BLUEBELLA Lingerie: What I'd Actually Buy First

I tend to be wary of lingerie brands that talk a lot about empowerment, so I will say plainly that BLUEBELLA won me over with the actual clothes. Emily Bendell, an Oxford graduate, left legal journalism and started the label in London in 2005 around one idea: that personal style begins close to the skin. She wanted a new language for contemporary sensuality, with lingerie as something you choose for yourself rather than a costume saved for a special date. That is still the brand's clearest idea to me.

The details carry it: floral embroidery, sheer mesh, a bit of metallic hardware and the push and pull between softness and structure. I like that the pieces can stay private or join an outfit, say a sheer bra under an open shirt or a satin set for a slow morning. The thread through all of it is strength, sensuality and individual expression. The business has won a King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, but it is the personal part I keep coming back to.

The Marisa Bra is white, sheer and embroidered with flowers, the sort of delicate thing I would wear under a loose shirt or jacket. The Ophelia Bodysuit pairs guipure lace with open cups and soft mesh, and the Azalea Open Wired Bodysuit goes bolder in black and gold. The Etienne Bodysuit and Ana Corset are the structured ones, while the Nova Bra keeps a softer ivory mood.

Picture her in one of these under a sharp jacket for an evening out, the lace feeling like part of the outfit rather than a secret. I would try everything on at home and be honest about fit. If the wire sits away from the chest, try another size or cut.

This is the part of the label I find most charming, the small things you choose just for yourself. The Marisa Thong repeats the white set's sheer mesh and gold-tone touches, while the Nova Thong adds ivory guipure lace and a little diamante at the waist. The Bridal Garter is soft ivory lace with a blue satin bow, a playful nod to tradition that does not have to wait for a wedding if you simply like the color. The Marseille Thong is the all-black alternative.

In my getting-ready daydream, she picks one private detail to wear under a loose robe before heading out. I would keep any detail on show only when I want it there.

The last group mixes loungewear with pieces that can leave the bedroom. The Alara Luxury Satin Cami & Short Set pairs fluid satin with embroidered mesh cups, and the Leonora Satin Cami And Short Set adds lace trim and an open back. I would throw the Short Kimono over either one for a slow breakfast, then use the Ophelia Choker to carry a line of lace into an outfit.

The Latex High Waist Hot Pant changes the texture completely and feels like the most deliberate choice here. My practical tip is to sit down in anything you try, not only stand, because nightwear should still move with you.

BLUEBELLA is at its best when sensuality belongs to the wearer. Emily Bendell set out to change how lingerie gets talked about, and the embroidery, the sheer mesh and the pieces made for layering keep that conversation in the everyday. I keep coming back to choosing what feels good against my skin before thinking about anyone else's reaction. Start with one detail, a line of embroidery, a bit of satin or an easy layer, and let the rest of the outfit follow. Although I know the garter will be first.