One current trend for SS08 is that underwear is visible and not for hiding under your clothes alone.  Negligees pass as evening dresses, day clothes are cut away to cheekily reveal what lies beneath, and sheers insist you consider your bottom layer as well as the top.

Whatever the current trends underwear is never something that should be given less consideration than what you are wearing over the top of them.  These are the clothes that are going to be closest to your skin afterall.  What you wear over your undies is on display to the whole world but your underwear is for you and you alone, surely making it the most important item of clothing of all.

Stockings and knee high socks are sexy under jeans or a skirt but also practical on those cooler days when you still want to dress up but can't go bare legged.  They also provide a more luxurious alternative to jogging bottoms for lounging around the house.  Try to buy them in a range of colours, fabrics and thicknesses as they will always be useful.  A suspender belt is useful for holding up those knee high socks that wont stay in place and add an extra element of fun to dressing up for the evening.

Discomfort is never a good look.  Make sure you have a well fitted bra and stear clear of the thong unless you're wearing something especially clingy.  Big knickers of almost 50's style proportions are in this season, just check out the SS08 catwalk for Alessandro Dell'Acqua.   Beware also of pretty designs with potentially itchy embroidery, particularly bra cups sewn down the centre.  Gap do a great range of comfortable affordable basics. 

Remember nice underwear doesn't have to be about the opposite sex, you should wear it for yourself because it makes you feel beautiful and you deserve it!

Odile lingerie at Oasis

Victoria's Secret

Underwear at Topshop

Debenhams Lingerie