So long as there’s been satin, lace, and the sensual impulse to show a little skin, lingerie will always be in demand—especially around Valentine’s Day, a.k.a. the unofficial season of love. However, incorporating all things sheer, skimpy, and a little seductive has been a recurring theme on the catwalk for a while now as well. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Over on the spring/summer 2026 runways, Prada paired saucy little bandeau tops with plunging, down-to-there V-necks (and, occasionally, a sheer slip skirt as well), and Jonathan Anderson’s buzzy Dior debut was full of gossamer-sheer dresses, putting unmentionables on display. Marc Jacobs, who just showed his collection this week, included a series of long translucent slip skirts, complete with full-coverage briefs beneath. At couture, meanwhile, Chanel was a veritable masterclass in showing your bra off in a sophisticated way—the key, by the way, is layers and layers of floaty, see-through garments on top—whereas Ashi Studio embraced the feminine power of a beautifully sculpted corset.
Prada spring/summer 2026.
Dior spring/summer 2026.
The beauty of this breadth of examples is that, besides being quite pretty to look at, there are just so many ways one can pull off wearing her underthings as regular clothes—and make their outfit better for it in the process. Moreover, there are varying levels to which one can commit to the bit, depending on how revealing they want to be. To wit: A peekaboo bra top or exposed strap can still be quite fun and flirty if you aren’t ready to put everything on display.
Ahead, I’ve pulled together five ways to wear a lingerie-based look in the real world for February 14 and beyond. Each one is rated on a sliding scale based on the level of difficulty and commitment required, and comes with easy-to-follow styling advice.
Peekaboo Bra Top
Level of Difficulty: Medium
As proven by Prada, a bit of bandeau—or bustier—looks incredible when showing just beneath a plunging sweater. Mastering this combination is all in the right mix of textures: think a more structured button layer with something softer and more relaxed on top. A balletic wrap top works particularly well because you can adjust it to exactly how much skin you want to show. Extra points if you add a slinky slip to the party, as that plays right into the lingerie theme.
Aritzia SoftSpoke™ Cassidy Sweater
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Intimissimi The Art of Lingerie Monica Bustier
Flattered Eden Knee-High Suede Boot
Lady Grey Maisie Necklace
Mansur Gavriel Candy Baguette
Lacy Slip Skirt
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Really, the only difference in wearing a totally see-through lace slip versus an opaque one is that you’ll need to be deliberate about whatever goes under it. A bodysuit is a smart choice since it’ll keep everything in place and smooth—and don’t be afraid to try one with skimpier coverage in the back. Even though it’s inherently sheer, lace features such intricate patterns that it’s tough to clearly see anything you place underneath.
Zara Combination Tulle Bodysuit
Staud Alba Gathered Satin Slingback Pumps
Fleur du Mal Le Stretch Lace Pencil Skirt
Chloé Tasseled Gold-Tone Necklace
See-Through Dress
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Even the simplest gauzy dress becomes a major statement when you ditch a full slip in lieu of streamlined underpinnings. This maxi, which comes with a detachable base layer, greatly benefits from the addition of a jewelry-like belt. That small touch makes what could’ve been a very prim-and-proper look something more freewheeling and fun.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Black Regalo Belt
Marina Moscone Chandelier Earrings
Khaite Mila 35 Leather Mules
Corset Top
Level of Difficulty: Easy
There’s no major styling secret to pulling off a corset—you pretty much wear it like you would any other going-out top in your wardrobe, and it’ll probably work. However, if you want a formula for really standing out, consider this: Because the silhouette is so feminine and flirty, it helps to juxtapose the vibe with slightly more boyish pieces, like baggy jeans and a tux-inspired jacket.
Victoria’s Secret Rose Lace Strapless Corset Top
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Toteme Leather Wedge Pump
Ganni Denim Stud Mini Hobo Bag
Exposed Thong
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Look, if you’re going to commit to showing your (barely-there) underwear in public, it has to be intentional. That means picking just the right style to start with—you can’t go wrong with a sleek, no-frills string thong—and teaming it with fitted lace pants. From there, the rest of your look should be fairly streamlined so as not to compete with the main focal point you’ve created.
Alexis Bittar Asterales 14K-Gold-Plated & Cubic Zirconia Necklace
The Frankie Shop Laila Velvet Hourglass Bustier
Norma Kamali Lace Flared Pants
Zara Patent Finish Heeled Sandal
Rabanne Crystal-Embellished Chainmail Shoulder Bag
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