This Is Spring's Most Controversial Trend (by Far)
Just going to get right to the point here—exposed lingerie is one of the biggest trends for spring, and there's no need to explain why that's controversial. Pieces that were once reserved for the bedroom have been in and out of style for years, but we don't recall a time when the trend was quite as prevalent as it is for S/S 20. Designer brands as varied as Loewe, Alexander Wang, and Givenchy sent one lingerie-inspired look after another down the runway, and now the spring inventory at some of our favorite retailers is starting to reflect that.
So what to make of this fully exposed trend? Well, for starters, you can try it without actually looking like a walking lingerie ad. Although some of the runway examples of the trends (which you'll see below) are quite risqué as is, we're seeing lots of pieces on the market that are perfectly wearable out in public (but maybe still NSFW, just to warn you). To make your look even more street-appropriate, just pair the lingerie-inspired pieces with ones that won't be mistaken for sleepwear (e.g., jeans, blazers, and sneakers).
Keep scrolling to see the runway inspiration and shop lingerie-inspired pieces.
While the model is wearing satin and lace and has plenty of skin exposed, the chic wide-leg trousers ensure that this outfit won't be mistaken for bedroom attire.
The key to re-creating this perfect springtime going-out look is to pair a structured bra top with a high-waisted skirt or trousers.
Slip dresses have long been a trend but the latest styles are trimmed in lace, making them look even more like negligées. Just add heels and jewelry if you dare to wear one outside the house.
A sheer bra is certainly beautiful, but you could layer a blazer over it or wear it over a fitted tee for even more coverage.
Take a look at the S/S 20 Mugler show for even more exposed lingerie inspiration—it was filled to the brim with it.
And suddenly we want a corset tube top. (Bonus points for the slouchy trousers and cool flip-flops.)
No surprise here: Dolce & Gabbana has perfected the bedroom wear as daywear look.
Easy spring outfit idea: Layer a slip over a white T-shirt.
Shop Wearable Lingerie-Inspired Pieces
Sleeper has some of the best lingerie-streetwear hybrid pieces on the market, as you can see.
This makes wearing an exposed bra a little less frightening.
A great option if you want a little extra coverage with your exposed-bra look.
Next up, the (actual) lingerie trends everyone should know about.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.