Whether you feel hot and/or bothered, summer’s heat encourages disrobing. So how to be sexy when it’s sweltering out? We had an R-rated conversation with Krista Molinaro, our sexy lingerie buyer here at Bare Necessities, to get some advice on more risqué lingerie.
“Ever since the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy came out a few years ago, sexy has been booming,” Krista says of the series that cast a new light on the dark art of seduction. That said, showing off your sexy side will always be important—humankind depends on it! Here’s the happy twist: Coy and coquettish to brazenly risqué lingerie, it’s all about what you find sexy. “We’re just here to help make it happen,” Krista says.
Less is definitely more, she advises. In the heat, you really want to wear as close to nothing as you can. Read on for her take on how to conjure up your seductive side in more risqué lingerie. (Fair warning, links definitely NSFW.)
TRY A BODYSUIT
Called “teddies” in this realm, sultry bodysuits are such a modern, strong, in-control look. “The trend goes all the way from shapewear into sexy because it’s about looking sleek—it streamlines every figure whether or not you’re wearing it under clothes.” In this application, though—mesh or lace, straps and ties—teddies are a more fun than functional form of risqué lingerie. Variations include cupless and crotchless styles, like this lacy crotchless teddy from Oh La La Cherie (and sometimes both, as in this Oh La La Cheri teddy).
CROTCHLESS PANTIES UP THE ANTE
There’s no confusing your everyday undies with these lacy thrillers and, for the first time, Bare Necessities is offering 3 for $30 pricing here, too. “We’ve found she’s constantly looking for newness. It’s about fun and spontaneity, and she’s told us she wants novelty in her lingerie drawer—she isn’t wearing the same things over and over because they’re made to be seen and to surprise,” says Krista, who suggests checking out Oh La La Cheri’s Goodnight Kiss boyshorts and the mesh-in-front, strappy-in-back Rene Rofe Crotchless Cage Back panties.
SUMMERTIIIIIME, AND THE FIT IS EASY
Sexiness should be effortless. We’re seeing a lot of one size fits all (OSFA) lately. “We sometimes call this category ‘five-minutewear’ because it’s all expected to come off, so a perfect fit can take a backseat to a sexy look,” Krista says. That’s why there are so many floaty silhouettes, or strappy tops with chemise-style bottoms. Even bras are grouped by S/M/L because they cover just a portion—they’re not meant to provide support so much as (forgive the wordplay) titillation. Shy about delving into risqué lingerie? You can’t go wrong with Jezebel’s Rachel Convertible Push-Up babydoll set. Our best selling OSFA: the sweet, astonishingly well-priced Rene Rofe Lace Tie-Up bra set.
SEXY INCLUDES PLUS SIZES
This world now goes up to 3X, in figure-flattering plus-size styles. For a babydoll, Krista suggests Shirley of Hollywood’s Risque Collection Sheer Net set. More of our most popular: this Oh La La Cherie Lace babydoll and Open Cup teddy.
SEXY LINGERIE GOES OUTSIDE
Some less revealing sexy styles can absolutely log extra hours as part of a daytime outfit, like the Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris push-up bra. Krista suggests wearing these sorts of pieces under a tank or button-down to add edge.
SPEND WHAT FEELS GOOD
You can absolutely find a gorgeous, complete set for $50 or $75. “This world is attainably priced so you’re able to bring out something new for each rendezvous,” Krista explains. Hanky Panky After Midnight has been super-popular for walking the line between tasteful and risqué. For example: the $48 Peekaboo bralette and matching $30 crotchless hipster. And the Jezebel Ruffles Galore babydoll shown at the top of this post rings up right around $50.
For a splurge sure to make you feel like a million bucks in the bedroom, consider the divine L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Idalia playsuit or anything by La Perla. Another extra-special find, for when you’re alone or in intimate company: Bracli Paris Collection’s $80 Classic Pearl thong, made of Chantilly lace and a strand of pearls.
COMPLETE THE SEXY LOOK
Tousled hair and sultry eye makeup go a long way. Look and feel the part in burlesque-inspired, sensory-heightening add-ons like:
Light a candle, draw a bath and crank up the A/C. Then enjoy those steamy summer nights.
