Creepy or Classic? Flirty Babydolls for Every Body

I've always loved the look of flirty babydolls, but had no clue about the origin of the classic lingerie style until I wrote this post.

The name is linked to the 1956 film, Baby Doll, directed by Elia Kazan. It's based on the Tennessee Williams story of two feuding gin owners living in the deep South. Carroll Baker plays Baby Doll, virgin wife of a middle-aged man, who in 3 days time (her 20th birthday) must consummate their marriage. Baby Doll sleeps in a nursery bed, wears short baby doll dresses, and taunts the men with her sexuality. At the time, the controversial film was boycotted by Catholics and condemned by Time Magazine. (For more, see below.)

Today's flirty babydolls haven't lost any of their girly, sexy appeal. And the empire waist design flatters all boob sizes and body types.

Here are 12 modern-day versions of the lingerie babydoll, just in time for Valentine's Day:

Curvy Kate Ritzy Babydoll

Available in Bands 32-38, Cups E-HH

via Bare Necessities

 

 

 

In Bloom by Jonquil Natalie Babydoll & G-String

Available in Sizes XS, S, M, L

via Nordstrom

 

Freya Underwire Plunge Babydoll

Available in Bands 28-38, Cups D-G

via HerRoom

 

 

Shirley of Hollywood Chopper Bar Lace & Net Babydoll

Available in Sizes S, M, L, XL

via HerRoom

 

 

 

 Hanky Panky Enchante Babydoll w/G-String

Available in S, M, L

via HerRoom

 

 

Parfait by Affinitas Kitty Babydoll

Available in Bands 30-40, Cups D-G

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Stretch Lace Babydoll

Available in 6 Colors, Sizes 1X to 6X

via Hips & Curves

 

 

Elomi Maria Babydoll

Available in Bands 34-42, Cups E-H

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Shirley of Hollywood Sheer Net Babydoll

Available in 5 colors, Sizes 1x to 3x

via HerRoom

 

 

Front Shelf Cup Babydoll

Available in Sizes 1x to 4X

via Hips & Curves

 

 

 

Cleo by Panache Marcie Babydoll

Available in Band Sizes 28-38, Cups C-J

via HerRoom

 

 

Caged Cup Babydoll

Available in Sizes 22/24, 26/28

via Lane Bryant

 

 

To see what Carroll Baker wore in the film, check out this trailer:

[youtube_sc url="http://youtu.be/GrcnWKvDjwk" playlist="Baby Doll film"]

Have you ever worn a babydoll style dress or lingerie? What do you think of the history behind the name? Is it creepy or classic?