Well, if we’re lucky we’ll have time for both but right now we’re all about the Valentine’s panic buy. And if you’ve left it as late as we have to pick up a new pair of smalls, the following tips (from lingerie designer Damaris Evans, owner of last week’s glamorous overnight bag) might provide some inspiration. Race you to the fitting room…
The shape of things ‘I know some girls think they need it but I’m not really a fan of padding, moulding or push-up bras,’ says Damaris. ‘For me they show an insecurity about the way you look and nothing’s less attractive than that. A little lift is ok but fragility and softness is always more endearing than having everything hoisted up and heavily padded. If someone doesn’t know your real shape by now they’ll discover it sooner or later – and hopefully won’t care’.
Girly show According to Damaris, there’s more than one way to raise an eyebrow this evening – and none of them involve lingerie that look like they lost a fight with a pair of scissors. ‘That kind of thing will never feel comfortable unless you’re a real performer. I prefer quirky and girly to out-and-out sexy – a cheeky satin bow or corset lacing at the back or a pair of peep-bottom knickers are much easier to live up to than a great big hole elsewhere, if you know what I mean. Think about what you’ve got and go with it – cute isn’t too far out of anyone’s comfort zone, sexy sometimes is.’
Colour me happy ‘I think there’s nothing sexier than simple black or white lace but that’s probably because I’m surrounded by so much colour,’ says Damaris. ‘For anyone else I’d say have fun. There’s so much neon around at the moment and although everyone thinks it looks great with a tan it also looks amazing on pale skin, which is helpful at this time of year. Oh and red. For years I wouldn’t even try it but it can be so chic if you do something subtle and unexpected with it. I’ve paired it with pink for spring so it looks pretty and fresh.’
Thong song? ‘Not a fan,’ says Damaris. ‘Unless you’ve got a perfect bottom and even then they can make you look enormous. Boyshorts are far better – ours our cut higher than normal knickers at the back but not quite so high as a thong. They cover up more of your bottom so you’re seeing the peachy lower curve rather than the whole thing.’
Lights…action Savvy lighting (ie soft and from the side) can do as much for the cut of your jib as the cut of your knickers can, says Damaris – a fitting room fact that’s well worth remembering. ‘No-one looks good in overhead lighting. I’ve been traumatised in more changing rooms than I can bear to remember.’ The only place that ever gets it right, she adds, is department store Le Bon Marché in Paris. ‘Beautifully curtained cubicles, perfect lighting, even a couch for your companion while they wait’. In London Selfridges is her close second – ‘incredible service, but still, that dreadful lighting!’ The silver lining? You’ll almost always look better at home, especially if you’ve had the foresight to do as Damaris did and install a dimmer switch…
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