Burlesque Is Back

CEBU, Philippines - There’s something about the elements of the dark that plays up the interest of most people. After all, the cliché “masarap ang bawal” didn’t reach cliché status for nothing. The last few years of this decade have definitely seen much of what’s considered taboo entering mainstream and yes, although it has been shunned not just by those who are conservative, burlesque has stepped out of the shadows faster than you can say “strip.”

Even the world of fitness hasn’t been spared from this outing as pole dancing and strip tease—both of which used to be confined to night clubs and strip zones—are quickly becoming a fad among exercise junkies who are too bored with pounding the treadmill and bench pressing.

The world of burlesque is nothing short of risqué and when it comes to fashion, nothing speaks more of burlesque than glimpses of underwear that’s enough to drive the imagination wild.

The inner wear as outer wear trend is nothing new considering that it first popped into the scene in the 80s. Today’s inner wear as outer wear trend, however, will veer away from the punk raciness of the 80s. Instead, the more updated look has an edgier, rocker chick vibe that’ll put the T—not on the T-back—but on tough.

The tricky thing about burlesque is in making sure you don’t look cheap in it. Achieving this requires us to zoom in on some key underwear pieces that deserve to see the light of day.

Thanks to the ripped stockings trend, among the key elements of the updated burlesque are tights, stockings, stirrups, and suspenders. Because these pieces already call on too much attention, it’s best not to pair them with other burlesque pieces so you won’t run the risk of looking like a hooker. Thanks to the come back of tights and a plethora of patterned stockings, we’re no longer stuck with the ubiquitous, slightly run black ones. 

“One thing I would say in this area: avoid wearing stockings as outwear. Yes, Sienna Miller got away with it at the New York after-party of Factory Girl. But there are two points to make here: the first is that it already looks dated; the second is that she is Sienna Miller. And it’s the second point that allowed her to get away with it,” advised Daniel Dykes, fashion critic.

Slips and camisoles however, offer a lighter, more feminine version of the trend and is perhaps one of the best ways to wear the burlesque trend. Because slips and camisoles are often made of delicate fabrics and some with intricate detailing and embroidery, it’s often best to pair this with the sheer trend or take the cue from the runway and slip on some chunky heels and bold accessories. 

The sexiness of burlesque owes to a certain level of unkemptness with peeking pieces of underwear underneath denim or overcoats. Don this at your own risk. (Photos from the wires)