Can  Hold‑Ups  Be  Everyday  Sexy?

Dear Abbie,

I love the idea of hold‑ups — there’s something quietly defiant about them — but every pair I see looks designed for candlelight rather than daylight. Lace tops, shimmer, details that belong to evenings, not errands.

I can’t picture wearing them to work or out shopping.

Am I missing something, or are hold‑ups really just for the bedroom?

You’re not missing anything — and you’re definitely not alone.

Most hold‑ups are meant to be seductive. They’re lingerie‑first, hosiery‑second: designed to be seen, admired, unfastened. That’s why they feel “wrong” when you’re simply getting dressed and heading into the day — they weren’t made for that kind of movement.

I sell a lot of hold‑ups, especially from Ballerina, and the truth is that most of those pieces are unapologetically glamorous. Lace bands, ornate seams, a little theatre built into every inch. They’re perfect when you want to be noticed.

But I also know that sometimes you want the feeling of a hold‑up — that quiet power, that freedom — without the drama. Something you can wear to the office, to brunch, through the school run, without the sense that you’re in costume.

The good news? Those pairs exist.
They’re just harder to spot.

How to Recognise Everyday Hold‑Ups

Think less “lingerie that performs” and more “hosiery that behaves.”
Look for:

• a smooth, narrow band (no scalloped lace peeking through clothes)
• matte or semi‑matte finish — no shimmer
• silky stretch that stays in place quietly
• no visible texture or contrast band under fitted skirts or trousers

If they look thrilling on the packaging, they’ll feel theatrical on your legs.
And that’s lovely — just not what you need at nine a.m.

You’ve probably seen my Ballerina hold‑ups — all lace, gloss, and evening promise.
But for women who want that same sensual lift in the daylight, I’ve curated a rarer kind: the pairs that act like hosiery but still feel like lingerie.

They don’t call attention to themselves.
They just hum quietly under your confidence.
You notice their absence more than their presence — and that’s the whole point.

Discover the edit:
👠 [The Day‑to‑Day Hold‑Ups Collection] — smooth · seamless · comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing them.