B-T-B: Bare Essentials

What girl doesn't want to wear sexy, matching underwear sets all the time?  I know I always feel better about myself when I have on a pair of cute underwear.  Elle Macpherson got it right when she stated, "It's important to feel good about your body and lingerie is a great way of being in touch with it."  Now, I'm not suggesting that you go out and spend tons on cute little lacy things that don't serve much of a purpose, what I'm saying is, make sure you buy some things that make you feel pretty, but also get the job done.  There are some basics that you should have in your wardrobe to make wearing your clothes much easier, and look a lot nicer, not to mention, make you feel that much better about yourself!  Undergarments make a huge difference to the way your finished outfit looks, so this isn't the place to skimp. 

1. A nude bra - to wear with your light-coloured clothing.  Make sure it is seamless, and will cover you if you happen to get a little chilly.

2. A black bra - same goes as for above, but wear this under your darks.  Never pair a black bra with something that it shows through, that is just tacky.

3. A strapless bra - this is probably the best invention in the underwear department.  Try to find one that has a rubbery strip on the bottom to help it keep from sliding down.  Victoria's Secret has some great options.  My favourite is the convertable one.

4. A sports bra - get more than one if you exercise often, it saves you from having to wash it every night!  And please, don't try to exercise in your regular bra, it's really not good for it!

5. A cute bra and panty set - something that you love, and makes you feel special.  This is the perfect thing to wear when you need that extra little boost of confidence, even if no one else sees it, you know it's there!  Try to find one that has some coverage though, so that you can get more wears out of it.

6. An array of underwear - I can't tell you how many to have, it's whatever your preference is, but try to get some different styles such as; boy shorts (my fav for everyday wear), hipsters, bikini, full coverage (with the tummy holder-iner, for that dress that's a little on the tight side!), and some thongs.  You can get them in whatever colours and patterns that strike your fancy, but make sure to get a couple white and nude pairs for your light-coloured clothing so they don't show through.

7. Camisole - these are so cute under a sweater, cardigan, or even worn alone as a top.  Victoria's Secret has some with bras built right in, which I think is a nifty idea!

8. Push up set - nothing makes you feel better than a little "lift"!  Try to find a matching pair of underwear to add to that feeling.

Now I strongly suggest getting yourself fitted for your bras.  It just takes a few minutes, is super simple, and it'll make a huge difference in how your clothes will fit.  I try to get myself fitted every year, or every second year.  And for your underwear, please buy the correct size, even if it's a bigger size than you would like, no one but you is going to know what size you are wearing, and it's much more embarrasing to have it show through your clothes that your panties are a "little" snug. 

I hope you all learned some good tips, and are now armed with you list to take to the stores!! 

Have fun!!
-SB

Image Source: Victoria's Secret