A bodysuit is one of the most useful pieces you can own, and one of the most underused. Bought for a special night, it often stays in the drawer the rest of the time. That's a shame, because a good bodysuit gives you a smooth line, stays tucked in and turns the simplest outfit into something considered. If you've been wondering how to style a bodysuit beyond the bedroom, here are five ways to wear yours, with ideas for which style suits each one.
Why a bodysuit works so well
A bodysuit does what a top can't. Because it fastens under the body, it never untucks, never rides up and never bunches at the waistband. It gives a clean, unbroken line from shoulder to hip, which is why it looks so good with high-waisted trousers and skirts. Many styles finish in a thong cut, so there are no lines underneath. And because so many bodysuits are made from lace and mesh, they double as a top and as lingerie in one.
Before you start: three styling basics
- Choose the right base. Under sheer layers, a black or nude-to-you bodysuit is the most versatile.
- Mind the fastening. A snap or hook fastening at the gusset makes wearing one all day far more practical.
- Balance the look. If the bodysuit is sheer or detailed, keep everything else simple, and the other way round.
1. With high-waisted trousers for dinner
This is the easiest way to wear a bodysuit out, and the most elegant. Pair a fitted bodysuit with wide-leg or tailored high-waisted trousers, add heels or a pointed flat, and you have a dinner outfit in under a minute.
Which style
A long-sleeved bodysuit with a little detail works beautifully here. The Victoria Bodysuit (£49.99) is plain black with long sleeves and deep cut-outs at the chest and back, so it looks covered from the front and surprising from behind. The thong cut means a clean line under tailored trousers.
2. Under a blazer
A bodysuit under an oversized blazer is one of those combinations that always works. It's sharp enough for drinks after work and relaxed enough for a weekend lunch. Leave the blazer open, or fasten one button at the waist and let the neckline of the bodysuit show.
Which style
Lace is the obvious choice. The Helen Bodysuit (£49.99) is black lace with medium stretch, so it sits close without feeling restrictive. For colour, the Freya Bodysuit (£34.00) comes in red, white or pink lace with a mesh finish and a structured bra, which gives a little shape under a jacket.
3. With jeans for a night out
Swap your usual top for a bodysuit and your favourite jeans suddenly look like a plan. Straight-leg or high-rise jeans work best because they sit at the waist and show off the line of the bodysuit. Add a leather jacket and boots, or a heel and a small bag.
Which style
Something with texture keeps the look interesting. The Bella Bodysuit (£45.00) is mesh with lace inserts, decorative stripes at the neckline and thighs, and a cut-out at the back. It comes in seven colours, from black and burgundy to neon green, so it's easy to match to the rest of your outfit.
4. Layered under a sheer shirt or slip skirt
This is where a bodysuit moves fully from lingerie into clothing. Wear a transparent or semi-sheer bodysuit under an unbuttoned shirt, a sheer blouse or a slip skirt, and the layers do the talking. It's confident, but it's not loud.
Which style
For layering, pick a piece with strong lines. The Latasha Bodysuit (£49.99) is black patchwork with transparent panels, which reads clearly under a sheer layer. The Despina Bodysuit (£79.99) has a transparent look, high stretch and a belt detail, and comes in black, white, red, blue, orange and neon green. Tuck either into a satin skirt and let the shirt hang open.
5. As the main event for a party or festival
Sometimes the bodysuit is the outfit. For a birthday, a club night or a festival, wear it with a mini skirt, a pair of shorts or a long sheer skirt and let it lead.
Which style
This is the moment for detail. The Rachel Bodysuit (£69.99) is transparent with chain decoration that catches the light as you move. The Kaylee Bodysuit (£44.99) is a lace corset style with mesh inserts, frills and garter belts, which looks striking with a simple black skirt over the top.
What to wear underneath
Most bodysuits are designed to be worn on their own, with a built-in bra or support in the cups. If you'd like more coverage under a sheer style, a seamless nude bra or a simple bralette in a matching colour from our Lingerie Sets collection sits neatly beneath. Check how the fastening works before you plan a long evening out.
How to make a bodysuit comfortable all day
- Choose your usual size. Too small and the body will pull at the shoulders or the gusset.
- Check the torso length. If you're tall, look for higher stretch or styles with adjustable straps.
- Pick breathable fabrics for daytime and keep heavily embellished pieces for evenings.
Caring for your bodysuit
Lace and mesh bodysuits last longest with a hand wash in cool water, a mild detergent and a flat dry away from direct heat. Pieces with chains or embellishment are best spot cleaned. Fasten any hooks before washing so they don't snag the lace, and store bodysuits folded or flat rather than hanging, which can stretch the fabric over time.
The short version
A bodysuit is a top that never untucks and lingerie that's ready to be seen. Wear it with tailored trousers, under a blazer, with jeans, under a sheer layer or on its own, and it will earn its place in your wardrobe many times over.
Part of the Fire element
In the Byvoria day, Fire is the evening and everything that belongs to it: lingerie, nightwear, bodysuits and accessories. Bodysuits are the piece that carries Fire out of the house, from the mirror at home to the table at dinner.
Browse the full Bodysuits collection to find your next one. Sizes vary by piece, so check the chart on each product page. UK delivery is free and tracked.