Basque in fashion glory (From Dudley News)

Basque in fashion glory

7:00am Saturday 6th February 2010

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Go risque in and out of the bedroom for Valentine's Day with this season's 'underwear as outerwear' trend.

When Judy Finnigan famously flashed her bra at the National Television Awards she was a decade ahead of the fashion pack.

Celebrities are currently sauntering down the red carpets intentionally flaunting their bras and exposing their basques as part of their well-styled outfits.

Nine star Marion Cotillard has been causing a stir wearing little else to premieres but risque Christian Dior gowns featuring corset detailing and thigh-high splits revealing peek-a-boo negligees.

The elegant actress perfectly demonstrates how showing your smalls can be sexy, not trashy (a la Britney Spears).

Lingerie-focused looks dominated the spring/summer catwalks last year with a masterclass in corsetry at Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier and Bottega Veneta; and overt brassiere flashing at Marc Jacobs, Loewe and Just Cavalli.

Forget visions of Lady Gaga and her over-exposed pants. This season's 'underwear as outerwear' trend might seem scary and go against every rule you've ever followed to protect your modesty but there are ways to make the trend wearable and work it into your everyday wardrobe.

With Valentine's Day approaching now's the perfect opportunity to raid that lingerie drawer and sex up your look.

But a word of warning: this catwalk trend won't translate with well-worn comfy pants and tired everyday bras so start dropping those luxury lingerie hints for February 14th quick-smart.

Time to utilise those best undies. Flaunting your smalls has never been so stylish.

:: Bra-top tactics Previously all we've had to worry about with bras is finding the right size. Now bra tops have gone all Eighties Madonna-style and they're forming the foundations of our outerwear.

The more daring catwalk looks layered bras over tees and blouses, turning traditional dressing quite literally inside out.

How to wear them: "Avoid any sheer fabrics - coverage is key," advises Nicky Clayton, creative director at Rigby & Peller. "A satin look is much more elegant and will avoid any 'wardrobe malfunctions'."

Try: Princesse Tam-Tam Vicky floral bustier bra, £33 at Figleaves; Rigby & Peller Vintage balcony bra, £89.95; New Look black longline bra, £10; Topshop longline seamed satin bralet, £20.

:: Basque in glory Unlike the daring bra brigade, the more modest corset is less likely to cause a traffic collision as you're walking down the street.

With a lean towards vintage, basques, corsets and structured slips can be worn as a glam alternative to a vest or top and most have the added advantage of sucking you in and slimming your silhouette.

How to wear them: "An underwear basque or corset is a great way to tap into this trend," Nicky says.

"Basques are boned on the body so flatten the tummy and give everyone the perfect hourglass waist. Try lace or plain satin, and you can wear with or without straps. Fully underwired, they also lift the bust and can give as much support as a bra."

Try: Myla Hortensia nude slip, £89; Simone Perele Avant Premiere basque, £90; Charnos Hourglass Corselette, £45; La Senza black lace Babydoll Garter Dress, £35; ASOS Boudoir chiffon bust-tie corset, £40.

:: Underwear or outerwear?

Inspired by the catwalks, dresses have also been given a boudoir makeover, or rather undie-over.

With design features such as bra-style adjustable straps, boning, busk fastening fronts and lace-up backs, these dresses are the ideal option if you just can't get to grips with the idea of using your actual undies as a wardrobe staple.

How to wear them: "Stick to neutral colours such as pale pink, ivory, taupe and beige," Nicky suggests.

"Black is also always a great option. Avoid acid brights, red or hot pink, as the aim is to look couture, not like an extra from Pretty Woman."

Try: Marks & Spencer nude corset dress, £59; Elise Ryan Moulin Rouge lace dress, £59; New Look Limited Edition corset lace dress, £45; Peaches for PPQ corset prom dress, £69 at Very.

:: Stockists ASOS: www.asos.com Charnos: 0115 983 6000/www.charnos.co.uk Elise Ryan: www.eliseryan.co.uk Figleaves: 08444 932 932/www.figleaves.com La Senza: 0800 783 2968/www.lasenza.co.uk Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com Myla: 08707 455003/www.myla.com New Look: 0500 454094/www.newlook.co.uk Rigby & Peller: 0845 076 5545/www.rigbyandpeller.com Simone Perele: www.simone-perele.com Topshop: 0845 121 4519/www.topshop.com Very: 08448 222 321/www.very.co.uk :: Get the look Who cares if it's a make-up bag? If you haven't got the £195 budget for Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Lulu Guinness red lips clutch, try Next's pout-tastic bag, £6 (www.next.co.uk).

:: Buy it now Make the boys wink with this cute Louche heart sweater, £35 from Joy, available from February (www.joythestore.com).

Fashion flash :: What women want No need to fake a smile when you're faced with yet another red lace lingerie set from your beloved on Valentine's Day. Be a little less subtle and use Fantasie's new Facebook application, designed to give him a sledgehammer-style hint on your underwear preferences. Select your favourite set of Fantasie lingerie along with your perfect date from the options available and send to your partner for a 'my-way-or-the-highway' February 14th. Visit http://apps.facebook.com/fantasievalentines/.

:: Jewellery amnesty New sparkler en route for Valentine's? Make way for new gems by clearing out your old trinkets for charity. Raid your jewellery box for unwanted silver jewellery - unworn, old or tarnished pieces, broken chains, squashed rings or odd earrings - to raise funds for Save the Children. 'Jewellery Box Spring Clean' campaign donation packs are available in Save the Children shops and on request from Kit Heath (www.kitheath.com).

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