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What You Need to Know: Fall Panty Fashion

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Boise State chapter.

It is a delicate matter.

As the weather turns chilly, warm jeans and a heavy coat have become nonnegotiable. Your favorite cute tops tend to be buried underneath layers on layers of cardigans and sweaters where no one can see them Your jean shorts are in hibernation in the bottom of your drawer, and your razor is probably in hibernation too…. it is No-Shave-November, after all.

With everyone bundling up, fashion these days revolves around outer accessories like cute boots and scarves. It is easy to forget that what you’re wearing underneath it an important style statement, too. That said, certain styles of panties have an in-season just like riding boots and knitted headbands. Just because there is no guarantee you are going to be complimented on your panties like you would a stylish pair of shoes (depending on present company) does not mean you should not choose with care.

Time to review the basics, don’t you think?

The respected undie authority Aerie currently recognizes nine different panty styles. That may sound like a lot. Believe it or not, there is an appropriate occasion for each.  And as winter approaches, it may be time for you to revamp your fall panty fashion with the following key items.

Item 1: Thongs


Why beat around the bush?

The word “thong” tends to make people a little uncomfortable… who knows why, exactly. It may be because many people are under the impression that thongs are inherently uncomfortable and only intended to appeal to whomever unzips your jeans, not the person (you, I assume) who puts them on in the morning. If you are one of these people, I suggest you are wearing your thong WRONG!

Counterintuitive though it may be, thongs are the perfect autumn underwear for several different reasons. Thongs will suit your daily wardrobe nine days out of ten in these chilly months. They are truly not intended to be worn under skirts that billow in the autumn wind. However, thongs are the perfect partner for your favorite, cozy pair of formfitting jeans. You might wear those jeans more often than you care to admit, so try spicing up your wardrobe from the inside out. Sexy underwear makes you feel sexy. It’s like your dirty little secret that nobody has to know.

Save your favorite lacy thong for a Friday night OR be a rebel and wear sexy underwear everyday of the week.  Why not, really.  The only people who could possible care will undoubtedly be thrilled; I guarantee it.

Editor’s picks: the shimmer stud thong in bordeaux and the lace detail thong in shimmer, from Aerie.

Item 2: Tangas

Tangas are a super sexy alternative to the traditional thong, with a little more coverage. Sometimes less is more.  If you find yourself down to your panties in chilly weather, for whatever reason, you might appreciate the extra fabric anyway. Every collegiette should arm her closet with a couple lacy tangas. Tangas are the sophisticated cousin of the thong and a must-have for all fashionable collegiettes.

Editor’s picks: the tuxedo tanga and dot mesh tanga from Aerie.

Item 3: Girly Briefs and Boybriefs


Season in and season out, girly briefs and boybrief styles are the recommended option for daily wear (unless you really are a rebel and have a surplus of thongs). These tend to be the most popular styles sold in stores, and the largest population in the average collegiette panty drawer.  While thongs and tangas tend to be of the lacy variety year-round, more conventional styles often come in seasonal patterns. What is more, they can be worn under any wardrobe, and are the least likely to require readjustment throughout the day. It does happen. Word to the wise: pursue one of these options for any ski trips planned in the upcoming future. It is easier said than done to fix a wedgie underneath your snow pants.

Editor’s picks: the holiday-inspired Baby It’s Cold Outside and All I Want graphic boybriefs from Aerie.

Item 4: Boyshorts

A final must-have for your winter panty wardrobe is boyshorts. Do not resign yourself to long pajama pants for the entire fall and winter. Expand your snuggle-wear wardrobe to include cute patterned boyshorts, which are much sexier than pajama pants, however fuzzy those pajama pants might be. Pair your boyshorts with a cozy sweatshirt and long fuzzy socks for a sexy winter bedtime look.

Editor’s picks: the adorable polar bear lace trimmed boyshort from Aerie.         

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Katie Meikle

Boise State

Katie Meikle, also known as Meeks, Meikle or Pumpkin, is a junior and transfer student from Tufts University in Boston, currently studying health sciences at Boise State. Although a Boise native, Katie spent her entire high school career overseas, split between Japan and Taiwan. Katie's writing interests include fashion, healthy eating, mixology, and campus cuties... of course! She loves the great outdoors, traveling, her two dogs, Lexi and Hobbs, days at the beach, walks on sunny days, and her mom's cooking. Favorite quote: don't be a drag, just be a queen.