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How to wear suspenders and stockings: Lingerie expert guide

Great outfits begin with fabulous underwear - read our easy six-step guide to elevating your Valentine's weekend date night ensemble

how to wear suspenders
Jayne Walsh
Lifestyle Content Writer
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With the excitement of Valentine's Day fresh in our minds, our favourite royals and celebrities from Meghan Markle to Victoria Beckham confessed they have a special place in their hearts for romantic occasions and date nights.

Duchess Meghan once admitted she is a "sucker" for Valentine's Day, and only weeks ago Victoria debuted a phenomenal pair of fishnet stockings on a date night with David Beckham that signaled a major trend alert. According to Boux Avenue, stockings and suspenders belt searches are now up by 60 percent since the start of 2023. Find out exactly how to navigate this exciting new stocking trend with this easy six-step guide from top lingerie experts, not just in time for Valentine's Day weekend, but the year ahead...

a model wears red frilly lingerie outside

Rubie Lingerie Set, from £10, Boux Avenue

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Whether you are more about self-love aka Galentine's Day, like Coronation Street's Helen Flanagan, or you are reveling in the honeymoon stage like Kourtney Kardashian, there is nothing like completing your Valentine's date night outfit like a full three-piece lingerie set. Keep scrolling to shop our favourite picks from £10 at Boux Avenue, Gossard, M&S and more - for all body shapes and sizes along the way…

How to wear a suspender belt

Step one

1. Once you have the bra and knickers of your choosing on, put the matching suspender belt on around your waist, fastening it on the most comfortable hook.

Step two

2. Once the belt is on, decide whether you would rather tuck the suspender belt straps under the knickers, or have them running over the top. We advise wearing your suspender straps under your knickers for a more seamless look. However, if you have gone for a frillier suspender style like Boux Avenue's 'Tegan' suspender, we would recommend wearing the straps over the knickers – this way you won’t cover up any of the gorgeous detailing.

How to attach stockings to your suspenders

Step three

3. Take a seat and gently pull your stockings or hold-ups on - be careful not to cause any ladders.

Step four

4. Open the clips of the suspender belt straps, and pull the stocking or hold-up top over the rubber section of the clip, with the metal and rubber part sitting on top.

Step five

5. With the stocking top in between the rubber part of the clip and the second metal part, push the rubber circle through, catching the stocking and securing it (the rubber circle should then be pushed down to the narrow end of the clip).

Step six

6. Repeat steps four and five for each suspender strap until they are all securely attached to your hosiery.

If you are feeling inspired to shop the looks that you have seen, Boux Avenue has recently expanded its suspender range with its Valentine's collection including detachable suspender Basques, frills suspender belts, and trending leg harnesses.

SHOP: The 7 Best luxury accessories to wear this Valentine’s Day

SEE: Christina Aguilera is the ultimate goddess in fishnet tights and thigh-high boots

a model wears pink frilly lingerie

Teagan Plunge Lingerie Set, from £10, Boux Avenue

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See more of our favourite new lingerie sets from Boux Avenue, M&S, ASOS, and the luxury brand Gossard...

a model wears lace lace and teal lingerie

VIP CONFESSION Lingerie Set, from £24, Gossard

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a model wears white and ivory lace lingerie

Rosie Lace Lingerie Set, from £8.40, ASOS

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a model wears black lace and silky lingerie

Rosie Silk & Lace Suspenders Lingerie Set from £16, M&S

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READ: Meghan Markle once revealed she is a 'sucker' for Valentine's Day

MORE: Victoria Beckham's daring fishnets could be her best look to date

a model wears sheer black and pink lingerie

Scarlette Plunge Lingerie Set, from £10, Boux Avenue

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