Whether it’s for impressing yourself or for impressing your SO, beautiful lingerie serves as an awesome expression of the beauty of our bodies. So, when we want to up the ante on our lingerie game, we shouldn’t have to spend tons of money to look and feel fierce and fabulous! Here’s our list of the best online and retail shops to find the most expensive-looking yet affordable lingerie pieces:
Victoria's Secret
Victoria’s Secret is probably the first brand that pops into your head when you think of ‘fancy’ lingerie. However, Victoria Secret’s regular prices for lingerie usually range pretty high due to the big brand’s maintenance of high style and quality. But when VS is holding a sale, you can bet you’ll find those same high-quality pieces for a fraction of the price! “For underwear, Victoria’s Secret is honestly not bad, especially when they’re doing 7/27,” says Hannah, a sophomore at the University of Michigan. The store has its fair share of sales, so you can grab those fancy bras at a discount, or have a huge haul from their seven panties for $27 sale!
La Senza
Did you know Victoria’s Secret actually has a more affordable yet still just as cute sister? An originally Canada-based brand, La Senza is a lingerie brand owned by the same company as Victoria’s Secret. La Senza features beautiful pieces at cheaper prices than its family brand, Victoria’s Secret. While La Senza’s lingerie showcases a slightly bolder cut and style even in their simpler pieces, the price difference between them and VS is practically a steal. Ashley, a sophomore at Ohio University, says that “La Senza is a lot like Victoria's Secret, but the lingerie is a little more risque and cheaper so it's a great alternative option”. La Senza’s first retail store in the states is in Columbus, Ohio, but if you don’t live nearby, you can order from them online, with free shipping on all US orders! Major. Steal.
aerie
American Eagle’s aerie brand has some seriously pretty intimates that are super affordable! Their pieces are simple, but with a good hunt through the store and online store, you can find lingerie pieces that have a high-end feel while still being comfortable for everyday wear! Hannah agrees, “When VS doesn’t have a sale, aerie is a little bit cheaper than them and they have really nice stuff!” Aerie’s lingerie comes in simple yet sophisticated styles that will make you feel beautifully put together, without splitting your wallet!
Altur.
Sometimes we just want to channel our inner diva with an especially sexy, high-end looking piece of lingerie. Look no further as this online store, Altur., has got you uncovered with bold and sexy pieces that’ll make you feel like a million bucks! Altur. is an online store that specializes in sexy lingerie, creating pieces with exclusive detailing that mimics what you would get a super high-end boutique. “Their styles are [sometimes] 2 for $20! [Their pieces are] totally in line with this whole new “layering corsets/lingerie” trend,” says Erica, a junior at Hunter College. “It’s kind of intimidating, wearing casual BDSM gear for fashion, but it’s super sexy and anyone can style it. They look great under loose shirts and over tight dresses,” Erica says. If you’re feeling more adventurous with your lingerie choices or just want something a little more ‘special’ then check out Altur.
Fashion Nova
Online stores like Fashion Nova have changed the intimates game, for sure. Fashion Nova is one of the most affordable options for buying gorgeous lingerie at awesomely low prices. The store has a wide selection of pieces with a variety of styles, making it perfect for anyone with a certain taste for a certain design, cut or fit. Kelisha, a junior at the University of Central Florida, loves the brand’s eye for simplicity. “I like Fashion Nova because the designs are stylish yet simple. They use solid colors instead of using giant logos, and it’s more about how the material looks,” Kelisha says.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom is another brand that we typically think of as ‘high-end,’ but their Nordstrom Rack stores have plenty items that are just as sophisticated as the original Nordstrom’s store’s inventory, their lingerie being no exception! Nordstrom Rack’s sales usually markdown lingerie for as cheap as $15. Their selection is also a lot more diverse than you might think, featuring a mix of everyday intimates and more risqué lingerie sets. Try stopping by a Nordstrom Rack store or checking them out online for lingerie that’s both fierce as well as budget-friendly.
Forever 21
Good ol’ Forever 21 has had our backs for a while when it comes to making fashionable clothes for everyday wear. Cool clothes aren’t the only thing our favorite department has going for it, as their intimates are super trendy as well as super cheap! Forever 21 has a range of pieces that all have a different vibe to them, so we give them props for their diverse collection! When Forever 21 has a sale or a clearance, their cute bras, panties and lingerie sets can be as cheap as $4! With prices that low, you could stock up on a whole collection of fancy lingerie without spending tons of money.
There’s something truly empowering about dressing in elegant lingerie; to feel beautiful in your own body and own your sexuality is a priceless feeling, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a high price to feel fierce, bold and beautiful!