vintage floral tiered sheer purple dress

Hey Uglies!

So I know what you’re thinking: But underwear IS innerwear, right? Right. But I’m not talking about bras and underwear. I’m talking slips, camis, and bloomers/bum covers. Yes, that’s right, the more esoteric underwear needs its time in the spotlight also.

Now before you decide that such underwear is just for old ladies and vintage dressers, think again! Why? SHEER fabrics! Sheerness has been huge on the runway and in reality lately and It looks amazingly ethereal or edgy depending on context. Only problem is that you have to wear something underneath (going commando is totally NOT AN OPTION). So let me introduce you to a few options.

Slips
A slip is a sheer-lover’s best friend! It’s basic, it’s discreet, and it’s incredibly versatile! Nude ones that match your skin tone fairly closely make it super easy to wear sheer dresses, skirts, and tops without making “tan lines,” which is what I call the color differences between where your slip ends and your skin begins. Under some clothing though, you’ll want to look like you have something underneath, so it’d be worthwhile to get one in black, white, or a nice color so it doesn’t look like you’re going commando — that kind of defeats the purpose of wearing a slip.

Slips are also useful under dresses and skirts that are unlined, so you won’t get any awkward bunching between your legs when you walk (wind + unlined skirt = semi cameltoe) or VPL. They’re also necessary during the fall to keep your skirts from sticking to your tights. If any of this has happened to you, then get one and observe in amazement as your awkward moments sharply decrease from then on out!

My picks: Utilitarian nude – Barenecessities.com, Girly blue lace – Anthropologie, Sheer pleated black – Urban Outfitters.

Half Slips
They’re the same as slips but, as the name implies, are halved. Super useful under skirts with perhaps a lacy edge just peeking out or even as a skirt with another slip underneath! All of the lack of embarrassment as a slip with all the comfort of not wearing yet another layer on top. Plus, letting a bit of lace peek out from under the edge of your dressyour dress is super chic.

My picks: Basic white lace – Barenecessities.com, Fancy blue with lace – Anthropologie, Stretchy “shaping” black – Spanx.

Camis
I’m of the opinion that every girl needs a good nude cami for sheer or lacy tops. Or maybe that’s just me because I’m partial to anything of that ilk (ruffles too, please!). A nice nude colored one is, as always, a good thing to have around, but since camis have become pretty much appropriate for normal outdoor wear, it’s pretty easy to find more than a few super cute options.

My picks: Basic nude – Anthropologie, Lacy black bustier – Anthropologie, Amazing lace – Urban Outfitters

Bum Covers
Last but definitely not least, bum covers are a constant must-have for me — mostly after a few scarring incidences of seeing far too much of a miniskirt-clad girl’s thong-cleaved derierre on blustery days. Knowing I’d never want to be in her place, I always opt for a pair of discreet short-shorts (which I dubbed “bum-covers”) under shorter skirts and dresses. Something basic and tight-fitting generally does the trick. I opt for nude or white-ish since those colors won’t show under my skirt, but you could wear neon so no one will dare think they caught a peek of your bum!

My picks: nude bike shorts, lavender high-waist shorts, neon yellow shorts — all American Apparel.

That’s it, uglies! There are so many ways of staying covered up that I’ll no longer feel sorry for any of you where VPL awkwardness is concerned. Take care!

<3 Wendy