 
THE ESSENTIAL TEE SHIRT BRA ($68): This bra from Chantelle works under sweaters, tees and silk blouses -- any top that is sheer enough to
show any detailing on a bra. You want a soft, molded cup with or without an underwire. This bra is available in
30C-40D in white, beige or black. Amazing support and wonderful shape. HOW MANY: Start with two. You can use Febreze to refresh your bras,
but do not wash them after every use or the structure will break down. DO: Buy two bras in a similar color to your skin so that you can wear them under white tops.
For black women that often means buying a black bra. For white women, it probably means a beige bra. DON'T: Note that if you wear a white bra under a white top,
it's like putting your brights on -- all anyone will see is the bra.
 
THE BASIC PANTY ($10): Just as you need a bra that will not show under your clothing, you need a panty that does the same. This
boyshort has an all-cotton lining in the crotch for breathability, but a pretty lace fabric overall. Comes in cotton lace and seamless nylon. For Plus panties, try these Olga hipsters (3 for $24). For Maternity, you may find yourself wearing a little bigger panty (2 for $24) for the extra support in the belly.
Because the boyshort sits low on your hips, this panty should
not show above the waist of your jeans or pants, nor should it show through your pants to give you pantylines.
HOW MANY: At least seven.
 
THE FULL-SLIP: If you ever wear dresses, you need a full
slip to create a smooth line. This slip (Hanky Panky, $50) is seamless and comfy. Alternatively, you can try this strapless bra slip with shaping from TC Intimates ($66) sized to your bra size 34B to 40C. DO: Try on any formal wear prior to the event and check to see if you need a slip or shapewear. DON'T: Go without. You want people looking at the overall
effect, not at the sun shining between your legs as you walk.
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THE NO-VBL (Visible Bra Line) SPANX BRA ($62): This bra from Spanx has wider straps in the back to keep your bra from showing under sweaters or sheer blouses.
This bra is available in 32A-38D in mocha, beige or black. HOW
MANY: If this is an issue for you, start with one. You can always buy more if this is the answer
to your problems. You can also try layering a camisole to smooth out your line.
 
THE CAMISOLE ($18):
Unless you have a perfect back, camisoles are essential to the foundations wardrobe. Camisoles extend the life of button-up
shirts and sweaters by absorbing sweat. It's much easier and less expensive to replace a camisole than a fabulous well-fitting
top. This camisole from Jockey has a lovely lace edging to keep your look feminine. Available in 11 colors/patterns. Misses/Plus
sizes S-XXL.
For our fuller-cupped sisters or for wearing on its own, try this fabulous camisole ($30) that is sized to your bra size for a perfect line (32B-42D). It's a little more expensive, but you'll love the
extra support. Available in white or black.
HOW MANY: At least two: one black and one
white. DO: Wear it with shirts to transition between seasons DON'T: Never wear a camisole as your
shirt to work -- even under a suit. If you ever need to take the jacket off, you're stuck in your underwear.
 
THE HALF-SLIP ($29): If you ever wear skirts, you must have a half-slip. A skirt should fall flat and smooth when you
walk, rather than wrap between your legs and show off your underwear. This
simple 17" half-slip from Farr West does the trick. Misses sizes S-XL. Available in black only. Alternatively, there is a stretch version ($34) available in black and blush. Plus size slip is 23", sized 1X-3X and available in 3 colors.
 
HOSIERY: Hosiery finishes your look. Whether it's
knee-his with a little texture or shaper pantyhose to wear with your skirt suit, having the right hosiery in your wardrobe
will help you look complete.
Here are your basics:
- Nudes smoothing hose (Givenchy, $11), Maternity hose (Spanx, $28). Wear for a finished, barely-there look under party dresses. Make sure you have an invisible toe
with strappy sandals.
- Opaque tights (DKNY, 2 for $20). Wear with everything from a skirt and pump to a sweater dress with boots. The only hose to
wear for daytime right now. - Knee-his (Hue, 3 for $15). Wear with pants and pumps for a finished, wear-to-work look.
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THE FREYA STRUCTURED BRA ($60): Let's face it: bras are more than underwear. Sometime you want something sexy, pretty or powerful
-- even if it's just you who is going to see it. Plunge bras are great because of the cleavage they create. You'll
be happy to know that structured bras are also practical -- because they are stitched together, they last longer than molded
bras. Available in three colors in sizes 28DD-38J. HOW
MANY: Start with one. You can use Febreze to refresh your bras, but do not wash them after every
use or the structure will break down.
 
THE HANKY PANKY THONG ($18): If you wear jeans, trousers or skirts cut close to your bum, a well-constructed thong is essential. Available
in 26 colors in Misses or 7 colors in Plus.
HOW MANY: At least three.
 
SHAPEWEAR: If you're about to put on a pencil skirt or
a sweater dress, you may want some shapewear. There is a variety of options these days -- whether you want to control
your mid-section or just your tummy.
Check 'em out: Bra Slip (padded bra slip with shaping), TC Fine Intimates $66 (34B-40C)
Of course, we prefer for you to wear clothes that fit well and flatter your body, but if you're feeling
vulnerable or have a particularly difficult bulge, these may help you out!
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