We love our simple cotton briefs and shapewear as much as the next woman, but when it comes to feeling truly sexy and giving the gift that pleases both you and your partner, nothing beats luxury lingerie. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you and your every body shape covered (partially at least….)
For beginners
Never quite gone for lingerie in a big way, and don’t know where to start? Step away from the complicated corsets and waspies. A pair of matching bra and panties are all you really need to feel sexy.
The Elle Macpherson Intimates ‘Dentelle’ set is rapidly becoming a modern classic. It comes in a brief if you don’t want to go G-string, is delicately see-through without being too risque, comes in a huge range of colours and styles, and is just complex enough to make you feel special.
For the small-cupped
Ladies with smaller boobs can get away with a lot lingerie-wise. You don’t need underwire or strong straps – soft mesh cups are enough, and that opens a lot of options. RESCU’s loving Marios Schwab’s lingerie line for ASOS, Kallisti, which includes sheer mesh cups in many colours for less-endowed ladies, and even a bodysuit – called, predictably, the Bardot.
If you want to look bouncier than you really are, a push-up bra is essential. Wonderbra is the best on the market, whether its for gel padding, a plunge or just a little bit of structural lift. Get measured by a professional before you try anything padded, though, as it only really works on excellent fits.
For ultra-feminine style
There’s only one place to go for fantastic vintage feminine style at the moment, and that’s Dita Von Teese’s Von Follies collection. Inspired by pin-ups from the 40s and 50s, the range is packed full of vintage lace, spotted suspender belts, leopard print, and even a truly delicious peek-a-boo longline bra entitled Her Sexellency. You can’t beat that.
For lovers of stockings
Hold-ups or suspender belts? That is the question. Many women prefer the innovation of hold-up stockings that hit upper thigh and stay all day, whether through sticky materials or pure pressure. For hold-ups, Falke is the brand that knocks all others into a cocked hat. It’s so luxurious it’s sold on Net-a-Porter.
For stockings that need suspenders, Agent Provocateur is the classic place to shop. Their seamed stockings are bestsellers, and every so often they release versions with words in the seams – ‘Love’ was a particularly popular one, as well as other far filthier versions. There are polka dot ones and a variety of colours.
For the bigger-boobed
Stocking sizes from a 32A to a 44H, Chantelle Paris’, for which Aussie stunner Robyn Lawley is the face, do bigger-breasted women a favour by offering up a huge variety of colours, shapes, and fabrics that flatter and support.
Fortunately, the prayers of bigger-endowed ladies have been answered with Big Girls Don’t Cry Any More, which stocks up to an N-cup, and cult store More Than A Handful, which specialises in bras from German brand Ulla. Both have online stores, so get shopping!
For luxury
Kiki di Montparnasse is the only store for stylish women wanting lingerie that costs more than their outfit – and is also worth it. La Perla is also beautiful, but we’re won over every time by di Montparnasse’s combination of stylish silks, French panache and fun shapes. And if you really want to go all out, there’s Dolce & Gabbana…
For corsets and cinchers
Kiss Me Deadly is a cult UK brand which specialises in vintage looks – and their cinchers are something to be seen. They also produce some of the most popular underbust corsets (that’s corsets that only come up to the ribs, for novices) on the internet, in black and purple.
If you want to invest in a serious Australian-made corset, Isabella Corsetry may be your best bet – for a price. She’ll construct corsets to order for your exact measurements, and leave you to play. Check out her website for more details.
Lady Friday xx
Taking the pillow talk out of the bedroom, every Friday…
