Honestly, if you’ve been anywhere near a screen in the last year, you know the aesthetic. It’s that specific mix of 1960s Brigitte Bardot volume and modern, "I’m clearly in on the joke" confidence. But lately, the conversation around Sabrina Carpenter in lingerie has shifted from just "cool stage outfits" to a full-blown cultural case study.
It isn't just about the clothes. It's the branding.
Most people see the custom Victoria’s Secret bodysuits or the viral Skims campaigns and think it’s just another pop star leaning into a "sexy" era. That’s a bit of a surface-level take, though. If you look closer at her Short n' Sweet tour or her recent 2025-2026 red carpet runs, you’ll see she’s actually doing something much more tactical with her wardrobe. She’s using boudoir-inspired fashion to reclaim a narrative that used to be used to box her in.
The Victoria's Secret and Skims Effect
Remember that April 2024 Skims campaign? The one with the '90s bedroom vibes, the stacks of CDs, and those lace-trimmed slips? That was a massive turning point. Kim Kardashian doesn't just pick anyone for those spots; she picks people who are currently the "main character" of the internet. By modeling the Stretch Lace and Fits Everybody collections, Sabrina basically signaled that her "Polly Pocket" era was evolving into something more sophisticated.
She mentioned in a W Magazine interview that the shoot made her feel like a young girl playing dress-up in her bedroom. That’s the "Sabrina" secret sauce: it never feels predatory or forced. It feels like a girl having fun with her own femininity.
Then came the partnership with Victoria’s Secret. We aren’t talking about the mall-brand bras your mom used to buy you. This was high-octane, custom-built stage wear. At the 2024 MTV VMAs, she performed in a custom Victoria's Secret look that reportedly took over 180 hours to make. It had 100,000 hand-placed stones. 100,000!
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Why the "Short n' Sweet" Wardrobe is Genius
Her tour outfits—styled by Jared Ellner—are basically a love letter to the history of the "femme fatale." But they’re funny. She starts the show wrapped in a towel. It’s a total bit. When that towel drops to reveal a corseted VS bodysuit, it’s a theatrical reveal, not just a fashion choice.
She’s been very vocal about why she chooses these silhouettes. To her, femininity is a tool. She told Time that if she wants to wear "corsets and garter belts and fuzzy robes," that’s her choice. It’s an unapologetic stance that resonates with her Gen Z fan base.
Here’s a breakdown of how her team structured the "lingerie" acts on the latest tour:
- Act I: The "Bath" scene. Features the iconic Victoria's Secret corsets and those sheer babydoll dresses.
- Act II: "Sabrina After Dark." This moves into custom black lace catsuits by Patou. It’s a bit more "noir" and moody.
- Act III: The "Retro TV" finale. Usually features sequined two-piece sets by Ludovic de Saint Sernin that mimic a vintage showgirl look.
The 2026 Trend: Lingerie as Everyday Wear
The "Sabrina effect" is hitting the streets now, too. We’ve seen a massive 233% spike in interest for "lingerie-inspired" streetwear going into 2026. Her merch team even released a "lingerie tee"—a literal T-shirt with a lace bra printed on it. It’s a wink to the fans. It says, "I know you're talking about my clothes, so here’s a version you can wear to the grocery store."
It's actually pretty brilliant. It commodifies the controversy.
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Critics sometimes argue she’s catering to the "male gaze," but her fans—mostly young women—see it differently. To them, she’s a 5-foot-tall powerhouse who looks incredible and doesn't apologize for it. She’s representing for the "short girlies" who want to feel glamorous without being infantalized.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think this is a new thing for her. It isn't. Sabrina has been working with brands like Savage X Fenty since 2021. She’s been building this visual identity for years. It’s only now, with hits like "Espresso" and "Taste" dominating the charts, that the rest of the world is finally catching up to the aesthetic.
She isn't just "wearing lingerie." She’s wearing history.
You can see the references to Brigitte Bardot’s 1960s hair, Marilyn Monroe’s There’s No Business Like Show Business catsuits, and even Madonna’s vintage Bob Mackie gowns.
How to Lean Into the Aesthetic (Actionable Tips)
If you’re looking to channel that Sabrina energy without looking like you’re heading to a slumber party, here is how the fashion experts are doing it in 2026:
1. Layering is Everything
Don't just wear a corset. Layer a sheer, oversized button-down or a vintage-style "babydoll" mesh dress over it. It’s about the peek-a-boo effect, not the full reveal.
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2. Play with Proportions
Since Sabrina is petite, she uses high-cut silhouettes to elongate her legs. If you’re trying this look, go for the high-waisted "garter" style tights or platform boots to balance out the daintiness of the lace.
3. Focus on the Fabric
The difference between "cheap" and "chic" in this category is texture. Look for stretch lace, silk, and satin. Avoid anything that looks too "costumey" or thin.
4. Keep the Glam Soft
Notice her makeup is always "coquette"—heavy on the pink blush, soft winged liner, and voluminous "Cinderella" hair. It balances out the edginess of the lingerie.
By the time the 2026 festival season hits, expect to see "Sabrina-core" everywhere. It’s a shift toward hyper-femininity that doesn't care if it’s "too much." And honestly? In a world of boring beige loungewear, a little bit of lace and 100,000 crystals feels like exactly what we need.
To keep your wardrobe ahead of the curve, start looking for vintage slips and structured bustiers at local thrift shops. The key is to find pieces with unique details—like the heart cutouts or the New York City skyline crystals Sabrina wore at Madison Square Garden—that feel personal rather than mass-produced. Focus on pieces that offer both structure and comfort, as that’s the primary reason Sabrina cited for choosing her specific Victoria’s Secret tour designs.