As a fashion director I was unsure about this season's biggest trend - but now I've nailed the secrets to wearing it well
I've always been skeptical when 'nightie dressing' starts trending. The underwear-as-outerwear look might be fine for a 20-year-old model strutting the catwalk, but how can lacy, silky, wispy clothes translate to real life? As a fashion director, I've tried it out, and personally, I've found the look unflattering, poorly cut, too bum-skimming and wildly revealing, especially as someone with a 34DD bust.
However, when I spotted my favourite influencer of all time, Vivian Horn, wafting around Europe in the Zara asymmetric brown lace dress I finally felt tempted to try again. Nightie dressing is a huge trend for 2025, with celebrities and fashion types alike jumping on the bandwagon, and some of the high street takes look gorgeous – but would they work on my curvy size 14 body?
Zara asymmetric slip dress
£49.99 Shop
I ordered the dress and unpacked it with slight dread, anticipating the deep disappointment I'd feel once I wriggled into it. Except once the dress was on, I didn't feel like that at all. I felt fantastic.
This dress is cut to perfection. The asymmetric split hem hangs beautifully, the colour is rich and is hugely flattering on nearly all skin tones. The feel of the fabric completely exceeds its £49.99 price point and the lace trim is thick and well placed. I sized up for movement and length (as a 5ft 10 woman I find Zara mini dresses usually skim the wrong side of my bottom otherwise). I have never felt sexier in a slip dress and I finally understood the hype around 'lingerie dressing' that has been spamming my inbox for the last five years.
This elation was short lived as my rather jolly husband came in and was like 'I LOVE THAT, oh wait, is that indoor or outdoor clothes?!'. I explained (very firmly) that it was fashion and that I felt fabulous in it and would wear it in another heatwave or on holiday. Little did I know I wouldn't have to wait that long as I decided it was the perfect thing to wear to my Auntie's surprise 60th birthday party last weekend. However as I came downstairs my mother-in-law had very similar questions to her son including 'Are you wearing actual lingerie?' Both my husband and mother-in-law largely support my fashion choices, but they both pointed out I looked a touch too nude for the UK. Clearly I needed to tone the look down a tad.
I decided to try the dress over a pair of brown wide leg trousers that I also recently bought from Zara and immediately loved the full look. The dress hangs beautifully over them and although you could see the tailored waist band it looked nonchalant and stylish. I should also flag another trend I have rolled my big old millennial eyes at is a dress over trousers, so for this look I am really breaking all of my own style rules. But as I came down to leave both my husband and his mother agreed I looked much more ready for the 'outdoors'.
How to style the underwear-as-outerwear trend
1. Pick your trousers carefully
If you're going to layer a nightie-style dress over trousers, I would advise sticking to a wider cut trouser, or even a tailored straight pair. Not skinny though; anything too slim fitting will throw off your silhouette. If opting for a wide leg a soft flowing material is preferable but have fun with colours, either keep it fully tonal like I did or clash completely. Pale blue slip dress? Try a red pair!
2. Layer over a knit
Another top tip if this trend feels daunting is to get a knit in either a contrasting colour or a neutral tone and tie round your shoulders. It gives you a bit more coverage and also makes the slip top or dress feel more casual. I prefer this to wearing a white T-shirt under these items as I feel juvenile and bulky with my breasts rammed under that many layers. Others will love that look though!
3. Keep your footwear subtle (no stilettos!)
In order to avoid feeling too dolled up I paired the look with a simple pair of flip flops in the same dark brown. It felt modern and easy and I really loved the look. If you want to wear it for an evening I love the current leather flip flop style heel and this will have the same affect of feeling dressy but not too flash.
4. Go anti-girly with jewellery
I also think accessories are key to nailing this trend. It is already a very feminine trend with the soft silks, lace and pretty pastel colours so I would go for a contrast when choosing my jewellery. Chunky gold or even mixed metal pieces stop the look feeling too vintage or girly.
5. Invest in the right underwear
These dresses and tops can be particularly hard to navigate with a larger bust so here are my top 3 buys for managing intricate necklines and straps.
These stick on bras work amazingly, I have worn them to Summer (read hot and sweaty) weddings where I have danced the night away and my bosom has not dropped. You can also cut them to fit your neckline.
Club L Lift and shape bra 4-pack £49 Shop
This Skims strapless bra feels as if you are wearing nothing and is so comfortable! Not ideal for cut outs due to its block shape but for flimsy lace straps it's perfect.
And finally – the M&S multi-way bra. Adjust the straps into almost any formation and use the clear back strap to avoid anything sticking out at the back.
As for the best piece of lingerie-inspired outerwear available right now, here are my top picks...
DOEN Kira corded lace-trimmed camisole
£278
Shop
Nobody's Child Blue Camille Cami Top
£49 Shop
I love this one and had so many compliments when I wore it. You can even go braless due to the cut of the lace being very supportive!
Marks & Spencer Lace V-Neck Midi Slip Dress
This amazing dress is fabulous for tickling the trend but entirely wearable, even with a bra.
£50 Shop
Mint Velvet Cream Lace Trim Camisole Top
£79
Shop
H&M Asymmetrical satin slip dress
£139
Shop
ASOS DESIGN lace inserts slip chiffon midi dress in lemon
£42
Shop
Free People Countryside Maxi Slip
£108
Shop
Never Fully Dress Petite Mimi Dress
£59
Shop
By Anthropologie Lace-Trim Bias-Cut Midi Slip Skirt
£82
Shop
Intimissimi Silk Shorts with Lace £47
Shop
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