Underwear As Outerwear: Embracing The Lingerie-Inspired Fashion Trend


If you’ve recently spotted someone wearing a corset top at brunch or pairing a lace slip dress with sneakers and thought, “Wait—is that lingerie?” the answer is a resounding yes. But don’t call it a wardrobe malfunction. This is fashion doing what it does best: rewriting the rules. The lingerie-inspired fashion trend is here with full sass, striking a fresh balance between empowerment, elegance, and edge.

Once confined to the bedroom or hidden discreetly beneath outerwear, corsets and slips have officially stepped into the spotlight. In 2025, they’re taking over sidewalks, red carpets, and runways alike. With sheer fabrics, satin finishes, and whisper-light lace trims leading the charge, today’s take on lingerie dressing is less about seduction and more about self-expression—structured, sensual, and unapologetically seen.

From Boudoir to Brunch

Photo: @gvasalia/Instagram

What once flirted with scandal now flirts with sophistication. The lingerie-inspired fashion trend has come a long way from the early-2000s obsession with visible thongs and peekaboo camisoles. Today, it’s intentional, elevated, and—dare we say—empowering. Designers like Nensi Dojaka, Dion Lee, and Mugler have reimagined lingerie as outerwear, building entire collections around the art of exposure and allure.

From mesh-paneled gowns with corsetry details lighting up red carpets to tailored blazers thrown over satin bras, the trend is no longer a whisper—it’s a statement. Think Kendall Jenner’s sheer showstoppers or Rihanna’s parade of lacy maternity looks; modern style icons are fully embracing the lingerie-meets-daywear aesthetic, proving that sensuality and everyday wear can co-exist beautifully.

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Why It Works Right Now

meagan good
Photo: @meagangood/Instagram

Fashion has always mirrored the mood of the moment, and the lingerie-as-outerwear trend is no exception. In the wake of the pandemic, there’s been a noticeable pivot toward clothing that feels personal, expressive, and liberating. Lingerie-inspired pieces allow wearers to reclaim sensuality—not for the gaze of others, but as a form of self-celebration.

At the same time, the ongoing love affair with ‘90s and Y2K nostalgia has ushered in the return of satin slip dresses, structured bustiers, and lace-trimmed tanks. But this time around, the styling is all grown up. Think rich, tactile fabrics paired with sharp tailoring, and high-low combinations that strike the perfect balance between sultry and sophisticated. The result? A trend that feels bold, but never brash.

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How to Nail Lingerie Fashion Without Overexposing

halle berry
Photo: @halleberry/Instagram

If the idea of stepping out in a sheer bodysuit feels a little daunting, you’re not alone. The beauty of the lingerie-inspired fashion trend is that it doesn’t require a full reveal to make a statement. You can ease into it with simple yet stylish pairings that hint at sensuality without going all in.

Start with a corset-style top layered over a classic white tee or tucked under a structured blazer—it’s a nod to the trend without straying too far from your comfort zone. For a high-low mix, try a satin slip dress toughened up with a boxy leather jacket and combat boots.

During the day, a bralette peeking through a semi-sheer blouse or a lace-trimmed tank tucked into high-waisted trousers offers just the right amount of edge. Come evening, switch out your usual going-out top for a mesh-paneled bodysuit or a sleek bustier. The trick is all in the styling—balance delicate, lingerie-inspired pieces with grounded staples like oversized blazers, wide-leg pants, or chunky knits to keep the look chic, not costume.

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Details That Elevate the Look

halle bailey
Photo: @hallebailey/Instagram

Ultimately, the success of the lingerie fashion trend comes down to the details. Think lace, satin, mesh, and embroidery—all adding layers of texture and allure. Exposed seams and boning bring in that unmistakable nod to traditional lingerie. Even the smallest touches, like hook-and-eye closures or delicate straps, elevate the look.

Accessories matter, too. Jewelry can transform the vibe instantly. Try layered gold chains, minimalist hoops, or a vintage choker for just the right finish. As for shoes, anything goes. Strappy heels dial up the drama, while loafers or ballet flats keep things grounded. It all depends on whether you want to soften the look or sharpen it.

Lingerie Fashion: A Trend That Celebrates the Body

jordyn woods
Photo: @jordynwoods/Instagram

Perhaps the most powerful part of the lingerie-inspired trend is how it celebrates the body, every body. It’s about reclaiming pieces once designed to conceal or constrain and turning them into statements of confidence and strength. A corset that embraces curves. A slip that highlights softness. These aren’t just undergarments anymore; they’re tools of self-expression.

Even better, more brands are stepping up with size-inclusive, adaptive designs. They’re creating lingerie-style pieces that feel just as good as they look. Because beauty shouldn’t come with discomfort or restriction. It should feel like freedom, with a lace hem.

The Final Layer

The lingerie-inspired fashion trend isn’t just about wearing underwear as outerwear—it’s about rewriting the rules. It challenges old ideas of what’s appropriate, what’s sexy, and what it means to truly dress for yourself. It invites you to layer, to reveal just enough, and to be unapologetically bold in your softness.

So whether you’re slipping a silk camisole under your favorite trench or turning a corset into your signature power piece, consider this your invitation to get more intimate with your wardrobe. After all, the most daring looks are often the ones that let you show up fully, as your most authentic, unfiltered self. Lace and all.

Featured image: @sabrinaelba/Instagram 


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