Fashion: Lingerie for Valentine’s night

When it comes to lingerie that’s made to be seen, Victoria’s Secret is anything but under wraps.

The brand recently unveiled its £1.6 million Floral Fantasy bra, flaunted on the catwalk by ‘Angel’ Alessandra Ambrosio and hand-set with amethysts, sapphires, rubies and white, pink, and yellow diamonds – all set in 18 carat rose and yellow gold.

Luckily, you don’t need to rob a bank to look a million dollars on Valentine’s night.

Find the right bra for you and it will not only bestow va-va voom in the bust department but could help improve your posture, making you look taller and leaner, too.

However you’re feeling on February 14, lingerie can cater to your every mood.

“Every woman wants to feel great about herself and the right lingerie can do just that,” says Amanda Lorenzani, co-founder of Fox & Rose lingerie. “Fifty Shades Of Grey has certainly generated demand for more adventurous lingerie sets, but the line between sexy and sordid is very fine.”

Time to find your perfect match.

• GLAMOUR PUSS

Make a statement with a dark, dominating look. If you like one colour, stick to seductive, classic black, or try a big cat print if you’re feeling wild.

A sheer, embroidered mesh will keep things more subtle than a padded bra if you favour patterns.

Lace is the fabric that’s made for a seductress. If you feel too exposed, try a demi-cup bra that’s half sumptuous silk and offset with sultry lace.

Forget visions of Bridget Jones’ big pants and think Brigitte Bardot instead. While shapewear has proved a godsend for helping create a streamlined hourglass silhouette in clothes, it’s tended to be far too unflattering to reveal what’s underneath.

But these days it can be alluring too – look for silky pieces that contour the body but feature mesh or lace panelling.

• GIRLY PRETTY

Feminine florals are in full bloom for spring, so transfer the catwalk trend to your lingerie drawer.

Think English rose or Japanese cherry blossom rather than tropical blooms for guaranteed elegance.

Offset cuteness overload by opting for seductive shapes or a surprise colourway, such as grey or blue accented with a contrasting floral embroidery.

For the ultimate in girliness, try silk lingerie in pretty pastel or nude hues. Get the fit and cut just right and the simplicity will be breathtaking.

• ROMANTIC ROSE

Embrace the glamour of past eras with vintage-inspired styling. French-style high-waisted knickers and corset-inspired bras will accentuate your assets, without losing the sexy factor.

For something daintier, look for demure, soft pieces that lack obviousness in ethereal tones. Ornate embroidery and delicate straps are the details to covet.

If skimpy sets aren’t your thing, cover up in a slinky kimono wrap or chemise set.

• SEXY SIREN

Pull out all the stops with plunging necklines, racy cuts and bold colours.

To channel your inner vixen, you can’t beat lipstick red. Just make sure it’s a tone that suits your colouring to achieve a flattering effect.

For the ultimate in underwear indulgence, kit yourself out with a matching set consisting of bra, thong and suspenders to get pulses racing.

Cutaway and peekaboo lines are made to shock. They may be relatively understated from one side but rather more revealing on the reverse.

• SHOPPING SOS

Buying lingerie as a gift can be a logistical nightmare for guys, but not if you do your homework.

“For many men, lingerie is a confusing and intimidating world, but it’s crucial they make the right choices if they want smiles rather than slaps on Valentine’s Day,” Fox & Rose’s Amanda Lorenzani says.