
Wearing underwear as outerwear is not exactly a new trend. It was there a couple of years back and it has just returned. As we all know, trends come and go and this particular one is still popular. Pulling off this trend requires putting in some careful thought into it. It takes a woman who has a certain attitude and an eye for detail to pull off this look without looking tacky.

Alessandra Ambrosio wears a corset blouse
Many female celebrities have managed to pull the underwear as outerwear trend successfully. Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rihanna are examples of female celebrities that pull off this trend correctly. How exactly can you therefore pull off the underwear as outerwear trend without looking like you are having a wardrobe malfunction?
Wear Sheer Tops

There is a huge increase in women wearing sheer tops. Flickr
Sheer tops are a subtle way of showing off your lingerie. If you have an eye-catching bra that you think should be seen, try wearing a lace blouse or lightweight chiffon over the top instead of covering it all up. This way, you can determine how much your bra is visible, by how much sheer your top is. Your bra has to be opaque so that it’s the only thing that shows under your sheer top. As a rule of thumb, you should never wear a sheer shirt with a lacy bra. A simple t-shirt bra with strapping is much more suitable.
One more thing to remember when wearing a sheer top is that it should be a neutral color. Black for instance, is sexy and bold. Muted or colors that are too light will make people wonder if you really intended to show off your lingerie or you just didn’t catch a glimpse of your wardrobe malfunction in the mirror before you left the house.
READ MORE: How to wear sheer blouse like celebrities?
The Bustier

See the light in this super cute dress featuring a bustier top. Flickr
Wearing bustiers in place of bras can also be fashionable. Bustiers create the illusion of an hourglass figure by tucking in the tummy. You can pair it with a skirt or a pair of jeans. You can also wear it to work by wearing it under a conservative sweater or a regal blazer for a professional yet sexy look.
READ MORE: Catwalk Ballerina Trend Inspiration
Bodysuits

Natasha Poly and Isabeli Fontana sport retro bodysuits in Vogue China
Bodysuits can be made of lace or any other kind of sheer fabric. You can tuck them into a pair of high waisted trousers, a pencil skirt or layer them over a plain camisole. Bodysuits have a delicate appearance and tend to be more appropriate for evening wear.
READ MORE: Prada bodysuit boasts retro-done-right appeal
Knickers

Channel your inner Gaga in knicker shorts! Photo by lucascynnogue
Lady Gaga has on several occasions been spotted at her shows wearing high waisted 50s style knickers. They can be worn as hot pant style shorts or you can pair them with hosiery if you are not comfortable showing too much leg.
In summary, you can >wear any piece of underwear as outerwear and allow it to be a fun part of your closet and part of your personality. It is, however, important to know when and where to show off your sexy underwear. Showing off your colorful bra under a sheer top can be appropriate at a beach restaurant but it can be very inappropriate if worn to a corporate meeting.