Your Four Lingerie Wardrobe Essentials
September 25th, 2009
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
We’re often asked about undergarments, as they provide the foundation for the clothes that we love featuring on Omiru. Even though your undergarments don’t show, we recommend investing in a few good basics. Great undergarments make your figure look its best - you won’t look (and feel) droopy, and your clothes will hang better. There are four essential undergarments every woman should have in her closet: a sexy bra and panty set, a t-shirt bra and seamless panty set, a convertible bra, and a tummy shaper. Invest in these four lingerie wardrobe essentials, and you’ll have the foundations to supplement your fabulous wardrobe:
Sexy Bra and Panty Set
Rosy Moulded Bra | $63 at Figleaves
Rosy Sentimentale Brief | $37.50 at Figleaves
Wear your sexy bra and panty set whenever you want an extra boost. Great lingerie, like a pair of killer heels, can give you an extra boost of confidence. The sexy bra and panty set is perfect for dates, interviews (so long as it’s not showing), presentations, and other stress-inducing events.
T-Shirt Bra and Seamless Panty Set
T-Shirt Demi Bra | 2 for $32 at Victoria’s Secret
Microsmooth Low Rise Bikini | $12 at Victoria’s Secret
A casual day staple, the t-shirt bra is perfect for those days when you’re lounging around or just running errands. The beauty of this bra is that it doesn’t show through your tees. It’s especially necessary if you love drapey, form fitting tees. Similarly, the seamless panty keeps you from showing VPL (visible panty lines) when you wear tight pants or skirts.
Convertible Bra
Wacoal Halo Lace Seamless Convertible Bra | $42 at Bare Necessities
When you need to break out an evening gown, a cocktail dress, or even a low tank, the convertible bra is going to be your best bet. It can go strapless, criss-cross, halter, or traditional. Given the flexibility, it’s well worth the investment.
Tummy Shaper
Hide & Sleek Full Panty Bodysuit | $54-$58 at Spanx
Slip on a tummy shaper when you reach for your slinky dress or very fitted pencil skirt. The tummy shaper will visually take off a few pounds - and it’ll smooth out your tummy, erasing any unsightly lumps.
Where to shop for lingerie?
Lingerie prices truly run the gamut. Victoria’s Secret is a great starting place for lingerie shopping, as they carry all of these items. More importantly, the sales staff can help to measure you for a proper bra fit - a MUST. If Victoria’s Secret is too pricey, check Target and H&M, which also carry these items at lower price points. For designer lingerie, you can indulge at upscale lingerie shops like Agent Provocateur or La Perla.
Last thoughts on lingerie?
(1) Remember to hand wash lingerie to keep it lasting longer.
(2) Depending on how much you wear them, bras should be replaced regularly, as they lose their support. For a bra that you wear on a consistent basis, think about replacing it every six months. Keep this in mind when budgeting for these items.
(3) Two good online shopping sites for lingerie are Fig Leaves and Bare Necessities.
Tell us, what lingerie essentials can you not live without? And where do you shop for lingerie? Share your style with us in the comments!
Entry Filed under: Shopping Guide,Women
13 Comments
1. Jac Lynn | September 25th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Lingerie Essentials: Spanks Bra-llelujah! Love ’em. Super comfortable, especially on hot days.
2. DB | September 25th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I like sexy bras and panties as much as the next girl, but I don’t find them practical to wear very often. Most sexy panties leave terrible panty lines and just don’t stay put. Most sexy bras have too much embellishment to wear under any shirts that are remotely form-fitting and are too colorful to wear under most clothes.
3. Tellicherry | September 25th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I have the best luck at Dillard’s. Thee sales associates are trained very well at proper fitting and it’s the only store I can find 34G bras (which unfortunately are not available in sexy or convertible models).
4. gc | September 25th, 2009 at 9:33 am
My size (32C) is hard to find, but I love La Senza.
5. elle | September 25th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I’m a 32C too! I normally have to get a 34B. Sigh. I do love my CK T-shirt bra though. Its my #1
6. Elizabeth Ann | September 26th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Wow! Who knew there were so many 32Cs in the world! I also wear this hard to find size, but I’ve had good luck getting deals on Calvin Klein bras at Filene’s Basement (you just have to be willing to search through racks and racks to find your size). My other go-to bra place is, surprisingly, American Eagle. You can’t beat them for comfort and fit, and they have some surprisingly sexy styles for a store geared towards a younger crowd. I will be checking out La Senza.
7. JenX | September 27th, 2009 at 9:45 am
thanks for posting this, omiru! I find that la senza quality is very hit or miss. I do love their semi annual clearance sale where bras are $8.
8. Tina Lane | September 27th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Bra Inserts are great for shirts that are impossible to find bras for. Every girl should have some. HAVE BOOBS WILL TRAVEL.
9. violet burton | March 20th, 2010 at 2:19 am
DON’T WOMEN STILL WEAR GARTER BELTS WITH THEIR HIP HY NYLONS. AFTER GOING TO SIX DEPARTMENT STORES I WAS UNABLE T FIND ONE GARTER BELT. I AM A RETIRED WOMAN MARINE AND I LIKE TO FEEL SEXY WHEN I GO OUT. DO YOU HAVE A LIST O PLACES THAT CARRY GARTER BELTD VIOLET
10. Lisa | April 9th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Ugh … I’ve had so much trouble with tummy shapers! I’ve tried 3 different ones so far & they ass seem to press my tummy in so hard that when I eat or drink ANYTHING, the pressure is too much on my stomach!
Any suggestions?
11. JB | July 26th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Victoria’s Secret is fab for smaller-chested girls, but those of us who are bigger need something with a bit more support. I’m a 38 DD and am loving the Wacoal brand (you can find it at macy’s).
12. Melissa | July 29th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Thanks JB, I was about to add the same. VS is a joke if you are over a D. And large chests are actually extremely common. I DON’T get why stores aren’t better about catering to us. I have a lot of friends with dd or higher and its not cause they are fat. I’m a 32 DD (H when nursing) and I get shapewear from Dillards and sexy stuff from Nordis.
13. a.s. khurana | March 1st, 2012 at 11:29 pm
nice and too good