Innerwear or Outerwear?

Fashion has taken a turn (and a toss, perhaps?) into the slinky realm of silky, satiny comfort. The things that have been historically kept under clothes, or worn only in bedrooms, have made their debut as outerwear. So these days, what's innerwear or outerwear? That's a new question we have to ask ourselves. It comes right after, "Does this make me look fat?" and, "Does this match?"

Nightie or Night-Out Wear?

Some of the most expensive and beautiful dresses are reminiscent of what you woke up wearing this morning. That is, of course, if you wear sexy lingerie to bed. If you dropped $400 on an article of clothing, you definitely don't want to have to worry about asking yourself, "Is this innerwear or outerwear?" Take this Bethany Charmeuse dress from WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com. It's sexy enough for a formal wedding, yet could almost pair for the boudoir. Just because it looks like lingerie, that doesn't mean it should be banished to behind your closed bedroom door forever. This is a piece that deserves the opportunity to cling to your body in public.

Camis, Corsets and Bustiers: Presentable in Public?

Can camis, corsets and bustiers really be innerwear or outerwear? Right now, yes. They're in style now, as long as your assets are covered. Keep your clothing G (or at least PG!) rated and anything goes, no matter how closely it resembles something that would normally be hiding under your clothes.

What About Shoes?

The question here isn't really, "innerwear or outerwear?" It's more along the lines of, "Outside the house, or behind closed doors only?" It's probably best to leave your marabou slippers (even the ones with heels) at home. The same goes for thigh high boots unless you're going to keep the majority of them covered. Regular stilettos and sexy pumps--often associated with lingerie--can still be worn in public. Wear them with understated apparel; try not to pair lingerie-style dresses with shoes that look bedroom-ready.

Where NOT to Wear Those Lingerie-Look-Alikes

That's pretty easy. Don't wear them to work unless they're pretty well covered. For example, a camisole under a blazer is okay as long as you don't take the blazer off until happy hour. Sexy shoes are fine, but wear them with a neutral suit.

You probably don't want to wear them to school functions for your kids, either.

Wear your "innerwear or outerwear" questionables to the bar, to clubs, out to dinner--even out to shop. Use common sense and you should be fine. If you don't want to be ogled, don't wear it; if you do, go for it. You'll definitely be getting attention if you dress provocatively. Plan ahead. And make sure your skin's smooth and glowing if you opt for wearing your lingerie-inspired piece on the outside.