'Lingerie core' fashion trend sparks debate at weddings, workplaces

"Lingerie core" — a style that incorporates underwear elements such as bralettes and lace into everyday clothing — has emerged as one of this summer's defining fashion trends, and the debate surrounding it is growing.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that "naked dressing" — bra tops, skirts that reveal underwear and similar styles — is spreading across the United States, creating awkward moments at weddings, business conferences and other gatherings.

At a Hawaiian-themed wedding in Sausalito, California, one guest arrived wearing only a nude thong bikini bottom and a bandeau top, leaving other attendees visibly flustered. Nikita Kanderia, who runs an event management company, said the guest "showed up in a nude thong bikini bottom and just a bandeau top." Kanderia told the guest she would need to leave unless she changed into something appropriate, then walked her across the street to a shop to buy a cover-up.

At a business conference, a keynote speaker took the stage in a bralette and a black sheer skirt, and her outfit drew more attention than her presentation. An entrepreneur who attended said the talk was overshadowed by gossip about the clothing. "I didn't know where to look," she said.

Despite the controversy, the fashion industry is moving quickly to capitalize on the lingerie core trend. Zara has dedicated a section of its official website exclusively to lingerie dresses.

La'Agence has introduced lace dresses through which bras and underwear are visible, while Michael Kors paired a triangular bralette with trousers. Aerie, a brand under American Eagle, launched its "Show Off" collection combining sheer lace camisoles with bras.

Victoria's Secret this spring unveiled a strapless bra designed to be worn on its own, without a shirt, and the item has been gaining popularity. Hillary Super, CEO of Victoria's Secret and Pink, said the trend of wearing underwear as outerwear is growing stronger and that consumers are dressing lighter and lighter.

Consumer reactions are divided. Some women embrace the exposure as an expression of liberation and bodily autonomy, while others argue it simply re-objectifies the female body. New York stylist Brooke Raunik said many people feel uncomfortable seeing bikinis worn as everyday clothing.

The Wall Street Journal said the market could expand beyond sheer clothing to include shapewear that controls coverage and dress-code advisory services tailored to specific events. However, it predicted that debates over dress codes at workplaces and weddings will continue as personal expression increasingly clashes with the standards of decorum expected at shared social occasions.