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Shape Up! The Best Lingerie for Every Dress Cut

lingerie

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

Now that you’ve picked up a few holiday and party dresses for the season, it’s time to think about what to wear under all those glittering frocks. While most can easily be worn with everyday underpinnings, party dresses are notoriously difficult to pair with lingerie. Cutouts, body con designs, strapless necklines and backless gowns can all offer their own issues, and it’s better to be prepared than sorry—trust us we’ve been there. So to keep from slippery straps, lingerie peep shows or, heaven forbid, going commando, we found a lineup of lingerie offerings that can give you everything from a tucked in waist to a sturdy strapless brassiere you won’t pop out of. 

Harlow and Fox
Photo Courtesy of Harlow and Fox

Longline Bras

Longline bras seem to be the hidden gem of the lingerie world. If a dress is going to be holding you tighter than your date, a longline bra can help to slim out any bumps or bulges that might happen in the back or sides of a traditional bra. It can give shape and longer, leaner lines to the torso while keeping everything in, even if you have one too many glasses of bubbly. We like the Viola Longline Bra from Harlow and Fox which comes in a golden opulent lace that’s simply decadent, and uses silk and elastane to keep everything held in and looking sleek. Available at Harlow and Fox and priced at £189 (approx. $297).

Va Bien
Photos Courtesy of Va Bien

Plunging Necklines

While plunge dresses can turn anyone into an instant red-carpet stunner, we would remiss if we didn’t mention that these are some of the hardest dresses to wear. While wardrobe tape can definitely make a difference, finding the right undergarments can allow you to really enjoy the night without worrying about anything coming undone. Plunge dresses can drop to different lengths depending on bust size so be sure to try everything on before the big night. Try Va Bien’s Marquise Low Plunge Bodysuit or Ultra-Lift Low Plunge Bodysuit in white, black and nude for any dress shade and some added paneling to keep everything in place. Available at Va Bien and priced from $80-$125.

Hookedup Shapewear
Photo Courtesy of Hookedup Shapewear

Body Con Looks

A necessity for almost every dress, shapewear can come in many different variations of coverage including pieces that focus specifically on the hips, thighs, waist or backside. It’s one of the easiest ways to smooth out a look or slim certain areas you’ll be highlighting such as a nipped waist. One of our favorite new brands, Hookedup Shapewear, has shapewear that come in varying lengths and colors while offering designs in shorts, slips and briefs. Plus the brand has fixed one major issue we’ve had with shapewear in the past, by hooking shapewear to the bra it no longer wriggles out of place, creates a muffin top or rolls down, giving it some serious hold. It’s a win-win in our book. Available at Hookedup Shapewear and priced from $58-$68.

Prima Donna
Photo Courtesy of HerRoom

Strapless Dresses

While some strapless gowns have a built in support system, most don’t, leaving you to either find a great strapless bra or go without, and we definitely don’t suggest the latter. Find something that you can move and dance in without having to pull up repeatedly—it’s not a great look. Depending on the cut of the dress, try to find a bra with a little more coverage that can offer lift and shape rather than the minimum support. Try the Perle Strapless Bra from Prima Donna that comes with detachable straps, a silicone lined-band to keep it in place and contour, underwire cups. Available at HerRoom and priced at $113.

Fashion Forms Strapless Bra
Photo Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Backless Gowns

For backless dresses there are a few options depending how low the silhouette goes. Those with a mid-back length can choose a bra or shapewear that crosses down the back, offering some support while staying hidden, but anything with a low cut will likely warrant a backless bra. Keep in mind that all adhesive bras are not made equal, so be sure to shop around for something that offers support, preferably in underwire form and had sturdy cups. Try Fashion Forms Strapless Bra in a black lace overlay with underwire and adhesive cups for maximum support. Available at Bloomingdale's and priced at $40.

Marissa Stempien

Marissa Stempien is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on travel, fashion, lifestyle, and culture. Her work has been featured in a number of print and online publications including ABC News, Popsugar, Huffington Post, JustLuxe, Luxury Living and CityGirlGoneMom. Marissa is an avid traveler and is always looking to visit somewhere new or unexplored. Her unique lifestyle has given way to her...(Read More)

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