Small Steps to Style: Revamp Your Underwear Drawer

Having a well fitted wardrobe starts with great underwear. Good construction underneath ensures that your clothes won’t snag or bunch and that your figure looks its best.

  • Get a bra fitting! A well fitting bra does wonders for your shape. Everyone can benefit from a professional bra fitting, but especially bustier women should get them. This can be done at Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, or at {intimacy}. I suggest {intimacy} because they have a wider selection with sizes up to a K cup (Victoria’s Secret stores usually only go up to a D cup). They also offer free custom alterations.
  • Have a range of bras. With all the different neck lines and fabrics out there, you need a variety of bras to go with your outfits. Try to get at least one smooth everyday bra, one multi-wear/strapless bra, one comfy sports or cotton bra, and one matching bra and panty set that makes you feel like a drop dead gorgeous bombshell. Also consider investing in a good demi bra if you wear a lot of low cut tops or a push-up bra if you want a little more cleavage.
  • Have a range of underwear. Again, with all the different bottoms out there, you need a good variety of panties to keep up. Everyone should have smooth non-clingy underwear for skirts and dresses, comfy cotton underwear for lounging and jeans, panties that make you feel super sexy, and a maybe few thongs to avoid panty lines. Especially in skirts and dresses look for underwear that won’t ride up.
  • Invest in camisoles. Too much cleavage? See through shirt? Need a pop of color? Put on a camisole! I wear camis all the time. Lace ones are my favorite because they add a little something extra to an outfit and always make me feel more feminine. Camisoles also help smooth over your body so your shirt won’t cling as much to any bumps.
  • Get a slip! Sometimes while shopping I come across a great dress, then am disappointed when I realize it’s totally see-through. But more often than not a sheer dress or skirt can be saved with a good slip. A slip helps shape your figure, prevents your dress from clinging, and provides coverage for your bright pink undies. I recommend getting a variety of full and half slips that match your skin color. I’ve found thrift stores to be a great place to find slips as they’re pretty scarce in most department stores.
  • Get shapewear! I don’t recommend this for everyday. It would be too uncomfortable and a hassle to squeeze in and out of each day. But for that special occasion with that sexy body-hugging dress? Yes ma’am. Here’s a great video from Stacy and Clinton of What Not to Wear about different types of shapewear.

Small Steps to Style: Subscribe to Style Blogs for Inspiration

Celebrities can be great fashion inspirations, but more often than not their looks are not practical for everyday life. However, style bloggers are normal everyday people with a passion for clothing. Style bloggers are students, mothers, teachers, and professionals with a range of personal styles. Whatever your particular dressing situations, there’s a blogger out there going through the same challenges. They can serve as great examples for how to dress for all occasions, remix pieces, and flatter your figure. Best of all, these are normal women with normal budgets dressing fabulously. My favorite style blogs are Keiko Lynn, AcademichicGirl with Curves, Kendi Everyday, Bleubird Vintage, College Fashion, and The Girls with Glasses Show. Here are some ways to find style blogs that inspire you and take advantage of them:

  • Google your style type and click on the blogs filter on the lefthand side to look exclusively for blogs.
  • When you find a blog you like, check out their blogroll for more bloggers with similar taste. Repeat as you find more blogs.
  • Google style bloggers in your city. They can have invaluable insights into the sales and boutiques near you. Some even offer wardrobe consultations!
  • Check if your blogger has a shop. Often style bloggers design or resell their clothes. If there’s a piece you’ve been drooling over, it might just be for sale!
  • Check for giveaways or special offers to readers. Established bloggers often have promo codes for discounts at various online boutiques.
  • Save photos of your favorite outfits for inspiration.
  • Take note of where the blogger got her pieces. Occasionally a blogger might have custom or designer pieces, but more often than not they shop at the same places you do.