Life

Fashion: What lies beneath those Valentine's surprises

Boux Avenue Valerie Dusky Pink Satin Chemise, available from bouxavenue.com
Boux Avenue Valerie Dusky Pink Satin Chemise, available from bouxavenue.com Boux Avenue Valerie Dusky Pink Satin Chemise, available from bouxavenue.com

VALENTINE'S Day falls on a Sunday this year, so why not celebrate with a cosy night in rather than a big night out – which, let's face it, will probably be plagued with heart-shaped plates and overpriced pink cocktails.

Instead of a date night dress, treat yourself to some new lingerie – or drop hints heavily to ensure your other half knows exactly what you're after.

Whether you want to go all-out in a sizzling, strappy set or prefer something a little softer, we've got the lingerie that will make you (and your valentine) very happy indeed...

STRAP IN

Call it the Fifty Shades effect: in recent seasons, lingerie has gone from lacy to racy, with peekaboo bras, the skimpiest of knickers and unnecessary (but very sexy) straps all over the place.

But these seductive sets aren't as uncomfortable as they look – honest! And with added extras, like pretty lace handcuffs and eye masks, you get more bang for your buck, as it were...

:: Playful Promises Rosa Barely There Bra, £50 (www.playfulpromises.com)

:: Fever Masquerade Midnight Affair Bra, Thong and Eye Mask, £24.99 (www.fevercollection.com)

FRILL SEEKERS

Ruffled knickers aren't very practical under clothing (talk about VPL) but when you're not planning on leaving the house – or the bedroom – who cares?

Cute and playful, pink frilly pants couldn't be more perfect for Valentine's day, and they're great for skinny-minnies - paired with a plunge bra, they create the illusion of Kardashian-like curves.

:: Playful Promises Ada Peach Embroidered Shell Bra, £50, and matching G-string, £30 (www.playfulpromises.com)

:: Floozie by Frost French Pink Bow lace Trim Plung Bra, currently reduced to £15.72 from £18.50, and matching Suspender Thong, currently reduced to £10.62 from £12.50 (www.debenhams.com)

:: Curvy Kate Tease Me Thong, £15 (Figleaves.com)

THE PERFECT BODY

If fiddly four-piece sets sound like too much hassle, an all-in-one 'body' is your shortcut to V-day sexiness.

The ideal choice, if you're looking for a bit of coverage in the midriff area, lingerie onesies range from underwired and waist-cinching to soft and stretchy, and there are some gorgeous designs in plus-size collections too.

:: Limited Collection Animal Print Body, £19.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: Calvin Klein Evocative Bodysuit, £95 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Ashley Graham Bodysuit with Suspenders, sizes 14-24, £84.90 (www.navabi.co.uk)

ALL DOLLED UP

Essentially a souped-up nightie, a thigh-skimming babydoll just needs a pair of knickers to complete a cute and uncomplicated night-in option.

Whether sheer or silky, some babydolls come with matching underwear, while others include a push-up bra for added oomph up top.

:: The Collection Pink Floral Chiffon Babydoll, £20 (www.debenhams.com)

:: Boux Avenue Valerie Dusky Pink Satin Chemise, £36 (www.bouxavenue.com)

:: Next Black Balcony Push-Up Babydoll With String, £26 (www.next.co.uk)

GET THE LOOK

If the acclaimed Gucci SS16 collection is anything to go by, a sheer blouse is a must for spring. Pair Very's Red Floral Shirt, £29, with a skinny ribbon tie, and tuck into high-waisted trousers to complete the geeky-chic look (available March 4; www.very.co.uk).

BUY IT NOW

TOWIE regular Chloe Lewis has just launched a collection with Little Mistress, which is full of Valentine's-ready pretty pinks and date-night dresses. We love the Coral Crochet Collar Dress, £58, (in store Feb 4; Little-mistress.com)

FASHION FLASH

:: FROM A MOTHER TO ANOTHER

Throughout February, JoJo Maman Bebe are asking customers to donate unwanted children's outfits at their 72 stores as part of the From A Mother To Another initiative. The donations will be distributed to those in need by Trussell Trust foodbanks in the UK, as well as by partner charities in Lebanon. To find out more, visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/

FAMTA.

STYLE STEAL

If you're hankering after something sexy for Valentine's on a budget, head to Boohoo.com, where pretty underthings start at just £3 a piece.

:: Boohoo Lucy Red Slinky Backless Lingerie Body, £12 (www.boohoo.com)