Garters are back, but are they appropriate?

When I spotted "Gossip Girl" actress Taylor Momsen wearing tights with garters at New York Fashion Week, I thought she was just making a statement. But over the past few weeks, more and more celebrities have been seen wearing underthings as outerwear. Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Lily Allen, and Rihanna have joined Momsen in donning garters out on the town.

When temperatures drop, ladies typically take to wearing tights, but why the thigh high variety this year? Denise Fraser, a lingerie buyer for Figleaves.com says stockings and garters are up 35% from last year. "Women are desiring a more feminine, sexy look and in the recession, they are buying something sexy to improve their mood." We believe that, but why garters in particular? "We are attributing it to the return of Forties and Fifties trends, which we have been seeing on the catwalk...There are such beautiful fabrics and styles available that it is impossible for women not to feel glamorous and sexy." With '90s style back in, and Jean-Paul Gaultier back in the bustier biz, seeing lingerie inspired pieces return seems only natural.

This past weekend while at a bar with some friends, I spotted a woman wearing a blazer, shorts, and thigh highs with garters, similar to the look Taylor Momsen is wearing above. My guy friend noticed too, and gestured to her, saying she looked good. I agreed, she did pull off the garters, but did he think she looked trashy? Nope, just hot.

Though I probably won't embrace the trend myself, I can see the garters looking OK on certain people. I just hope the trend doesn't get inappropriately overused. What do you think of wearing garters outside of the bedroom? [The Lingerie Post]