Love is in the air and lingerie is on our minds. For many, the idea of finding something sexy and romantic for the big night creates a lot of unnecessary stress. You don’t have look like a Victoria's Secret model to enjoy gorgeous lingerie for Valentine’s Day! Liria Mersini, editor of About.com’s plus-size guide, shares some styles for all body shapes.
Valentine’s Day lingerie tips
- Be yourself (find a lingerie look that complements your personality)
- Work with your curves (play up your best, camouflage the rest)
- If you can’t take the heat ... (if you don’t feel confident in it, don’t wear it!)
Flirty babydoll
Babydoll nightgowns can be sweet, sexy or anything in between. The best thing about this popular style is that it works for a variety of figures.
Pear-shaped? To play up your bust line and camouflage pear-shaped curves, choose a longer babydoll or a handkerchief hem.
Apple-shaped? A short babydoll, like the sexy semi-sheer style from Baby Phat, is perfect for apple-shaped curves. If you’ve got great legs and a fuller middle, a short babydoll will give you coverage, while highlighting those great gams. Available in sizes 1x-3x, $66,
Drama and easeThink old Hollywood glamour with sexy, shiny satin, and a generous bias-cut chemise that is easy on your curves.
Whether you're pear-shaped or apple-shaped, try a mid-length chemise when you want tummy, hip and thigh coverage. It's also a great way to highlight your calves, like a 1940s screen siren! The beauty of a bias cut is that it makes a stiff woven fabric like satin behave like a knit. The chemise from Avenue works wonders on a variety of body types. Available in sizes 14-32 at select Avenue stores, $29.95, 1-888-AVENUE1
All out seduction
Although we generally see corsets on women with only a couple of well-placed curves, you can wear them, too! A corset works as lingerie when you’ve got curves — and plenty of ‘em. Not only do corsets mean curve control, but they shave two to three inches off your waistline. Now that’s a win-win fashion solution! Even better — with a lace-up corset, you can tighten where you want to and loosen where you must.
Not confined to the intimate end of the evening, you can (and should) pair with your favorite jeans and take your corset out on the town! This just may become your new fashion staple. (Corset and matching g-string, sizes 32 to 44, $60, Frederick's of Hollywood) Also fun with a boy short when you want just a bit more coverage. (Sizes S-XXL, $8, Fredericks.com) Try with the Curvations by Queen Latifah line of jeans, available at select stores.
Your grand entrance
Lingerie is not simply the province of the young. You can find a sexy look that is perfect at every age and with every curve. The Intimate Attitudes gown fits and flares for maximum illusion. The stretch lace bodice creates a faux corset look and a long, curve-friendly line. There are even bra straps hidden within the shoulder. So smart! You’ll feel elegant, beautiful and sexy in this gown. Just add attitude, marabou mules and go! Intimate Attitudes peignoir set, available in sizes 1x-3x, $129, Alwaysforme.com; marabou mules, $29, Frederick's of Hollywood,
Sweet and innocentModesty can be fresh and sexy, too! You don’t have to vamp it up to win his heart on Valentine’s Day. Try a smocked gown from silhouettes.com in a pretty, youthful style that is oh-so-easy to wear. A ruffled sleeve and smocked bodice are perfect when you crave cotton, and all you want is a hint of girly curves. (Available in sizes XL-3X, $29, www.Silhouettes.com) Wear with Amy Jo Gladstone slippers, available at major department stores, $50.
Pajamas gone wild!
Think pajamas are just for sleeping? Think again. Sexy pajamas draw the eye up toward your face, and try with a bit of sheer for intrigue! Great on both apple-shaped as well as pear-shaped curves because they provide tummy camouflage for apples and hip and thigh coverage for pears. The empire-waisted Avenue chocolate georgette pajamas have pale pink dots and a sexy little lace treatment at both the décolletage and ankle. Available in sizes 14-32, top: $24.50, bottom: $29.50,
Whatever you wear this Valentine’s Day, relax and enjoy the evening. And remember, he loves your curves just the way they are!