We call these undergarments “wonder-garments” because of the near-magical way they make any day or evening dress look flawless.
When it comes to a strapless number, the right bra is essential. But every woman knows that strapless bras are notoriously problematic, usually because they’re constantly falling down. “Our Peyton Convertible Strapless stays up with ease, doesn’t pull or tug, and has a closure-free back to give you a smooth, clean look under your clothes,” says Madelyn Ulrich, Senior Designer at Yummie by Heather Thomson. “Plus, it’s lightly padded and has seamless cups that maintain structure and offer 360 degrees of flexible, all-day support.” For more fitted styles, you may want a firm control slip, like the Maidenform Endlessly Smooth Firm Control Convertible Slip.
Under a halter neck:
Like strapless, some women avoid halter styles simply because they can’t find the right undergarments. We’re happy to report that those days are over! With the Va Bien Firm Control Plunge Bodysuit, you can wear show off your toned shoulders, arms, and back with beautiful backless styles (and plunging necklines) with confidence. This ultra-versatile bodysuit features a deep plunge neckline, patented ultra-lift underwire cups, convertible straps (so you can rock both criss-cross and halter styles), and built-in boning for tummy and lower back smoothness.
Under a bodycon dress
When it comes to date night or an evening out with your girlfriends, a curve-hugging silhouette rules. But of course, confidence is key, and one of the ways to guarantee you look best in your favorite fitted or body hugging styles is a shaping slip. The Yummie by Heather Thomson Angelica Slip will give you comfortable, seamless coverage. Plus, it has a silicone strip at the hem to keep it in place. “What makes this slip essential is that it highlights only your best assets, giving you zoned compression that targets the areas where you need smoothing and shaping, and not where you don’t. It maximizes movement potential so you won’t feel ‘stuffed in’ and can freely transition from day to night,” says Ulrich. Also try the very high-waisted ITEM m6 Shorty Shaping Shorts, which also have a no-slip silicone strip, and add butt-boosting panels to give your backside a perky lift.
Under a racerback
While there are products available on the market that can slide through bra straps and pull them together, making them suitable for a racerback, they typically don’t deliver the smooth appearance you want for a refined dress. Spanx Bra-llelujah! Racerback features SmartStretch straps and customized back zones for support and comfort. The smooth construction lies flat against your back, so there are no lumps, bumps, or visible bra lines—whether you’re wearing a fitted number or a breezy silk style.
Under a mini
When it comes showing some leg, the last thing you want to do is show some shapewear. A high-waisted short—like the ITEM m6 Shorty Shaping Shorts and Yummie by Heather Thomson Cleo High Waist Short—gives you ultimate coverage from top to bottom, without riding up or falling down (translation: there’s no avoiding chance of your undergarments peeking out).
Under a work dress
When you’re in a professional setting, tights are often a better choice than bare legs. But wearing tights over shapewear can feel ridiculously bulky. The solution? Jenny Iannelli, ITEM m6 marketing manager communications and trade, suggests a shapewear/hosiery hybrid. Try: ITEM m6 Opaque Shapewear Tights or Spanx Leg Support Sheers, which reduce cling, and tame the tummy, thighs, and rear. Plus, they offer the chic, office-appropriate look of your favorite pair of tights. Wondering what you should wear to work?
Under a knit dress
It’s always important to make sure your body can breathe and that you feel comfortable! “Our Maya Girl Short with Outlast has Outlast technology that allows you to stay cool—regulating your body temperature as you’re on the move. It also has a ‘hug’ around the waist for just the right amount of support, meaning no muffin top,” says Ulrich. Forget pilling, snagging, and stretching.
Under an evening gown
For a black tie affair (aka when you’ll be donning a full-length gown), a bodysuit is a terrific option. Rather than having to find two pieces that work together, a one-piece creates a streamlined shape from top to bottom. Plus, there are plenty of styles to choose from, depending on your figure and the specific silhouette you plan to wear. If you’re wearing a fuller skirt, you may opt for a bikini cut style, like the TC Fine Intimates: Sheer Shaping Firm Control Bodysuit, which focuses on the upper half of the body and cuts just below the bum. For a more fitted style, a great all around pick is the Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, which features comfortable, sculpting power from your chest and back to your buns and thighs—with the added bonus of non-compressing molded bust to avoid smush.
