How to Style Underwear as Outerwear: 6 Elegant Ways to Wear Lingerie Beyond the Bedroom

The idea of wearing lingerie beyond the bedroom is no longer revolutionary—it’s a refined, fashion-forward way to blend sensuality with everyday style. And for good reason: when thoughtfully styled, underwear as outerwear can look effortlessly chic, quietly daring and deeply personal.

At Luciela, each piece is crafted to be lived in—whether layered under a blazer, worn beneath sheer fabrics or allowed to peek out in just the right places. Made from luxurious, ethically sourced materials and constructed with intention in Lisbon, our lingerie is made to move with you, inspire your confidence, and become part of your daily rhythm.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to wear underwear as outerwear in a way that feels elevated, modern and unmistakably elegant—featuring styling tips, product suggestions and links to visual inspiration.

1. THE BODYSUIT: A FOUNDATION WORTH SHOWING OFF

Bodysuits are perhaps the most adaptable lingerie pieces to style as outerwear, as they combine the function of a top with the flattering structure of lingerie.

WHY IT WORKS:

Luciela bodysuits are designed with soft, stretch lace or sheer mesh that hugs the body without constricting it, making them ideal for layering or wearing solo. Their gently sculpting fit flatters the natural shape and smooths the silhouette, offering a seamless look whether worn under clothing or on its own.

STYLING IDEAS:

Office Elegance: Wear the Wisteria High-Leg Lace Bodysuit under a tailored blazer and high-waisted trousers. The floral lace neckline adds dimension without being overly revealing.
Weekend Simplicity: The Poppy Romantic Lace Bodysuit looks stunning under a chunky knit cardigan with wide-leg denim—a soft balance of cosy and delicate.
Evening Edge: Try the Thistle Open-Back Mesh Bodysuit under a leather jacket with high-rise denim for a minimalist, modern look.

Need inspiration? See how bodysuits have been styled on the catwalk in this Harper’s Bazaar guide to bodysuit outfits.

Close-up image of a woman styling underwear as outerwear by paring a mesh and lace lingerie bodysuit with jeans, a leather jacket, leopard-print neckscarf and a silver handbag. — Thistle Open-Backed Mesh Bodysuit

2. BABYDOLLS: AIRY LAYERS THAT MOVE WITH YOU

Babydolls are traditionally viewed as intimatewear, but with the right base and styling they become lightweight, breezy layers perfect for spring and summer.

WHY IT WORKS:

The flowy shape of babydolls—like the Poppy Lace Halter Babydoll—makes them feel easy to wear, while their open cuts and sheer fabrics add just enough intrigue.

STYLING IDEAS:

Layered Over Denim: Style the Thistle Sheer Open Skirt Babydoll with vintage-wash jeans. Add flats or heeled sandals for a light, romantic vibe.
Creative Workwear: Tuck the front of a babydoll into tailored trousers and pair with a thin turtleneck underneath. This transforms the piece into a fashion-forward blouse with a relaxed silhouette.
Vacation Ready: Throw a babydoll over your swimwear or a slip dress for a relaxed poolside or resort look.

FABRIC FOCUS:

Luciela’s sheer Italian mesh and delicate lace catch the light in motion, so pair them with solid, matte pieces to create beautiful visual contrast.

For more babydoll styling cues, check out Rihanna in this Elle feature on wearing lingerie as outerwear.

3. BRALETTES AND SOFT CUPS: A DELICATE REVEAL

Bralettes offer a subtle way to embrace the lingerie-as-outerwear trend. Whether you’re layering them beneath sheer fabrics or letting a strap peek out from a wide neckline, they add texture and softness to an outfit.

STYLING IDEAS:

Under a Sheer Shirt: Wear a lightly structured bralette like the Wisteria Scalloped Lace Bralette under a slightly sheer blouse or oversized button-down for a casual-yet-elevated everyday look.
Over a Tee or Dress: For a more directional outfit, layer a lace bralette over a slim-fit t-shirt or knit dress—a trick often seen on the runways and in street style edits.
High-Waist Pairing: Pair a simple lace bralette with high-rise wide-leg trousers and a slouchy cardigan, perfect for transitional seasons or Sunday brunch. Or make a unique statement by opting for unexpected materials like Kristen Stewart in this leather bra and suspender combo.

4. THE LINGERIE COVER UP: YOUR NEW FAVOURITE LAYER

Luciela’s sheer mesh robes or signature, lace-trimmed kimonos (like our Teal Full-Length Sheer Mesh Kimono) aren’t just for lounging. When layered with intention, they become flowing outerwear pieces with an ethereal edge.

STYLING IDEAS:

With Structured Basics: Throw your kimono over a black tank top and crisp trousers for a subtle play on volume and transparency.
As Eveningwear: Layer over a slip dress and heels for an elegant dinner look, letting the lace sleeves trail behind you.
At Home: Wear over matching lingerie with delicate jewellery and soft slippers—proof that style doesn’t need an audience.
Boho Festival Layers: For a warm-weather or festival-ready look, layer a light cover up like the Pink Short-Sleeved Mesh Robe over high-waisted shorts and a soft bralette or bikini top.

BONUS TIP:

Style your kimono like a duster jacket—worn open, with loose hair and oversized sunglasses—for a quiet-luxury feel.

A woman styles outerwear as underwear by pairing a sheer blue mesh kimono over a cropped top and wide-legged jeans, accessorised with a silver bag. She is sitting on a stone balustrade with trees behind her. — Blue Full-Length Sheer Mesh Kimono

5. THE SHEER TREND: PLAY WITH LAYERS

Wearing sheer or semi-sheer lingerie in public doesn’t have to mean overexposure. It’s all about how you layer, and how you balance volume, texture, and opacity.

STYLING IDEAS:

Tonal Pairing: Match your sheer lingerie with similarly toned underlayers to create a unified, sophisticated palette. Try nude or soft blush slips beneath the Poppy Biodegradable Lace Bralette for a barely-there look.
Contrast Dressing: Balance the delicacy of a sheer top with heavier textures, such as denim, leather or wool, for a modern edge.
Accessorise Wisely: Add a structured handbag or minimalist heels to keep sheer looks grounded and elevated.

6. SENSUAL STRUCTURE: UNDERWEAR WITH DESIGN DETAILS

Lingerie doesn’t always have to feel soft or unstructured. Many pieces in Luciela’s collection feature architectural elements—like scalloped edging, open backs and high-cut legs—that can visually shape an outfit.

STYLING IDEAS:

High-Cut Legs: Show off the high-leg silhouette of the Wisteria Bodysuit with low-rise, loose-fitting trousers or a low-slung skirt.
Open Backs: Let the lace-trimmed back of the Thistle Bodysuit peek through backless tops or sheer layers.
Soft Cups with Structure: Pieces like the Wisteria Soft Cup Babydoll offer shape without padding, ideal for those seeking natural lines with elevated detailing.

7. THE TROUSER-LESS TREND: BARE-LEGGED, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

The “no pants” look isn’t just runway spectacle anymore—it’s being fully embraced off the catwalk, and lingerie is leading the charge. As Vogue recently pointed out, the pantless trend really is happening, and in 2024 it became one of fashion’s most daring yet editorially elegant statements.

While the look might sound bold, it’s surprisingly wearable with the right styling. Think longer-line bodysuits, sculptural briefs layered over tights, or soft cup babydolls styled with structured tailoring on top—like a sharply tailored blazer, a belted trench, or a classic oversized shirt. Add boots or ballet flats and minimal accessories, and you have a confident, modern silhouette that balances exposure with elegance.

STYLING TIP:

Try the Wisteria High-Leg Lace Bodysuit or the Poppy Soft Cup Lace Babydoll paired with the Poppy Lace Women’s Boyshort under a crisp white shirt left unbuttoned and mid-thigh boots for a look that feels fashion-forward and fiercely feminine.

A NOTE ON FIT AND COMFORT

Confidence starts with a good fit. While many lingerie-as-outerwear trends hinge on styling, they only work if you’re comfortable in the pieces themselves.

Check your measurements: Refer to Luciela’s fit guide to ensure you’re choosing the best size for your body.
Size up if in doubt: Some pieces, especially bodysuits, are designed for a snug fit. If you’re between sizes or prefer a relaxed feel, sizing up can help.
Care matters: Always hand-wash delicate fabrics and store pieces flat to maintain shape and quality.

A woman stands in front of an iron fence in dappled sunlight, adjusting the waistband of her satin skirt. She wears the skirt over a blue lace lingerie bodysuit with a leather jacket and silver bag, following the lingerie-as-outerwear trend. — Wisteria High-Leg Lace Bodysuit

FINAL THOUGHTS: WEAR WHAT MOVES YOU

Wearing underwear as outerwear isn’t about being bold, it’s about being intentional—less about shock and more about self-expression. It’s choosing pieces that express something about you, that feel good on your skin, and that invite a moment of pause and appreciation, whether by others or just yourself. It invites us to see lingerie not as something hidden, but as a bold styling element—one that can speak to freedom, fluidity and the body as art.

At Luciela, our lingerie is designed to be seen, to move with your body and to hold space for softness and strength in equal measure. Whether you’re layering a bodysuit under tailoring or styling a babydoll with denim, there are endless ways to bring these pieces into everyday life.