We have covered the outer items so far – you have seen top t shirts, little playsuits, smart pinafores, wooden heels. What about underneath? Not to be forgotton, the pieces you wear underneath your gorgeous threads can make all the difference to your look. Peep a little lace underneath your camisole, don the perfect t-shirt bra for a seamless look, or indulge the fashionista within with fabulous lingerie that speaks for itself.
Knowing what we want is all fine and dandy, but how do we find exactly what we are looking for? With so much to consider, such as fit, colour, purpose and budget, lingerie shopping can be a great way to spend a day, or it can be frustrating and disappointing. Take the potential pain out of searching for the perfect knickers by reading up on our tips and tricks for finding the set for you, and take a look at our favourite pieces for all tastes and budgets.
Our guide to purchasing lingerie with ease.1. Decide on its purpose. Your lingerie should compliment your clothes. At work, you need function, fit, comfort and support—you work long days, so you won’t want to be pulling or tugging at a fallen strap or worrying about a VPL. At play, you need something that’s will move comfortably while supporting you. Flirty clothing, such as plunging necklines or strapless dresses, require specific styles (such as the fab U Bra) to make sure that all eyes are on you, and not your underthings.
2. Browse before you buy. With worldwide lingerie stores at your fingertips, browsing has never been easier. Check out www.lasenza.com - this site covers everything from comfortable and classic to sexy and luxurious. You can shop online or get ideas to take with you when you hit the stores.
3. Colour. Like your clothing you choose, lingerie should complement your hair and skin tone. So choosing colours you normally wear on outer garments makes perfect sense.
And remember one golden rule - nude lingerie only under tight white or light coloured clothes. No other colours are suitable!
4. Learn the lingerie language. If your idea of shopping for underwear is grabbing a 3 pack of Bonds briefs on the way to the frozen section, you need to brush up on the industry language. Here are some standard terms you will encounter:
Low-rise: As the waistlines in jeans and pants have gotten progressively lower, underwear has had to adapt. Make the most of this.
Boy Cut: Sometimes referred to as Brazilian (see the Kayser and Cosabella styles below). This style sits low on the hips and is similar to hip-hugger shorts, but is cut slightly higher on the hips and in the back.
G-String: Most commonly with a ‘thong’-type back, this style rides incredibly low in the front, and sit almost where your leg meets your torso. The sides are usually very thin pieces of fabric or ribbon.
Filled/Padded Bras: Companies are now expanding the variety of options here, to include air, water, fabric, and “cookies” (small pieces of material moulded into removable inserts).
5. Size matters. Know that certain types of fabrics will fit differently (cotton, lycra, lace) so you might need to adapt your size to find the perfect fit. When it comes to bra sizing, we definitely suggest being properly fitted by a consultant (Bras and Things and Arianne are great places to visit for professional sizing).
6. Take your time! Don’t shop when you are rushed. There will be disrobing involved, so wear clothes that allow for easy dressing/undressing. When trying on a sexy set of lingerie, take off your shoes and socks and get the real feel for the pieces. Lastly, bring one thing into the dressing room that you would have never thought to purchase - You will never know unless you try…
Warning – with such a selection of gorgeous pieces, you will find it very hard to choose your favourite!
‘Deadly Sins’ Velour SetSo hot, these knickers should come with a fire extinguisher! Animal prints are coming back in a big way, and what better way to indulge your wild side then to hop into this leopard print set that is completely touchable and comfortable. Attach the straps for movability, or remove them to wear under an equally sexy strapless dress. Why we love it: Perfect for a special occasion when you are feeling a little dangerous.
Available at www.toniianddaf.com Bra $59.95 G-String $29.95
‘Sounds Good’ Chantilly Lace trimmed padded bra and g-string set.These are music to our eyes – Lacy, elegant and indulgently silky, this set stays comfortable and wearable. The edges of lace gracing the cups are perfect for a peek a boo look from you favourite cami in need of a little spicing up. Why we love it: Such an original print and design, you won’t find this anywhere else.
Available at www.toniianddaf.com Bra $69.95 G-string $29.95
‘Unzipped’ – Moulded cup bra with zippered front and matching boyshorts. Underwear with outerwear elements are great fun, striking and memorable. ‘Unzipped’ is the perfect example, featuring zippers on the cute boyshorts and on the convertible bra. Release your inhibitions by saucily unzipping the bra halfway down, and love the funky look of the shorts. Why we love it: The sublimely silky fabric glides on your skin, and the bra is super supportive, whether zipped or unzipped.
Available at Tonii&Daf www.toniiadndaf.com Bra $74.95 Boyshorts $46.95
Half cup bustier in pale pink and matching boxer shorts.Our pick for Valentines Day – this boned bustier is sure to please. With such delicate fabric and intricate embroidering, handle this one with care. Perfect for the romantic girlie girl, you can take off the bra straps to turn up the heat. And the boxer shorts are too cute for words, balancing the look. Help may be needed to navigate the clasps on the back, unless you are double jointed or extremely good at hooking your bras without looking. Why we love it: The ultimate in romantic occasion wear.Available at Studio Europe www.studioeurope.com.au Bustier $299 Boxer shorts $144.00
Wild Orchard padded push up bra and brief.Wearing these vivid colours underneath your work clothes is a great way to brighten up a dull working week – The vibrant orange and pink, set off by a lime green is a sure-fire pick-me-up on a grey day. These will remind you of sunny days and summer holidays. Why we love it: The diamantes and bows on the briefs are fun and flirty, the perfect addition.
Bra $139.00 Brief $85.00.Available from Studio Europe www.studioeurope.com.au
La Senza Enigma Chiffon Lace Baby doll and G-string.Feminine and very sexy – this baby doll and matching g-string is sizzling. The lace and bow details add a sweet touch, and the basic black is great for those don’t suit or like a racy red. This is a fantastic buy for the price. Why we love it: Valentines Day just got a little spicier.
Babydoll and G-string $49.95 www.lasenza.com.au
Cosabella Forever Sherbet Soft Bra and HotpantsYou will fall in love with this sweet ensemble for girlie factor alone, as there is not much by way of support. The soft cups are super comfortable, perfect for night in on the couch wear. The lace detailing underneath the bust and on the matching hotpants is uber cute – but avoid if you don’t have a sweet tooth - these knickers will remind you of fairy floss. Why we love it: Comfy and cool.
Bra $59.95 Hotpants $54.95. Phone (02) 93887964 for stockist details.

Cult brand Cosabella are genius bra makers, producing flattering cuts in a range of soft and wearable fabrics. This lace and bows set is the perfect choice underneath your little black dress. You will love the subtle straps, design and detail, but once the dress is gone, these beauties know how to flaunt it. Why we love it: Great underneath low cut tops.
Bra $89.95, Hotpants $64.95. Phone (02) 93887964 for stockist details.
La Senza Modern Approach Push Up Bra and Yoo hoo hipsterVa va voom! Take your cleavage to new heights, so to speak, with this vibrant red bra and hipster briefs. These are all about being comfortable while making the most of your assets – the straps are seamless and the fabric is accommodating. If you feel the need to see your feet from time to time, just remove the padded inserts. Why we love it: The hipster briefs are adorable – just check out the ‘Kiss Me’ lips on the front and the lacing on the back. Mix and match the bra with briefs and g-strings from the entire range. Bra $49.95, Hipsters $19.95 www.lasenza.com.au
Cosabella Red Bra and HotpantsVersatility makes this set a winner – the stretchy hotpants are perfect as comfy couch wearing or will appear seamless underneath your little black dress. Pump up the volume with the bra – keep the inserts in for added oompf to your outfit or take them out to wear under your fave t-shirt. Subtle is the name of the game here – no visible underwire and boning on the bra makes it ideal for many of the dresses in your wardrobe, and the hotpants are a great substitute for a g-string. Why we love it: The fabric is hard to beat – soft, light, stretchy and subtle all rolled into one. Bra $129.95 Hotpants $44.95. Phone (02) 93887964 for stockist details.
Kayser Brazilian Cottons Camisoles and Brazilians cottons underwearMore great colours can be found here at Kayser. Lagoon blues and Lipstick pinks set the mood for lunch with friends or a big night in. Wear these as outerwear and layer up, contrasting your colours and matching back with your favourite jeans. Try the cottons range for a more movable style. Why we love them: The quality cotton is soft and touchable, and the lace detailing on the camis are provocative without giving too much away.Available at Myer and David Jones. Brazilian Cotton Lace Cami in Caribbean Blue $14.99 and Lace Short $7.95
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