There are always new trendy colors for lingerie every season, but so many women stick to buying just the basics anyway -- black, white, nude. But nude is one basic that can be so pretty -- and sexy. It's also useful. Who wants a tangerine bikini showing through white shorts in the bright sun?

Nude undies will stay hidden under light-colored and lightweight clothing. Before you shop for a new nude set, check out these styles.

But wait -- gray can be a nice change from the more typical white or nude, no?

And, it's a basic color that's also trendy. According to Pantone, "Driftwood" is "in" -- it's a mix of beige and gray. All different shades of gray are in lingerie stores now -- including pretty dove, silver and opal.

What's the basic color of lingerie you buy most often?  Nude, white, gray...or black?

Photo courtesy of Journelle.com / Bra by Elle Macpherson Intimates

Do you like to shop online for lingerie?

Online retailers -- 'E-tailers' -- can provide endless hours of enjoyable browsing. Or, a frustrating experience that will feel like a waste of time when you don't find what you need.

It can help to know which E-tailers have the best selection, and which have the most sales. But, you also need to know that you're shopping at a trustworthy virtual store, with good return policy. Even with the most helpful tools, like sizing guides, there is still no substitute for trying on a bra at home and checking the fit. It can also be helpful to know how to take your measurements, and what bra sizes mean, before you place an order.

I reviewed two of my favorite lingerie E-tailers -- Journelle.com and BareNecessities.com -- check out why I gave them each a 5-star rating.  Let me know if you agree.

Photo courtesy of Journelle.com

Recently, models were struttin' around Bloomingdale's in Soho, New York City. Celebrity fashion guru Carson Kressley hosted an event to celebrate the launch of Blush Lingerie in select Bloomingdale's stores across the country .

Keeping exposed skin to a minimum for a more family-friendly fashion show, the models were wearing different items from Blush Lingerie's new spring collection, and demonstrated creative ways to wear underwear as outerwear.

A few ideas: pair a pretty silk or satin cami with jeans, or open up a few extra buttons on your blouse to let your bra show -- especially if it has a fun polka dot print. Depending on your plans for the evening, try wearing a babydoll or chemise as a mini-dress. Wear it with a belt and denim jacket to be "downtown chic," and add opaque tights for a slightly more conservative look.

Where would you wear "innerwear as outerwear"?

Photo courtesy of Blush Lingerie

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping -- doesn't spring put you in the mood for buying new lingerie in soft, satiny colors?

Lingerie designers have all got spring fever. Some new styles are in colors so soft and pretty, they'll remind you of Easter egg dye. Some of the nicest ones I found are featured here.

If spring has you feeling "dotty" instead, maybe a retro-inspired polka dot pattern is more your style.

This lilac-colored soft bra by Brulee, shown at left, oozes of "spring" to me. It looks so comfortable and perfect for lounging around the apartment, or for wearing underneath a robe, while sipping coffee in the backyard on a sunny Saturday morning.

This bra is so pretty, you can even let part of it show underneath a soft pastel-colored cardigan sweater with a few top buttons open -- but this may only work if you've got a small chest.

No matter what size you are, however, all women feel like going braless at times. A pretty, soft cup bra is a much more flattering option than a plain 'ol tank top -- so add one in a pretty color to your lingerie drawer this spring.

Photo courtesy of Journelle.com