Inspired by Mary Earps’ SPOTY lingerie dress? How to work the underwear as outerwear trend

20 December 2023

Mary Earps has become the latest celebrity to rock the ‘knickers on the red carpet’ trend at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

The England goalkeeper – who was named Sports Personality of the Year – wore a strappy black lingerie-inspired dress which featured a corset bodice and underwear-esque detailing over an opaque skirt.

The footballer follows in the fashionable footsteps of The Crown star Emma Corrin and American social media star Emma Chamberlain, both of whom have worn briefs on the red carpet this year.

Corrin sported green Miu Miu knitwear knickers and a matching cardigan at the Venice Film Festival, while Chamberlain donned a black leather jacket and briefs by Acne for the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Earps’ dress was created by British fashion designer David Koma, whose designs have recently been worn by Adele, Beyonce and Rita Ora.

The London Fashion Week star is known for his skimpy but showstopping gowns and cocktail dresses, which often include see-through fabrics, cut-outs and high slits.

Want to get the lingerie look? Earps’ gown, from Koma’s resort 2023 collection, is still available to buy in some sizes from Net-a-Porter. Reduced to £584 (it was originally £1,460), the David Koma cutout lace and cady maxi dress is described as ‘architecturally constructed with spokes of flexible boning, giving shape to intricate lace panels’.

A glamorous corset dress or co-ord set – whether mini or maxi – is a great way to do the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend, and there are plenty of affordable options on the high street right now.

Perfect for party season, team an all-black ensemble with sparkly accessories for a bit of festive flare.

A more laidback way to work the look is with the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo.

Pair a satin corset top with baggy blue jeans and heeled ankle boots for a cool, influencer-inspired vibe, or a lacy number with black leather trousers and strappy heels for a more dressy evening option.

To really embrace the underwear as outerwear approach, you’ll find gorgeous corsets and bodysuits in the lingerie department.

Team a waist-cinching black bodysuit with catwalk-inspired silver trousers or an edgy leather mini skirt.

If you’re really feeling daring, you could make like Emma Corrin in a knitted knickers twinset from Zara.

Wear the grey wool cardigan and briefs over black tights for the ultimate red carpet homage.

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