It's almost Valentine's Day, which means it's time to treat yourself - and your special someone - to some hot new lingerie. Katie Wright uncovers this season's sexiest sets

Most of the time, underwear shopping is a bit of a chore, but in the run up to February 14 it's a lot more fun, as we let loose and ignore the practical in favour of the playful.

And this season's collections make that very easy indeed, whether you're looking for red-hot raunch or something a little softer.

From racy to lacy, take your pick from the latest lingerie line-up...

BLACK MAGIC

The next instalment in E.L. James' steamy film franchise is out on February 10, and it's clear the Fifty Shades effect is being felt in the lingerie collections once again.

We're talking sexy bondage-inspired straps, peek-a-boo details and LOTS of see-through lace, with the all-black colour palette reflecting the Fifty Shades Darker aesthetic.

:: Bluebella Nova Body, currently reduced to £22 from £44 (Figleaves.com)

:: JJ Lux By Caprice Tania Graduated Bra, £32, and Brazilian Briefs, £18 (Freemans.com)

:: New Look Black Bra, £9.99, and Briefs, £6.99 (in store in February; www.newlook.com)

HIGH TIME

Last year saw the return of the choker and, alongside it, a renewed focus on necklines, as halter and high-neck lingerie started trending.

With the detail front and centre, these bras are made for showing off underneath a blazer or V-neck top, giving a cheeky peek of what's to come...

:: Simone Perele Elles Flame Bra, £70, and Shorty, £42 (www.harrods.com)

:: Boux Avenue Izadora Body, £35 (in store in February; www.bouxavenue.com)

:: Fifty Shades Darker by Coco de Mer Red Room Halterneck Bra, currently reduced to £28 from £35, and Peek-A-Boo Bikini Brief, currently reduced to £16 from £20, House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

PRETTY IN PINK

It's the colour trend of the season and couldn't be more perfect for Valentine's Day: pink is fun, flirty and there's a shade to suit everyone.

From blush to fuchsia, you'll find underwear sets that are pretty, provocative, or a little bit of both, with supportive bras in larger sizes too.

:: Figleaves Eva Lace Non Padded Balconette Bra, £20, and Lace Briefs, £10 (www.figleaves.com)

:: Maison Lejaby Soie Belle Push Up Bra, £180, and Tanga Briefs, £90 (www.maisonlejaby.com)

:: Parfait Casey Rose Plunge Moulded Bra, £27, and Thong, £14 (UKLingerie.com)

SOFTLY DOES IT

Maybe you don't want your 'assets' hoiked up high, or maybe support isn't paramount when your lingerie is primarily for show - whatever the reason, there are some seriously beautiful soft-cup bras around this season.

Look out for lace or mesh triangle bras with floral detailing - simple designs that are subtly seductive.

:: Maison Lejaby Talisman Blue Triangle Bra, £49 (www.maisonlejaby.com)

:: Boux Avenue Lexie Applique Triangle Bra, £22, and Applique Mesh Thong, £12 (www.bouxavenue.com)

GET THE LOOK

Myleene Klass easily made it onto the 'best dressed' list at the National Television Awards in a dress that combined the demure (a high neck and midi hem) with the daring (it was basically see-through). The Chi Chi London Cassy Dress, £71.99, strikes a similar balance, but this one's lined, so you don't have to flash your pants... (www.chichiclothing.com).

BUY IT NOW

If this coat looks more fashion forward than you might expect for JD Williams, that's because it's the product of a competition with students from the London College of Fashion. The blanket coat is based on the winning design by Meng Wu and features a double-sided hood and collar which you can switch up to suit your mood.

:: JD Williams Blanket Coat, £150 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

FASHION FLASH

:: STILL SEXY AT 60

Top models are usually 'discovered' around the age of 16, but Dulcie Andrews has just landed herself a modelling contract... and she's 60! The retired Londoner entered a competition run by Saga looking for 50-plus ladies and won a year's representation with Mrs Robinson Management. "The rise of the older model is a marvellous thing - more and more brands are using people representative of the 50-plus generation, so much so that the sight of an older face has moved out of tokenism and into mainstream," commented Saga Magazine editor Kate Bravery. "And about time too!"

:: BOXING KNOCKS OUT YOGA

You'd expect sales of woolly winter gloves to be booming right now, but Fashercise reports a 130% spike in boxing gloves compared to last year, as the sport overtakes yoga to become the most searched term on the luxury sportswear site (www.fashercise.com).

STYLE STEAL

Cooler than your bog-standard clutch, the pyramid bag is the perfect on-trend date night option. Boohoo's little black beauty is £14 and lands on the site on February 6 (www.boohoo.com).

ends