Basic Underwear Drawer:
- Bras: 2 tee-shirt bras & 1 structured bra.
Add bralette for lounging.
- Panties:
At least 7, including 3 thongs, preferably Hanky Panky
- One of each:
- Full
body slip
- Short half slip
- Opaque tights
- Knee-his
- Add:
- High-waisted panty to camo tummy
- Shaping
camisole to camo back bulge
COSABELLA BRALETTE (ON SALE $39): This is the comfy version of the bra. Wear it at home under your loungewear.
Given how pretty it is, though, you might not be wearing it very long! How many? One. 
HOSIERY: Hosiery finishes your look.
This season it's all about opaques, which means tights -- and much more comfort for you. Whether it's knee-his with
a little texture or Spanx tights to wear with your skirt suit, having the right hosiery in your wardrobe will help you look
complete.
- Nudes smoothing hose (Givenchy, ON SALE $8), 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). For shaping, try Spanx tights ($26) in 15 colors!! For a totally fashion-forward look, wear these heathered tights ($12.50) with loafer pumps. Wear with everything from a skirt and pump to a sweater dress with boots.
- Knee-his (Hue, 3 for $15). Wear with pants and pumps for a finished, wear-to-work look.
 
THE HALF-SLIP (ON SALE $23): 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. 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 (ON SALE $27) available in black and blush. Plus size slip (ON SALE $32) is 23", sized 1X-3X and available in 3 colors.
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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. DO: Buy the matching panty ($34) or thong ($36). Having a matching set is always a good idea. Be prepared for a luscious result. DON'T: Wear this bra under
a sweater or sheer top without a camisole. You do not want people staring at your chest. There is more to you
than your girls, even if they are fantastic.
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 5 pretty colors. Amazing support and wonderful shape. How many? Start with two.
Bra Advice:
You can use Febreze to refresh
your bras, but do not wash them after every use or the structure will break down.
- DO: Buy a bra to match your skin to wear under white tops. For African-American
women, try a brown or dark beige bra. For Caucasian, Latino or Asian women, try the beige closest to your skin
tone.
- 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.
PANTIES: A well-constructed
panty is essential. If you wear skirts or trousers close to your bum, you must wear them with a thong
to avoid visible panty lines (VPL). Some women love thongs, some hate them. I used to hate them, too, but now
recommend you try these: - The Hanky Panky thong (ON SALE $14 ea, set of 5 for $65) is the best because they are actually comfortable. Available in 26 colors in Misses
or 7 colors in Plus. How many? At least three.
- Prefer more coverage? Try the Hanky Panky boyshort (ON SALE $22 ea). Also available in Plus size (ON SALE $16).
DO:
Make sure to buy at least two panties that are the color of your skin to wear with white pants, shorts or skirts.
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SHAPING SLIP? If you wear dresses,
you need a full slip. If you want shaping, you can go either way: wear your shapewear with a simple slip like
the one below or wear a shaping slip. Try both approaches and see which is more comfortable for you: Structured slip (DKNY, ON SALE $51) has a built-in bra with moderate padding and adjustable straps. 32B-36DD. Seamless slip (Spanx, $72) is seamless, won't cling and provides a smooth line. Also available in plus sizes ($76). Strapless bra slip with shaping from (TC Intimates, ON SALE $52) sized to your bra size 34B to 40C.
 
 
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.
Back Back and torso Bali smoothing camisole, built-in bra with slight padding (ON SALE $35). 30C-40D. Back and torso Bali smoothing camisole, built-in bra, no padding (ON SALE $30). 34C-42DD.
- Back and torso, Bali torsette (ON SALE $27). Works with your own bra.
Tummy
Tummy Body Wrap high-waisted
undies, shown above (ON SALE $33). Misses or Plus. 2 colors. Tummy Cass Luxury Shapewear high-waisted
thong (ON SALE $28). S/M-L/XL. 2 colors.
- Tummy. Hanky Panky High-Waisted Silky Panty (ON SALE $30). S-XL. 3 colors.
THE FULL-SLIP ($48): If you wear dresses, you need to wear a full slip underneath to
create a smooth line. This v-neck version from Calvin Klein is tagless and has adjustable bra straps.
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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