Flesh-Color Undies

ESSENCE.COM Dec, 16, 2009

Sheer blouses, dresses and skirts may be all the rage this season, but one question inevitably arises: What do I wear under them? To take the guesswork out of getting it right, we found the perfect foundations to pair with something see-through.

Sheer Winners

With any see-through look, you want sheerness without the (indecent) exposure. Seek undergarments in shades that appear nearly nude on us, such as black, toast or cocoa—unless you choose to make a real style statement with a contrasting color. At left are four undergarments that work brilliantly with blouses. They offer opaque coverage without detracting from the design of a filmy top.

Dress Code

Most manufacturers make sheer dresses with a separate slip or lining. But if your must-have dress comes without one, you still have options. A full slip is a practical solution, but a better choice may be to pair a camisole with a matching half-slip. You can wear them separately, and the half-slip can also be adjusted to accommodate various hemlines. Helena Stuart for Only Hearts Lycra-blend camisole, $48, and matching half-slip, $46, at Only Hearts, New York, 212-431-3694.

Body Beautiful

If you want coverage but like to show off your silhouette, a pantlike liner is a great alternative. These Spanx Power Panties ($25, spanx.com) work well with shorter skirts. The Original Spanx hit just below the knee and can be worn with longer lengths. A plus: All Spanx products have a seamless waistline for an ultrasmooth finish.

The Barely There Flawless Fit Shelf camisole ($19.50, b ar el ythere.com) has a built-in bra—with no underwires—an ideal option for the small-busted.

Victoria’s Secret Soft Bustier Body Suit ($45, Victoria’s Secret stores nationwide) provides light all-over coverage for strapless or off-the-shoulder tops.