Lingerie Style Tips

Lingerie styles can range from sweet and elegant (www.juliannarae.com) to naughty and adventurous (www.trashy.com) and everything in between. There are a myriad of choices when you are shopping. While there are general guidelines as to what fabrics and styles of lingerie flatter certain body types (see below), ultimately the most important factor is that it makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Go with your gut on this one. If you feel confident wearing it, then you will be a seductive force to be reckoned with!

BODY TYPES:

Avoid: fabrics that will cling and make you look bigger or sausagey like leather, latex, or velvet...nothing too tight or with skinny straps. Avoid light colors and too sheer.




TALL & THIN:
Garter belts are perfect for this shape. They highlight the legs while the horizontal belt balances the body. Add a sexy bra and boy shorts in lace and you will be irresistible.

Avoid: A one-piece teddy will just make you look lankier while a straight chemise won't give any shape.










PEAR SHAPE:
Look for an empire-waisted babydoll nightie that hits mid-thigh--especially with a halter neckline to emphasize breasts and shoulders. If you want a two-piece lingerie ensemble, make sure the bra top draws attention to the upper body with bold colors and/or embellishments. The briefs should cut high on thigh to lengthen the legs, and have moderate coverage in the back (too skimpy looks ill-fitting and too full looks like a granny-panty). Adjustable bottoms will give you good coverage in the back but can be tied with strings to look smaller in the front for a perfect fit.

Avoid: Boy cut shorts or nightgowns that are cut straight.





PETITE “BOYISH” HIPS / LARGE BUST:
A corset top will suck in the waist area and give the illusion of having more rounded hips. Make sure the corset has built-in bust support. Add some skimpy undies that elongate the leg. Ruffles, bows or other embellishments on the undies will help the hip look curvier.

Avoid: Boy-cut shorts that make hips look square. Empire-waisted nighties that hide the slim figure below.








LARGE HIPS/BUTT:
Seek out an A-line chemise in a double-ply sheer, flowy fabric for a soft but sexy look that minimizes the hips. Or well cut underwear with a babydoll camisole or silk pajama top can also balance out the bottom half. Try a camisole with satiny shorts for a pretty, playful look that provides coverage for the hip area while still being flirty and feminine.

Avoid: bustiers and corsets they will cinch in the waist—making it look even smaller and therefore emphasizing the larger bottom half. A tight stretchy nightie that clings to the hips will only call attention to the fact. And stay away from underwear cut too skimpy (sides of undies should not be skinny strings that dig into hips).




TUMMY ISSUES:
Your best bet is a teddy with lycra that will help hold in tummy, a bustier or corset that is cut long to cover the belly and hold you in., or a softly draping camisole with undies.

Avoid: Just the bra and panty ensemble. It will leave the belly too exposed (unless the panty is a 40's inspired design cut high on the tummy).