Underwear as outer wear: it’s back. It’s official. And a good thing too. Why shouldn’t they, when they have a ravishing personality of their own? No longer do straps, camisoles and bustiers need to stay hidden under dignified layers of outerwear.
Let’s not even get started on the ‘Batman/Superman started this look’ debate. Trust me, this trend is high on comfort, unlike the superheroes’ body-hugging-spandex-heavy costume. Madonna, who triggered as many new trends as she did controversies, was perhaps one of the best-known pioneers, when she sported a conical bra in her Blond Ambition Tour, 1990. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, it turned 25 last year, and was sold for a whopping 30,000 pounds at a Christie’s auction.
Over the years, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga have followed suit; ditching designer duds in their videos for impeccably-fitted inner wear. The confidence with which they groove ensures that the outfit doesn’t look even a wee bit out of place. Even snooty red carpets, usually the domain of elegant gowns, were host to this trend. Kesha nonchalantly wore a black leotard, stilettos and a jacket, while Katherine Heigl teamed a black suit with a lacy-white corset bra at the premiere of Jenny’s Wedding . Taylor Swift chose an orange bralet and pink high-waisted knickers for the Grammy’s, and most recently, model Ashley Graham made a statement in her blood-red, dangerously-cut maxi at the Oscar’s after party. Wonder how the uppity Cannes festival is holding up in the face of this inner rebellion, considering it refused to allow women in flat shoes last year!
Even the runways are teeming with innerwear-inspired designs spruced up with a ruffle here and a cluster of sequins there. Jeremy Scott, Alexander Wang and Marchesa have their own interpretations. Bralets, corsets, spaghetti tops, bodysuits, satin and silk pyjamas, slinky nightdresses, even swimsuits, are part of this revolution.
Ranking highest on the popularity chart are slip dresses. At New York Fashion Week Spring-Summer 16, Riccardo Tisci displayed the potential of clingy slip dresses. They look pretty much like dainty chemises, but with more character. The cuts vary from straight to flared, and there are solid as well as printed ones. Those with lace trimmings offer a ‘just out of bed’ look; walk around with tousled mane, and you’ll wear it brilliantly. They work as both day and night wear. Throw on a blazer to add a bit of gravitas or a biker jacket for some spunk. A statement belt can do wonders and give the outfit definition. Just like a versatile actor, who pairs well with most actresses, this is something that goes well with all your footwear — wedges, sandals, sneakers, stilettos, boots... bring them on.
Granted, it may conjure skimpy images; but honestly, underwear as outer wear is far from sleazy. Of course, there’s always potential to tip over to the other side, depending on how you wear it. You definitely do not want to do a Sacha Baron Cohen: he ambled onto the red carpet at the premiere of his film Grimsby in a pair of blue briefs that appeared, erm… to put it mildly, a size too small. Rita Ora gets it wrong almost every other time, probably because of her unfortunate fascination for netted barely-there pants and skirts. As for Lady Gaga… well, nothing she does can shock us anymore.
The risk with this trend is that it’s easy to end up looking like you’ve absentmindedly walked into a party instead of the shower. For inspiration, look at Lea Michele, Gwen Stefani or Ellie Goulding. It’s a fun style to carry off. Not to mention effortless, and fabulous for this merciless summer.
