Actress Kim Basinger had a scene in ‘Nine and a Half Weeks’, in which her character Elizabeth lifted her legs against a wall while she was viewing art slides; in George Michael’s music video ‘I Want Your Sex’, the model (George’s then girl friend Kathy Jeung’s body double), just like Kim’s character, was also wearing a black pair. Helen Mirren as Alfred Hitchcock’s wife Alma Reville in the 2012 movie ‘Hitchcock’, asks her husband if her seams are staying straight?
Well, by now you might have guessed, the above women’s characters I mentioned, were all wearing suspender belts and stockings.
Before pantyhose appeared in the 60’s, women had no choice but wearing stockings; nowadays suspenders and stockings are quite rarely included in modern women’s daily wear. ‘Are we too busy for them?’ ‘Are they really such high maintenance?’ Or perhaps the feminists might simply dislike the whole idea that women are seen as sex objects by wearing them walking around in their stilettos?!
Anyway, to cut the long story short, men still love their women (any woman actually) wearing stockings and suspenders, however, the modern women seem to have less time and/or energy for them.
My personal experience? Well, whenever I made an extra effort to put them on, I truely enjoyed how I felt in them and how the look appeared to others. I felt ’empowered’ in them! And my favourite stockings were the seamed on the heels and back of legs ones.
There’s no doubt that stockings and suspenders highlight and frame a woman’s most sensual part of her body. They make a woman look ultra sexy and super feminine. One movie scene I remember very well, in ‘A Perfect Murder’, actress Gwyneth Paltrow wore her black suspender belt and stockings underneath a white shirt in her walk-in wardrobe… The sophistication of the style was undeniable.
Lately, perhaps partly due to the best-seller erotic romance novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (by E. L. James), the demand in women’s high-end lingerie has become exponential. Also thanks to Dita Von Teese, who’s signature style keeps suspenders and stockings ever desirous – by both men and women!
Although it’s totally understandable when we are in such a hurry to attend our work in the mornings, the last thing we want to worry about, is if the seams of our stockings are staying perfectly straight! Well, here I’d like to quote a male friend’s opinion on this as a wrap up…
“If I were a woman, I’d wear suspenders and stockings ALL THE TIME!!!”
Photo credit: self portrait
vivalaViv 
haha, i’ve always been a fan of these. Definitely leaves a bit to the imagination if you catch the glimpse of a buckle directly following a slight rise of the skirt on a quick walk by. Very stylish as well. – JC
I couldn’t agree more Judah. Many thanks for your feedback! X
Excellent! So true we do love them! Men do!!!
I know! 😉
Very well written! I have no need for suspenders and stockings. However, I agree they are feminine and beautiful.
Indeed! Thank you for your lovely comment Ann-maree. X
“I sat down on the edge of a deep soft chair and looked at Mrs. Regan. She was worth a stare. She was trouble. She was stretched out on a modernistic chaise-longue with her slippers off, so I stared at her legs in the sheerest silk stockings.”
– Raymond Chandler. The Big Sleep.
Love it Mark! LOVE it!!! X
“I don’t mind your showing me your legs. They’re very swell legs and it’s a pleasure to make their acquaintace. I don’t mind if you don’t like my manners. They’re pretty bad. I grieve over them during the long winter nights.”
― Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep
Thank you Mark! 🙂 X
Nothing wrong with suspenders and stockings… Love the classic look coming back… Something sensual about that, Thank you for this V. 🙂
You are welcome Frank, and thank you for your positive feedback! X
Stockings are really powerful in a woman’s wardrobe (at least it is in mine). Obviously because I feel different wearing beautiful things from head to toes. I love wearing beautiful clothing but it would have no sense to wear random underwear with it. A pretty dress would lose its power with basic coton knickers.
Also, from a practical point of view, stockings are really comfortable and easy to wear.
I hate pantyhose. When it is not a super high quality from a great brand, it goes in your belly and creates fat bumps, it scratches my bottom and is way too ugly to be worn anyway. I only wear opaque soft ones and wool blends when it is too cold for wearing stockings.
Stay up stockings are also problematic, as only high quality ones can ensure a good stay (this awful feeling of a garter slowly losing grip and falling down your thigh… Of course in the middle of a crowded street) and silicon bands makes your thighs sweat…
A good garter belt (with a minimum of three large metal garters and a shape that sits on the waist and hips, not a lacy loose fancy thing) and nice quality stockings are the real thing. It is comfortable, doesn’t move during the day, and is super pretty when dressing/undressing (oh the magnificent moves you have to make while putting on pantyhoses…).
The best is obviously the traditionnal fully fashioned nylon stockings, but if you don’t feel like worrying about the seam (which is really easy when used to it) there are plenty of non seamed designs that are just as nice !
Also you can make historical companies live by buying their production like Cervin and Gerbe !
Thanks for this article, it is nice to hear about this subject without a weird fetishist tone !
Oh Morrigan, I want to let you know that I’m sitting here reading your wonderful feedback with a BIG smile on my face!
I love your opening line: “Stockings are really powerful in a woman’s wardrobe.” Yes, they are so important that they deserve an entire blog of their own!!
Last but not least, thank you for the tip, I’ll check out the historical brands you have mentioned.
Many thanks!!! X
Love this! Love the soft lingerie contrasting with the hard bathroom surrounds. Pure delight.
Interesting point of view from a photographer’s sharp eyes! Well spotted Kenny, and let me tell you it was not planned. X
You’re welcome! Contrasting yes, but complementary as champagne and bubbles.
Cheers~
sexy look
Why not?!!! 😉
Fantastic shot ~ a feeling of electricity, sensuality ~ simply beautiful.
Thank you. I’m flattered to hear that! X
I think we should all feel sexy. Whether someone sees it or not. Why not? If you’re a woman, feeling feminine is a must. I just love the stockings. Such a great look Viv.
Kia / House of KTS (formerly known as Pure & Complex)
http://www.houseofkts.com
Thank you Kia.
Yes I agree. Feeling sensual is an empowering thing which, in my opinion, every woman should have the experience no matter with or without a partner.
To me, suspenders and stockings are the beautiful intimates which help us to get in touch with our inner sex goddess!! X
I love the stockings and suspenders but they are quite difficult at times and they can be very delicate. Great post.
xx Falasha
Bite My Fashion ll Instagram ll Bloglovin’
Thank you for your feedback Falasha.
I do know what you mean by saying “difficult at time”, especially when I had to adjust the seams on the back without a mirror!
Because they are so delicate; so pricey; not to mention the hard work and time-consuming they can be.., and that’s why it’s extra special to see someone who is devoted to them. X X
Where do you get the suspenders? =)
Hi, Diana.., I think the best place to find suspenders would be at lingerie boutiques, plus most of the department stores (lingerie section) do sell them too I believe. 🙂
Ah – makes sense. I obviously don’t do such boutiques LOL. I should….he he.
Soft silk sliding up fresh shaven legs and the feeling of taught garter straps moving against the thigh and reminding me that they are there throughout the day suspends me in a permanent feminine high. Add a short pink angora cardigan and leather pencil skirt and heels and it’s blissful. ❤
The sensation of wearing suspenders and stockings beautifully described. Thank you so much for your feedback Chloe! 😘
You look amazing by the way! x ❤