With the party season is full swing I’ve been enjoying helping women style their festive outfits for various events. Once the perfect outfit has been chosen, then the all-important question is what to wear underneath? The right underwear can transform an outfit, help you feel more confident and should be comfortable too.
So, I thought I would share my two pence worth on what 3 key pieces of underwear I think are essential and are a staple part of my own wardrobe.
Good shapewear should support you and accentuate your figure but should not be uncomfortable. Shapewear ranges from light support to intense, but keep in mind that if you want to enjoy those mince pies and mulled wine, intense support may feel uncomfortable by the end of the evening. Ideally you want the material to be supportive, but not so thick that it can be seen and affect the look of your fabulous party outfit.
There are an overwhelming amount of shapewear options available, so I have provided some affordable options all with excellent reviews.
1 The Strapless Bra
I have had my fair share of strapless bra disasters: be it sliding down, too loose on the back, too small on the cup or spending the whole evening hoisting it up; it’s enough to put anyone off buying a strapless bra for life!
But, they are so useful and there are some good ones out there, I promise. In recent years I have purchased some excellent strapless bras, mostly just from good old M&S. These days most of my bras are nude and multi way, I can use them with almost any outfit, day or night.
To ensure you get the best possible bra for you, it is important to have it properly fitted. 80% of women in the UK are wearing the wrong bra size and you’re not going to get the benefits of your strapless bra if you are wearing the wrong size. I try to go for a bra fitting every couple of years and if I have had a significant weight change, such as pregnancy and post birth.
As I have a larger bust size, I like to opt for a thick band and often go down a back size for extra support. If the band is supporting you properly then you shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers under the band. If you are very concerned about the bra sliding down, you could try a longline style, which might feel more secure and provides the added bonus of some waist shaping. Another top tip is to avoid putting moisturiser on your back when you are wearing a strapless bra.
2. The Slip
I own two slip skirts and a slip dress for wearing under clothing, and there is barely a week that goes by in winter when I don’t make use of them. I use slips mostly as an extra layer to keep off the chill or to line a skirt/dress when the material is a bit thin, but you can also get a fantastic range of shapewear slips.
3. The Shapewear Knickers
Last, but not least of my 3 shapewear superheroes, is the Bridget Jones knickers! Ideally these pants should be firm enough to give you a nice smooth silhouette, but not so tight that you are uncomfortable. If you are looking for knickers to smooth the tummy, the thighs and prevent chaffing, then cycling shorts might be a good option; the pair from Matalan below are extremely good value. All the options below have got excellent reviews and should allow you to comfortably breathe, eat and party the night away in style!
