Lingerie is about far more than sex or sex appeal. It is about respecting the body you have rather than loving an image you hope to achieve. The clothing we put on our skin matters - it tells us a story about how we feel and has the magic to pick up our spirits. But it must be worthy of admiration to do so. Sweats and house slippers feel great, but they often don’t make us feel great about who we are. Lingerie has that power.

Draping yourself in delicate lace or trimming your curves in risqué straps need not be a gift you give to another - it is a gift you give yourself. Looking sexy isn’t half as important as feeling sexy, and there isn't much that feels sexier than well-fitting, finely cut and meticulously-styled pretty little undergarments. Whether it’s the little secret under our blouse throughout the day or the opening salvo of fireworks hitting our boudoir in the evening, getting that sexy feeling for ourselves before engaging with others lends us confidence, pride and empowerment. The best of us shines through.

We are worthy of seductive trappings and luxurious lace, when and how we feel like wearing it. More so, we have the right to choose to feel sexy without it being tied to sex. Everyone does. 

Remove the idea that women need to be sexy for anyone else and what remains is the truth: women can be beautiful and sexy on their own. They don’t need a partner’s approval to build them up. Women don’t need compliments or social media or turning heads to reinforce and encourage self-esteem. We often want those things, but they are just wants. We have all we need to feel attractive on our own, and it’s time we start treating ourselves that way.

It begins with self-care - which is about more than hitting the gym, eating healthy and spa days. It’s about the little ways we treat ourselves throughout the week, how we approach ourselves with the myriad of decisions made each day. Like what kind of knickers we slip on in the morning. Let’s be kind and forgiving, allow ourselves space and time for rest, and be mindful of how we care for our skin and everything underneath. Show some respect for our bodies, treat them well and clothe them like they deserve. The self-love (and sex appeal) will follow.

Sera is wearing COLETTE bra and brief 

Sera is a mother, traveler and lingerie blogger who writes about mindfulness, minimalism and body positivity. After 14 years with breast implants she transitioned back to her natural body and aims to show women that there is #lifeafterbreastimplants. She shares her journey and what she’s learned about empowerment, respect and vulnerability along the way on her blog, www.sunandsera.com.

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