While it may not be practical or affordable to own only the finest lingerie, there's no doubting the transformative magic of a beautiful set of underwear. You know, the kind that has the ability to make you feel sexy, comfortable and powerful.
Above all else, wearing beautiful lingerie should be about how it makes you feel. "For the longest time, a woman’s relationship to lingerie has been defined by others," Julia Haart, creative director of La Perla, tells Refinery29. "Whether it’s what she reads in magazines or the messages she receives from the men in her life, there has always been someone else telling her how she should dress. We have been so hard on ourselves; we follow trends and seek perfection and we are too afraid to know ourselves."
Until now, that is. Emerging and established lingerie brands are embracing the modern woman's relationship with her underwear, which is, essentially, that it has to work for you – whatever your mood. "I believe in individual expression. A woman who wears what she wants when she wants makes an ultimate statement of freedom. We should feel good about ourselves and choose things that make us feel beautiful and powerful. There is nothing sexier than self-confidence."
Click through to find the lingerie that'll rejuvenate your underwear drawer.
We've long been a fan of Love Stories' lingerie offering. From silky finishes in pastel hues and vibrant lacy numbers to the sweetest star and animal prints, it's the kind of underwear you want to show off. Check out their swim- and nightwear, too.
Love Stories Love Lace Quarry Bralette, £52, available at Love Stories
Who knew Accessorize had such lovely lingerie? The offshoot of Monsoon actually has some gorgeous and affordable pieces, in covetable colours. However, the brand's offering mostly focuses on bralettes suitable for smaller boobs.
Accessorize Toni Lace Underband Bra, £14, available at Accessorize
Swoon. Araks creates underwear that feels contemporary and sexy, without a hint of garishness. Founder Araks Yeramyan previously interned at Marc Jacobs, and came from J.Crew before launching the brand, so you know her aesthetic is gorgeous.
Araks Liselott Panty Bell, £53, available at Araks
& Other Stories is our go-to stop for high street underwear. Unfortunately, it only goes up to a 36C, so it's one for the smaller-chested among us, but you can count on feminine trimmings and on-trend shades.
& Other Stories Lace Underwire Bra, £35, available at & Other Stories
Amazon Fashion recently launched its underwear line, Iris & Lilly, and it has all the affordable pieces you'd want. From sporty separates and bras for bigger busts, there's plenty to choose from without making a dent in your budget.
Iris & Lilly Forget Me Not Bralette, £12.47, available at Amazon Fashion
Stella McCartney's lingerie output is pure luxury. Her lacy bodies were made to be worn under a sheer shirt, and she even has frilly knickers of the week. The strap detailing on this navy bra is a winner.
Stella McCartney Lola Adoring Underwire Bra, £74, available at Stella McCartney
Else is an Istanbul-based lingerie brand that's been going for 10 years but has recently garnered fanfare in the UK. Their brand mission? "We believe in underwear that you wear for you – whether that's to make you feel sexy or comfortable." Sourcing all their lace at home, and with the same sized production as when they began, the brand is truly independent.
Else Coachella Brief, £41, available at Else
Of course we want lingerie created by The Body. The supermodel brings a fresh and modern approach to underwear, with contemporary cuts and seasonal shades. Her collections are just as sexy as they are delicate, and we want them all.
Elle Macpherson Body Zest Balconette Underwired Bra, £36, available at Figleaves
The Australian lingerie brand Bonds brings simple, comfortable pieces to your drawer. We love the triangle bras with racing stripes, but this v-neck pastel blue bralette is star of the show.
Bonds Lacies Bralette, £24, available at John Lewis
La Perla sits firmly in the canon of lingerie brands, consistently offering sexy, sweet, want-to-wear-it-on-show underwear. These fuchsia knickers are divine. Hand wash only.
La Perla Leavers Lace Brief, £77, available at La Perla
Les Girls Les Boys is the brainchild of Agent Provocateur founder Serena Rees – and our new favourite underwear brand. Inspired by her daughter's age group's attitude towards body image and sex, the brand's customer is cool, confident and carefree.
Les Girls Les Boys Underwired Bra, £50, available at Les Boys Les Girls
What would a lingerie roundup be without CK? The brand has enjoyed an incredible renaissance in recent years, thanks to blow-up campaigns like #MYCALVINS. This berry pair will be added to our growing collection.
Calvin Klein Customised Stretch Thong, £21, available at House of Fraser
Gilda & Pearl is your go-to for amping up the vamp. Designed and made in the UK, we plan on wearing this intricate bra under one of the brand's robes.
Gilda & Pearl Evelyn Bram, £74, available at Farfetch
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