Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 (Photo by Randy Brooke/WireImage), Rihanna performing this month at the Hope for Haiti Now Concert (Photo by Dave M. Benett/MTV via Getty Images), Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 (Photo by Venturelli/WireImage)

Lingerie inspired fashion is is everywhere lately, from the runway to the red carpet. We've seen silk slips at Dior and satin panties at Marc Jacobs, as well as stars—including Chloe Sevigny and Leighton Meester—showing off more bra than a strap. And who can ignore the pants-less trend favored by the likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna? Even corsets, long relegated to goths and burlesque dancers, are cool right now.

images clockwise from top left: Lady Gaga at an awards ceremony in June (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage), Taylor Momsen in New York in December (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images), Bottega Veneta Spring 2010 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Chloe Sevigny at a party in November (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage), Leighton Meester in Chicago in January (Photo by Paul Warner/WireImage), Christian Dior Spring 2010 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

But do those looks always translate for real life? Not always, explains New York-based stylist and personal shopper Allison Berlin. "It's hard to pull off the leotard look when you're not on stage," says the stylist, who has styled Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry and Liev Schreiber, among others. 

However, there are ways to wear the trend without looking like any type of performer, if you get our drift. We quizzed Berlin on what works/what doesn't and then found viable options on eBay.

The Inside Source: The "no pants" thing is everywhere, from the stars to the streets. is there a way to class it up?

Allison Berlin: It's hard to pull off the leotard look when you're not on stage. I would suggest a black satin short-short with tights (try patterned tights for a more vintage feel). Giving the look a retro vibe feels more sophisticated and less Jersey Shore than completely bare (or even merely tights-covered) legs.

How to Wear it: Adventurous types can try these charcoal satin shorts (buy it now price, $9.99) with a pair of sheer black pin dot tights (starting bid, $6.32).

TIS: What about a slip dress? How can someone make this look a little more formal?

AB: A slip dress can be worn a with a great tuxedo jacket to give it a more formal, put together look. Adding layers of rhinestone necklaces will pull it all together.

How to Wear it: This navy and black tuxedo blazer from J.Crew (starting bid, $69.99) atop a black slip dress would look even better matched with Tom Binns' black Swarovski crystal knotted necklace (sold for $398).

TIS: If you really love cone bras ala Sonia Rykiel pour H&M, is lingerie-inspired swimwear a good way to go?

AB: Again, body-distorting items are best are best left for a stage performance. I would skip the cone and opt for a bra-inspired bikini top or 1-piece swimsuit.

How to Wear it: Norma Kamali's Johnny D bra (buy it now price, $65) might not be cone-shaped, but when paired with its matching boy short (buy it now price, $65), the two-piece swimsuit certainly gives off a retro lingerie vibe.

TIS: What about wearing a slip as a skirt—any tips on that?

AB: Make sure it's a dark color and could be mistaken for a proper skirt. Pair it with a menswear inspired slouchy sweater for a modern, fresh look.

How to Wear it: This black half-slip (starting bid, $7) is transformed into a demure skirt after a belted cashmere sweater (starting bid, $24.99) is layered on top.  Take inspiration from Los Angeles-based design duo Rodarte, who often blend knitwear and lingerie elements into their  collections.

TIS: Any final ideas?

AB: If you're not willing to actually wear innerwear as outerwear then look for pieces that have lingerie inspired details: lace trim or silk satin trim, a camisole as a layering pieces, and delicate prints.

How to Wear it: Try something like a lace-trimmed knit blouse (starting bid, $19.99) or Vena Cava's pink silk dress (buy it now price, $50).

Lauren Sherman is a fashion and culture writer based in Brooklyn. She currently works as an editor at Fashionista.com.