Party Dressing Part VI - Choosing Your Perfect Base and Top Coat

Do you ever find that the most challenging aspect of getting dressed up can be deciding what on earth to wear under and over your dream dress? I've definitely been there a few times, so thought I'd share a few solutions and strategies I've picked up over the years...

The Base Coat - Underwear

This isn't a discussion on shapewear (I'm more an acolyte of the minimalist school when it comes to lingerie), but a pointer towards a few miracle bras which will slip under your strapless, backless, halterneck and/or slashed-to-oblivion gowns, and might even make them even prettier!

Best for Strapless Frocks

Not much bests the Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Bra - unbeatable hold, great shape, a plunging cut to suit low necklines, seam-free for optimum discretion and available in every size from 32A to 38G. Oh, and the matching thong may not be pretty, but it's perfect under clingy outfits.

If you're after ultimate gorgeousness and, ahem, oomph, and a completely smooth finish isn't so much of a concern, New Look's range of super push-up multiway bras is for you (- see a fuller review in this post). Browse the website or take a peek instore to see new styles.

If you're still concerned that a strapless bra won't provide you with enough support, invest in some clear or decorative jewelled straps and swap them for the plain ones that come with your multiway. Try these diamante ones from Debenhams or have a browse on GlamorousBraStraps.co.uk.

Best for Deep Plunge Dresses

Ah, diamante bra solutions - saved me so many times when a typical strapless bra just wouldn't do. The cups of the Ultimo Miracle Frontless Plunge Bra are joined by a pretty (but sturdy) diamante panel, which looks fabulous peeking out from a slashed-to-the-navel number. It's available in A-D cups with removable gel pads, and DD-G minus the gel.

Best for Backless Gowns

Another Ultimo lifesaver - the Diamante Back Bra replaces the standard back strap with a stunning string of jewels - sadly, it's only designed to fit A-D cups, but due to the way it fastens, larger girls might still be able to find a size which suits.

N.B. You can wear both the Miracle Frontless Bra and the Diamante Back Bra halterneck-style too.

The Top Coat (or Jacket... or Cape...)

OK, so your underwear's sorted, but your wear-everywhere winter coat just isn't cutting the mustard with your drop-hem chiffon number? The wrong cut, fabric or style can ruin the line and vibe of a showstopping outfit - here are a few of my tried and tested fail-safe combinations...

Top Row (L-R)

1 - Jacket: Primark (Current), Dress: Freemans, Shoes: New Look; 2 - Cape: Primark, Dress: Morgan, Shoes: New Look; 3 - Coat: Freemans, Skirt: Primark, Belt: ASOS, Shoes: Next; 4 - Shrug: Jane Norman, Dress: H&M, Shoes: Pied a Terre

Bottom Row (L-R)

1 - Coat: New Look, Shoes: Pied a Terre; 2 - Cape and Dress: Primark, Shoes: Pied a Terre; 3 - Jacket: Primark (Current), Skirt: New Look (Current), Boots: Peacocks; 4 - Capelet and Shoes: Primark, Dress: H&M

 

Best for Midis and Maxis

Faux fur might not be for everyone, but I love the dollop of old Hollywood glamour it lends a sophisticated midi or maxi look. I think full-skirted styles generally work best with short jackets, to leave an unbroken line and emphasise the waist (although a longer A-line style can look fab if the length is right, and shorter jackets also look great with slimmer-fit skirts). Hip length and longer coats stun with pencil and full-length cuts - you can add a belt to enhance curves and add impact.

Generally, I think it's safest to avoid fur if you're going mini...

Best for Minis

A statement mac or mid-thigh length coat, which can feel awkward over a longer dress, looks great when concealing a mini (or revealing an inch or two of hemline). Shorter jacket styles can work with minis, but often look a bit cheesy. If you're bored of your faithful trench, try a baroque style like this beauty from Izabel.

Best for Pencil Styles

Although fitted jackets, and even 3/4 length macs, can look great with pencil skirts, I love to pair them with a cape or swing style - the bodycon fit balances out the added volume.

Peplum jackets also look amazing with pencil styles - I'm saving my brand new Topshop one to show you with my disco pants, but there are some amazing statement pieces around at the moment, like the gorgeous silver one from Fashion Union featured in this post.

Best for Mixis

A statement biker jacket works perfectly with a dropped hem - the clean cut adds a bit of edge without confusing the look. Leather is fantastic for funking up classic cuts too, especially when paired with chunky ankle boots.

You could also pair a mixi with a faux fur jacket - shaggy for boho chic or short-haired and sculpted for all-out glamour.

Best for Indoor Wow-Factor

A shrug or capelet can be the cherry on top of the perfect outfit (and stop you feeling naked if the whole bare shoulders/arms/chest/belly button thing makes you feel a teeny bit self-conscious!) - there's a multitude of options out there, but these are two of my favourites - sparkles and (no prizes for guessing) faux fur! Cap sleeves with a little bit of volume are also great for emphasising (or helping to fake) an hourglass shape, and balancing hips, by the by.

Next week, I'll be showing you a few alternatives to the classic party dress (disco pants ahoy!) along with complementary outerwear, but if you're still searching for your perfect frock, remember that you can get an exclusive 10% discount when hiring your perfect designer lovely from the New Year Collection at Girl Meets Dress until midnight on Monday night with code GMD1SM - check out my last post if you're in need of inspiration!

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Rihanna's Bullet Bra... and Other Cyber Monday Delights

It's now officially Cyber Monday, the day when, traditionally, the western world eschews work, responsbilities and the hassles of actual shops in favour of a great big virtual trolley dash.

I've been meaning to do another lingerie post for a while now, and more specifically a post on vintage style lingerie. As What Katie Did (suppliers of the reproduction bullet bras worn by Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn, as well as Rihanna on her most recent tour) are offering free delivery until midnight tonight, I thought I'd take the opportunity to combine a little discussion of their wonders with the latest crop of Cyber Monday offers (- scroll down for more from other sites).

What Katie Did have websites and boutiques based in both the UK and the US, and ship worldwide. They produce a huge range of reproduction and vintage-inspired lingerie, hosiery, corsets and swimwear in a myriad of styles (and also stock pin-up style make-up and outerwear), but the star of their collection is undoubtedly the 1950s bullet bra, stitched to an original pattern.

I love the 1950s silhouette (if you hadn't already noticed), so when I found out that I could actually buy (essentially) Marilyn's underwear, it went straight to the top of last year's Christmas list! I got the Harlow (pictured), in peach satin, to maximise wearability, and think it looks fab under a fitted sweater or roll neck for a vintage vibe, but the bullet comes in tons of other colourways, including Rihanna's "Josephine" leopard print version. They're actually very comfortable, and I'd completely recommend them to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in fifties fever (don't worry - you won't stay that shape when you take them off)! The standard version is non-wired and unpadded, but a padded version is also available.

You can also find more subtly-shaped forties-style bras, as well as slightly more 21st century styles, so have a look-see even if you're not hankering after cones! Each order is now being shipped with a free blank Christmas card (and they are super-cute) as well as free gift wrapping if requested, so hassle-free Christmas shopping is assured (or why not make your pre-Christmas self-gift just that little bit more special?!). They're not paying me by the way, honest!

 

More sites to check out if you're gift-shopping (or self-gifting, shh...) today:

Ann Summers: 10% off everything plus free worldwide delivery (no code required, and this one's valid until midnight on Tuesday)

French Connection: Free express delivery until 2pm with code EXPRESS12 (excludes home and gift cards)

In Love With Fashion: 35% off with code CYBERSHOP35 (- this site is well worth a look if you haven't heard of it before)

Jane Norman: £10 off selected lines

Puma: 20% off everything (including sale) with code CYBER20

And the incredible Body Shop, Clarins, Feel Unique, Forever 21, Glamorous, Monsoon, Motel Rocks and Republic offers mentioned in my previous couple of posts are also still valid, so scroll down to grab your codes now!

Undoubtedly, more deals will be released throughout the day, so I'll be tweeting any additional offers I hear about, and/or notifying you if I decide to update this post (follow me to make sure you don't miss out). You are now ready to go forth and shop up a storm. Ready, set... go!

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This Season's Best Kept Strapless Secret Weapon

Like most other fashion bloggers, I usually focus on the layers of clothing which are publically viewable, but we all know how important good foundations are, right? There are always myriad bandeau/strappy/halter-neck/asymmetric-shouldered pieces begging to be worn, but strapless/multiway bras tend to be ugly, too high cut and/or fall down all the time - ugh. For a seamless plunge version that won't let you down, you still can't beat the Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Bra (in 32A-38G!), but if you're really craving something pretty, and/or are after maximum va-va voom, my latest find, this New Look Super Push-Up Strapless Bra, is amazing, especially when you consider it's only £12.99!

It has a gorgeous plunging neckline which won't protrude annoyingly from under your clothes, looks just as good with straps as without, comes in cream/nude and black versions, is available up to a DD and... adds 2 cup sizes! I would have bought it anyway, whether it was padded or not (or even whether it was strapless or not), just because it's such a beautiful set in its own right - I don't really have any great desire to be an F cup - but it is kinda fun - praise New Look for equal opportunities and not removing the padding from anything D+! It would be great for smaller girls too.

I snapped up the black version instore and immediately logged on to the New Look website on returning home to order the lighter version - their free instore collection option on orders over £20 is really useful (and gives you an excuse to make up the remaining £1.02 with a bangle...belt...velvet peplum top...maybe some jeans...). There are matching bottoms too, which are equally lush, although for some reason really hard to find online! They're called Brazilian briefs, but are pretty thong-like really - you can get them here for £5.99.

If you're wearing a delicate/thin fabric, the lace might show through, so best stick to the Wonderbra in that case, but with a slightly heavier fabric you should be able to get away with this one - the embellishment isn't too bulky. Go forth and smoulder!

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