Photo: Jim deYonker
Take it from this former Victoria’s Secret Angel, your sexy holiday look must be right inside and out. Even the most stunning couture gown can turn terrible when paired with a too-tight bra or the wrong kind of double-stick tape. We’ve all hit a party feeling fine only to discover (unfortunately usually three hours in) that we’re flashing some side boob or showing some back fat. To avoid those “Oh no, I didn’t” moments, here are my top three tips for pairing the right underpinnings to your silhouette so it’s always an “Oh yes, I did” situation.
Rule No. 1: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. SHAPEWEAR, dahling! Suck it in, scoop it up, and tuck! I never go on the red carpet without a pair (or two)! Every real woman has jiggle: Boost that confidence with some shapewear and rock that dress!
Rule No. 2: Put away the shame and get yourself measured, by the right people! Nothing is worse than having your boobies sagging because your bra is too loose or popping out because it’s too tight.
Rule No. 3: Nothing lasts forever! Know when to say buh-bye to that go-to bra that you’ve had for five years and fave pair of undies. The power of a good new bra and sexy pair of panties can change your mood!
Need more secrets concerning unmentionables? Read on for more fierce tips from typeF.
Fierce & Love,
Tyra
Put away the shame and get yourself measured, by the right people!
- Tyra
Backless
Avoid: A bra or bustier so tight it causes that weird back cleavage situation.
Look for: A strapless or cross-back bra that won’t peek above your low-dipping back. You can also try a stick-on petal-type situation, as long as you are a B-cup or below (you know no piece of tape would contain my boobies)!
Halter
Avoid: Side-boob sneak attack.
Look for: A low-backed convertible bra with a strap that goes around the neck. Add double-sided fashion tape to keep your girls in check. If you are really daring, try a bra with a front closure and a beautiful colorful or embellished back: Let it show and it could be an outfit-maker.
Racerback
Avoid: Straps peeking out the sides your dress.
Look for: A convertible or racer back bra, or convert a regular bra into a racerback style with the addition of a little H-shaped plastic bra clip (these are available for super cheap at most discount stores).
Strapless
Avoid: The dreaded quadruple-boob effect (caused by too-small cups), or gapping (as a result of the dress cups being too large).
Look for: A strapless bra with rubberized, no-slip edges. If your dress is well-structured (and you are a B-cup or smaller) you can even go sans bra, just make sure the cups fit well so you won’t risk a nip slip.
Deep-V
Avoid: Boobs slipping out the front or sides.
Look for: A deep-V bustier. The long line of the bustier-style bra is critical for adequate support. And never choose a deep-V neckline that is so low it reveals your belly button (unless it’s the 2000 Grammys and your name is Jennifer Lopez, that is).
Clingy Knits
Avoid: Rocking back fat bulges.
Look for: A compression camisole that will support the girls in front while keeping any wobbly bits under wraps in back.
Off-the-Shoulder
Avoid: An ill-fitting bra that will ride low. And no clear plastic straps: You ain’t fooling anyone!
Look for: A seamless strapless bra or bustier.
Slit Skirt
Avoid: Showing the control top of your pantyhose.
Look for: Regular pantyhose (or wear no hose, if you don’t mind the chill). Just be sure the skirt isn’t slit so high it will flash your panties.
Preview the New You
Once you’ve found the right underwear for your look, try on the entire ensemble and give yourself a good look-over in the mirror from every angle. You might even consider taking a flash photo with your camera phone to make sure there’s no show-through. After all, the point of the perfect underwear (and all of this work) is that it is basically invisible, putting all eyes on you — not your little nothings.
