Here's How To... buy yourself some decent underwear

Love it or hate it, the last few weeks have all been about boys and girls displaying their love in the most soppiest of ways. But why should the fun end at Valentine's? What if you're a single lady who loves wearing flirty, sexy underwear just for your own personal enjoyment? We asked stylist Courtney Smith, to come up with her top suggestions on high street lingerie this season. Well, she has styled celebs, doncha know...

I’m not usually the Valentine’s type… the flowers, the chocolates, the cupcakes with love-hearts, the sickly cute messages coming up on my social media news feeds every 2 seconds. It’s all just a big Hallmark occasion invented to encourage us to spend even more money, right? On the 14th last year I was all about ignoring the day.

I'll admit, my viewpoint on this once-despised holiday has changed this year; new boy, new start and a WHOLE NEW OUTLOOK on lingerie and underwear. So now it’s time to indulge and make up for all the times I missed out on and use the excuse to go lingerie shopping. Yeah, I know it was technically two weeks ago. But why limit yourself to being sexy for your other half on one day of the year?

I adore lingerie – the idea that you could have the most sexy, sensual items underneath your clothes and nobody has a clue gives it, dare I say, a naughty feeling. It is the perfect way to play up your personality from flirty lace, to vampy black suspenders, to girly pinks and feminine nudes, sexy red satins and sultry demi-cup cleavages. The variety is endless.

For the vampish amongst you, try www.petitsbisous.com for the most stunning bodysuits and two-pieces like this sheer lace red bodysuit - the perfect under-garment for a sheer shirt or plunging neckline dress to showcase what’s underneath. But definitely an eye-catching look for the bedroom too, and if you channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw, you could even have some fun with their fluffy mules..

One of my personal favourites is a sweet set from Next; not an obvious Valentine’s choice, but it’s super-wearable and will last in your wardrobe but not only that, the soft nude/peach tone is really flattering against a tan and the sheer lace elements make it alluring in a very subtle way. The briefs matching this are great for a little more coverage if you are not a fan of the thong kind!

Primark does playful like nobody else; this season they featured cute sets in a vibrant yet sexy Victoria’s Secret kind of way. Balconette-style bras are the biggest sellers because they give you ample support and cleavage at the same time and seem to suit both small and bigger busts. For someone looking for more of a colour pop, try harnessing the flirty nature of colourful lace against nude lining… definitely one for the free spirits amongst you.

New Look has gone a little sporty yet still sexy with their ranges this season; think deep teal satin making the lucy wearer feel nothing grown up and sophisticated. Little cut-out details and black piping give their collectin a sporty fresh take - add in a flash of lace and it’s ultimately sexed up. Who says sexy has to be flimsy?

For fun and frills, look no further than online fashion mecca ASOS; its cute and girly frilly sets won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but this cropped cami-style bralet and the low-cut briefs are a welcome break from the obvious black and red lace we usually see around Valentines.

My must-have Valentine’s lingerie brand has to be Elle MacPherson; it just oozes sex appeal, it’s cheeky and saucy with peekaboo nipples and sheer lace. You won’t get a whole lot of support with this but these ones aren’t really for practicality and more for a bedroom mood.

The newest lingerie brand on the market is L'Agent, which is the diffusion line from Agent Provocateur designed by the sexy sisters Penelope and Monica Cruz. Much more affordable prices and yet the same vavavoom effect we expect with Agent Provocateur, with a killer array of colours and styles. This navy lace 3-piece set is the perfect alternative to a black lace set and the floral lace applique gives it just the right amount of softness to counteract the sexiness. This one is on my wish list.

So there you have it, my must-have boudoir beauties for women wanting to surprise their partner whne they least expect, or for ladies who love to wear nothing but the best just for themselves.

I think the most important tip of all is to be comfortable – there are a million different styles and fits of lingerie – make sure you choose one to complement your curves, and your attitude!