I’m not writing this story because I’m obsessed with Blair Waldorf, although I’m fairly certain I used to be. I’m writing it because Blair was pretty much my “introduction” to lingerie. When Gossip Girl first came out, I was in high school. I remember being so entranced by the show that I would wake up extra hour early to watch a new episode before I went to school in the morning, whereas now, the thought of waking up extra hour early for anything makes me want to riot. While yes, the fashion, drama, and anticipated gossip hooked me for many more years, it was Blair’s lingerie drawer that actually taught me something.
Up until that point in my young life, I had known what lingerie was from magazines, the intimidatingly perfect ads I would walk by in the mall, and PG-13 scenes in movies. It was for sex. It was a sex costume, if you will. It wasn’t until seeing Blair Waldorf, a “high school” girl (age casting in the show wasn’t its strong suit, but stick with me) wearing statement-making lingerie nearly every day of her life for just her, that I realized lingerie isn’t for suitors—it’s for me. For some reason, the scenes where she would come home from school or an event sans date, take her clothes off, and reveal a full-on corset, garter belt, and coordinating tap shorts; a stunning little black slip dress and thigh-high stockings; or simply the prettiest balconette bras I’ve ever seen were when I realized I officially had lingerie all wrong.
Fast-forward to present day, and I still catch myself thinking of lingerie as something that should be worn on, erm, special occasions. I’ve written time and time again about the importance of wearing lingerie for yourself and why it’s important to place care and love into your négligée drawer, but I hadn’t really believed it for myself until I tried it.
I decided if I ever wanted my perception of lingerie to change, I had to commit to actually wearing it in my day-to-day life, especially during a time when I am not in a relationship. That’s right, folks—I committed to wearing Blair Waldorf–inspired lingerie (also known as the really, really pretty kind) underneath all my clothes for a week straight. Spoiler alert: I did not go on any dates during this time and did not walk away with a partner. The transformation you’re about to read about does not revolve around potential dates or their perception of me—it revolves around me and my perception of me, and let me tell you I’ve never felt better.
Go on to read all my thoughts each day of the week as I tested some of the best lingerie brands in the business. Additionally, enjoy some Blair Waldorf inspiration and throwbacks while you’re at it.
Monday
Lacey black lingerie on a Monday? You’ve got it. I went to a workout class this morning, meaning I had to change into my fancy set in a less-than-ideal setting. I loved the idea of packing my matching underwear set in my gym bag and loved getting ready at the gym wearing just my tattoo bra with my black silk skirt while putting on my makeup even more. I opted out of putting my shirt on while getting ready because, for one, it was really hot in there, and second, I felt really good in it. The bra, I was less nervous about, but the underwear really had me stressed. A lace and satin thong seemed less than ideal for a day of sitting at my desk, but I was pleasantly surprised. After that, I threw on a tropical short-sleeve button-down and some sandals, and I was out the door.
This might be TMI, but since it was day one, I kept forgetting I was wearing something special underneath my clothes until I would go to the restroom. Being reminded that I had one of the prettiest bra-and-underwear sets as the foundation of my look put a little extra pep in my step for the rest of the day. The underwear was comfortable, as was the bra, and although nothing out of the ordinary happened that day, I went to bed feeling a little smitten and excited for Tuesday’s lingerie look.
Tuesday
This set is really fun, what with the neon floral appliqué, silky pink satin straps, and something I hardly ever wear—briefs. Personally, I’m not a fan of visible panty lines, so I threw a loose-fitting dress on top of the set just in case. I didn’t realize this until it was pointed out to me later that evening at a dinner, but the neon appliqué was a little bit visible through my light blue dress. A friend asked me what kind of bra I was wearing because she could see hints of the flowers and knew it had to be fun. That night, I got to explain that I was trying to wear fancy lingerie every day for a week straight, and people were intrigued. Oh, and my briefs were surprisingly comfortable and not visible at all, especially considering the sheer nude back.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, I wanted to go for something a little more outside my comfort zone. Two days in, I had already felt that I’d mastered the art of beautiful matching sets, opting for a white lace demi bra for day three. Imagine a more comfortable version of a corset with straps and cups. Once I put it on, I was almost tempted to wear it on its own as outerwear (which is a huge lingerie trend right now), but then I quickly remembered I was going to work, which might not be the best place to test this trend. I threw on a simple white tank top and another one of my favorite silk slip skirts. While my outfit was simple, this corset-bra-top hybrid had me feeling some type of way all day. It sucked me in and made me sit up straighter at my desk, and although I didn’t end up wearing the bra top solo when I went to drinks with a friend later, I thought about it.
Thursday
After feeling like I’d really gone out on a limb the day prior, I decided to wear more of an everyday set—a navy lace bra and matching hip-hugging underwear. This set felt like I was wearing nothing at all; that’s how soft the lace was. My outfit that day was a simple jeans-and-a-T-shirt look, but the knowledge of my adorable yet approachable lingerie underneath made me feel like I was ready for a night of glamour sans the slinky dress, strappy heels, and pounds of makeup. Instead, I had meetings, a lunch, and a date with the gym later that evening. Nothing to see here—just my elevated underwear drawer that no one knows about but me. I walked with the confidence of someone who had a secret, because I did. I was wearing underwear I was actually proud of and a bra I loved so much I was brainstorming ways to style it as a top and have that be okay.
Friday
The last Summer Friday of 2018 had finally come, but I wasn’t going to let that get me down. So what did I do? I wore one of my favorite lingerie sets to date. Styling this one underneath clothing was tough due to the high-rise briefs, but I was determined to make it work. I paired the set with starchy high-rise wide-leg pants and a ruched top. The wide-leg cut of the pants rid me of any VPL, and the texture of the top hid any lines the lace on the bra would have created. I felt so beautiful wearing this set—something Blair would have taken a liking to, I’m sure of it. When I came home to change that night for drinks with two of my best friends, I almost didn’t want to take it off, but then I remembered one look I wanted to squeeze into my now seemingly short week of dedicated lingerie wearing…
Friday Night
Friday night in New York City—why wouldn’t I wear a pink mini slip dress with a bra, thong, and garter belt to match? As I neared the end of the week, it was time to step it up. If there was anything worth changing out of the aforementioned lavender set for, it was this look, and let me tell you: It was a look. The hue of the dress against my skin tone gave off Carrie Bradshaw “naked dress” vibes, and I loved it. I threw a chain belt around my waist at the last minute to make the outfit a little more me, and I was out the door. Besides the compliments that came from my friends that evening, tons of women came up to me raving about the dress, asking where it was from, and telling me how they needed to start wearing slip dresses out more. Had I done it? Had I started a revolution? Hardly, but the way I felt that night—and, come to think of it, throughout the entire week—had me wondering why I hadn’t cared about what I wore underneath my clothes until now.
Saturday
Saturday morning I had some work to do, so I headed to a coffee shop with my laptop to set up camp. Since I planned on seeing no one that afternoon, I was tempted to save my lingerie wearing for later that evening, but instead, I put on this adorable eyelet lacey duo. On top, I wore a simple T-shirt and, again, my black slip skirt with sneakers. While the bra is definitely adorable, I have to talk about how surprisingly comfortable this satin G-string was. The last time I remember wearing a G-string was in high school, before I discovered there was much more comfortable underwear out there. This one, however, was almost more comfortable than a regular thong. The soft satin material felt like I was wearing nothing at all. What more could a girl ask for while working on a Saturday?
Saturday Night
Later that evening, I needed to spice things up. I was going out with a few friends, and after the success of the evening prior, I was feeling particularly enthusiastic. I put on a gorgeous black silk bodysuit and slipped my black satin skirt on top. From far away, it looked like I was wearing a dress, but up close, it was clear that I, in fact, was wearing my lingerie as outerwear—tastefully, of course. Forget crop tops; bodysuits are officially my new “fashion” going-out attire.
Sunday
Sundays are for getting things done, and this Sunday, I was getting things done while wearing a delicate and delectable lingerie set. While I hate running errands, this stunning two-piece had me feeling excited and ready to tackle the day, which is a feeling I rarely ever have.
Sunday Night
For my last hurrah, I decided to ditch my oversize T-shirt and sweatpants for a true Blair Waldorf classic—the slip dress. It’s one thing to wear a slip dress out, but sleeping in it? That surprisingly made me more uncomfortable than any of the styles thus far. As is true for most, I’d wager, my favorite part of my day is taking off my clothes and slipping into something a little more comfortable. The something more comfortable being anything that’s oversize, unattractive, and smells like dryer sheets. Sleeping in anything other than that is completely against my nature. All those movies where the woman goes to bed wearing a slip dress or a matching chemise set just seemed unrealistic to me. But in the name of journalism, I was ready to trade in my embarrassing sleeping garments for a silk-and-lace slip dress. Not only did I go to bed feeling as luxurious as one of those Dove chocolate ads, but I woke up feeling that way too.
My Tips and Takeaways
My experience wearing lingerie for one whole week straight was beyond pleasant. A huge deal of that had to do with the fact that the lingerie I wore actually fit me. Bras weren’t digging into my shoulders, my boobs weren’t spilling out of the cups, and my underwear sat exactly where it was supposed to. Journelle and Victoria’s Secret were kind enough to each give me a private fitting so I would know exactly what kinds of bras and underwear fit my body type best and which sizes are right for me. If you are feeling inspired to update your lingerie drawer, I suggest you get fitted at a store you love beforehand. That way, you’ll be stocking your refreshed drawer with pieces you know you’ll wear for years to come.