classic and elegant not and not skimpy
Good Girl Gone Blog April 13, 2010

I love the idea of underwear as outwerwear. I have a cute grey slip dress from free people that’s been in my closet for years- I can’t wait to style it up and wear it this summer!
|tex| fashion butter April 13, 2010

Hmmm … I think if I trend this I might get arrested. Actually, maybe that’s a good reason to try it. : )
.-= |tex| fashion butter´s last blog ..Outfit: Purple and green =-.
Laura Connell April 13, 2010

Yes, corsets are pretty sexy for the ample of bosom. For flat-chested girls like me it just looks kind of dumb.
.-= Laura Connell´s last blog ..Hard-Boiled Wonderland =-.
eyeliah April 14, 2010

oh these inspirations are to die for, ok I will find a way to wear my corset (to work maybe even!)
Kristen April 14, 2010

so much fun! I love this underwear trend, there are a lot of ways to play with it – as demonstrated in the sets you put together!
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Fashion Dare: Floral Arrangements =-.
Miss Peelpants April 14, 2010

Am trying to find some decent black hotpants so I can attempt something like this kind of look.

But then I worry I might end up looking a bit ‘Snog, Marry, Avoid’ so I may just stick with my usual gear for now….
.-= Miss Peelpants´s last blog ..Sud You! =-.
lingerie sexy September 3, 2010

Nothing wrong about that… That’s not a new idea. Basques and bustiers have been used as outerwear or clubwear foir ages. Not to mention even some corset styles…