A teddie or teddy is a form of undergarments similar to a bodysuit which is mostly worn in the boudoir. Dissimilar to a bodysuit however, it is usually more sheer and much looser and may be made to slip of the shoulders instead of open at the crotch. The teddy is generally worn for the tantalizing look, rather than for pragmatic reasons.

The Bra

In the late eighteen eighties the Frenchwoman Herminie Cadolle introduced the first modern brassiere. This was a two-piece undergarment known as le bien-etre (the well-being). The lower section was a corset for the waist while the top section supported the breasts by the use of straps over the shoulders. By 1905 the upper section half was being sold separately as a soutien-gorge (breast-supporter, using a euphemism for breast that conventionally means throat), the name by which bras are still called in France. Cadolle’s company is still making and selling lingerie today.

The Babydoll

The babydoll is a tiny nightgown or negligee meant as nightwear for women. The raiment is sometimes trimmed with ribbons, bows, ruffles, lace, appliques and Marabou fur, and generally has an option of spaghetti straps. Often it is manufactured of translucent or sheer material like nylon, silk or chiffon. The garment’s hemline is commonly about six inches above the knee like a minidress and could have a scoop-neck. Babydolls are traditionally considered to be exciting.

The Thong

The thong or G-string is more than likely one of the first forms of clothing known to man. It is presumed to have developed in the warmer climates of sub-Saharan Africa where garments were first worn nearly 75,000 years ago. Many tribal clans displayed thongs for millennia. These first garments were made with the male genitalia in mind.

The Corset

The corset became unfashionable during the nineteen twenties in America and Europe. Elastic bras and girdles were responsible for replacing it, but it managed to survive as an article of costume. Originally an item of underwear, the corset has turned into a popular item of outerwear in the gothic and on-the-edge fashion. In on-the-edge literature, there is usually a lot of emphasis on tightlacing. In this case the corset could still be underwear rather than outerwear.

To get the hairstyle you’re looking for, follow a few helpful pointers:

1 Get to know your face. Scrape back your hair and look in a mirror. There are all sort of face shapes but the main variations are called Long, Heart shaped, Square, Oval and Round. Decide which best describes yours.

2 If you have an oval face, show it off! An oval face is generally egg shaped and balanced on top and bottom. This shape is considered ideal, so have fun with it. Any kind of hairstyle flatters this type of face so you can go ahead and explore different styles.

3 Long faces can be made to appear shorter and more in proportion by a shoulder-length cut. Layers that are long or bangs look good with oval faces. However avoid parting your hair down the center since the emphasizes the long face – side partings work best.

4 If you have an Square face then try to soften the angles with a cut that’s ‘wavy’. Those with broad foreheads and cheeks and with squarer chins look great with a curving style. Layers cut at chin or jawbone height have the affect of neatly framing the square face, taking attention away from the chin. With this kind of facial type stiffly angular styles tend not to work well and should be avoided.

5 Round face (defined as a full face with a small chin, wide cheeks and small cheekbones): elongate a round face with longer hair that extends to below your chin. To add volume and height, get layers on top – layers around the cheeks will narrow your face. With this face type, stay away from bangs and chin-length dos.

6 Heart-shaped face (wide forehead that slopes down to a small chin): Shoulder-length hair, with layers from the chin down, works well with this face. To create a fuller bottom, curl or flip out the layers to balance out the small chin. Or try a chin-length bob for the same effect. Stay away from styles that are too full at the top and wispy on the bottom.

More hints

1. Don’t neglect hair texture when thinking through styles. If your hair is thinnish, then long haircuts can lead to a flat look (and they’ll be hard work to look after). Instead help your fine hair by giving body and keeping it short. If you have wavy natural hair then think about going with quite sculptural layers. Naturally thick hair is great for layers and they tend to add some texture to the hair.

2. Virtual styling programs are available, so take this as a chance to have a close look a some unexpected hairstyles on your virtual head.

The big days

For special occasions there are many different hairstyles from which to choose, so it’s a good time to try something new. Whether it’s the prom or a wedding, the following tips should help you make that final decision:

-Sift through the glossy mags for hairstyles that you fancy giving a try

-When you’re trying out those styles, don’t forget to wear the very dress that you’ll also be sporting on that special day

-Sweeping your hair looks amazing with a strapless dress, while gel and hair spray offer a more sophisticated appearance

-A special twist can come from hair glitter

-Get your style sorted at least one week before the special occasion!