We can thank Ms. Audrey Hepburn for making the little black dress so popular. Coco Chanel designed it in 1926. Audrey wore hers long and classy, while today most “Little Black Dresses” tend to be “smaller”, shorter and more risqué.

For different necklines, appropriate bra styles should be worn…. but make sure any bra you wear is comfortable, because there’s nothing worse than a badly fitted bra. (Click here to ask the Bra Doctor a bra fitting question.)

Audrey Hepburn in a Long "Little Black Dress", designed by Coco Chanel

Under a cowl neck, turtleneck or high neckline, you should wear a seamless bra that gives you good shape & can not be seen, because any bulges or “overspill” will be visible. I suggest you wear a little black bra to suit your little black dress. Many LBDs today are low- cut so you’d probably wear a demi-bra or a balconette style bra. Demi-bras have half-cups & end just above the nipples, so there is no risk of seeing the bra when wearing a low neckline. Try a strapless-style demi-bra, with versatile convertible straps.

3805 Little Black Cowl Neck Dress by Papillon Blanc, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

When picking a bra for your dresses with lower-cut necklines, decide how much (if any) cleavage you want to show. A push-up bra or padded bra will make the most of your shape and accentuate your bust, while a balconette shape will naturally lift your breasts but without the extra volume.

If you need to shop for new undergarments for your outfit, bring your dress with you to try it out – there’s no sense spending money on something you’re never going to wear!

How do YOU wear lingerie under your Little Black Dress? Tell us by commenting here below, tell us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and Like our Facebook Page!

Julie

1144 Sleek Underneath Seamless Strapless Laser-Cut Bra by Warner's, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Image Sources & References

Little Black Dress by Papillon Blanc:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=3805–sleeveless-cowl-neck-dress-with-lace-hem-papillon-blanc

Strapless Sleek Underneath Bra by Warner’s:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1144-sleek-underneath-strapless-bra-warners-lingerie

Audrey Hepburn in Coco Chanel dress:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1281999/Audrey-Hepburns-little-black-dress-tops-fashion-list.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Type-of-Bra-Should-You-Wear?&id=3945663

Featured Image:

Montelle Wild Chid Pure Prodigy Push-Up Bra:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=8652-wild-child-pure-prodigy-push-up-bra-montelle-lingerie 

Hmm, so it’s official: fall has arrived and our summer attire departs. So we’ve got the scoop on how to mix and match layers of sweaters of all sorts and which colors we will be adorned in, but what about our makeup? Say a happy ‘ta-ta!’ to Bronze Summer Goddess Babe because, honey, it’s time to change it up once again to something warm and start afresh!

FAIR-SKIN HOTTIES

Daytime: Opt for a natural light-hearted earthy look. First apply iridescent pearl eye shadow to the inside corner of your eyes, lightly brushing to the middle: this really opens them up. Then apply a medium brown eye shadow starting from the middle of your eyelid right to the end to enhance those beautiful eyes. No eyeliner is needed because we’re looking fresh this morning, but dark brown mascara is a do!

Night time: All you need to do is add a darker shade of eye shadow to the crease of your eyes and blending to just above the medium brown you’ve already got going for you. Apply this same shade in an eyeliner format and proceed to smudge. Done and done.  (A suggestion, perhaps? Add a peach colored blush to complement those daring eyes (it also adds softness to cuteness).

Need to visualize? Wear this look with Triumph’s Lace Sensation Underwire Bra - comfortable yet sexy for a naturally gorgeous effect.

1832 Shape Sensations Lace Bra by Triumph, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

OLIVE-SKINNED DOLLS

Daytime: Go for a medium shade of blue this fall. Like a turquoise. Why not? Once again start the iridescent wonders of opening up and popping those eyes starting from the inside corners to blending in a lovely fresh shimmery turquoise from the middle of the lid to the end. Apply two coats of black mascara (maybe even a deep navy blue mascara…oooh yes!) and off you go!

Night time: Apply a navy blue to the crease of your lid, blending into the turquoise, as your making your way to the end of your upper lid. Smoke that gorgeous eye by applying the same navy blue eye shadow under your eye and proceed with one more layer of mascara to let your eyes do the flirting!

(May I suggest? …Go for a deep tan to contour those cheek bones. Meow.)

Visualize this look with: Blue Emotions Lacy Underwired Bra by Naturana Exklusiv.

DARKER-SKINNED BEAUTIES
 

Daytime: Hmm, did someone say ‘Purple Rain’? Unleash your subtle vixen by applying a shimmery tan coloured eye shadow to the inside corners of your eyes moving your way to the middle lid. Continue this stroke of luck by adding some shimmery plum purple eye shadow. Don’t forget two coats of mascara to enhance those beautiful eyes.

Night time: Vixen at full fierceness! Apply a charcoal gray eye shadow to add smouldering to already sultry. Again, apply to lower lash line and away you go. Try not to stop traffic…though we know you will!

(Allow me if I may… Apply a rosy-raisin shade of blush to the apples of your cheeks. Oh, what a stunner!)

Look ultra-sophisticated when you pair it with this Naked Envy Long Semi Sheer Lace Chemise by Blush Lingerie.

222454 Naked Envy Long Gown by Blush, available at Now That's Lingerie

Have fun with your makeup! Please comment below, email me or connect with us via Twitter & Facebook for more suggestions or ideas!

- Katrina
katrina@nowthatslingerie.com

Flower Curves Seamless Bra by Valisere Lingerie

Plus Sizes Three-Section Full Cup Underwired Bra by Naturana Lingerie ($35.00)
Full support with wide straps and wings for maximum comfort aside, the best part of this bra is that the cups are divided into three sections. This type of cup is extremely flattering because it creates a gorgeous, perfectly round shape! Looks great under any top, but especially under form-fitting t-shirts and tanks, which show off your lovely form.

Flower Curves Seamless Bra by Valisere Lingerie ($29.00)
This molded underwire bra is seamless, rendering it undetectable under even the tightest or thinnest of tops. However, you’ll probably want to be seen in this number, with its lovely decorative floral embroidered straps! I love pretty straps like this for summer, when tank tops become a main staple of my wardrobe. Usually a fashion faux-pas, exposed straps are totally acceptable when they’re intended to attract attention!

Marianne Balconette Bra by Bra Doctor

Marianne Balconette Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie ($28.00)
This bra is sensual and seductive with its black lace and deep violet embellishments. It’s also super-comfy, with a cotton inner lining and a cut that is high-enough to prevent falling out while still offering a gorgeous view of your decolletage! Balconette bras are sultry in general, but this Bra Doctor bra especially exemplifies the beauty/affordability combo I’m talking about! What’s more, there are matching panties! Woo!

Emma Padded Push-Up Bra by Blush Lingerie ($32.00)
Lingerie is popping up in all the latest fashion mags and with its great prices, it can appear in your closet, too! The Emma modal collection by Blush is sweet, simple and sexy without being over the top. This push-up bra gives you a little extra boost, while the floral lace wings and the lovely little rose-bud detail front and center act as enticing icing on the cake.  Plus, there’s a little gadget in back that helps cross your straps too!

Terri Balconette Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie ($19.97)
Okay, as you’ve probably guessed I love lace. This dainty, feminine material is taking over the runways and the once luxury item is now available to one and all – I couldn’t be happier! The beautiful slate blue color of this bra is eye-catching without being gaudy and the overall look is one of youthful European sophistication. Plus, did you see that price?! Irresistible!

Don’t forget to sign up for our Free Lingerie Contest Giveaway and you’ll even save 10% on your next order, no minimum purchase required! Whether you’re on a budget or not, this is a must-enter contest with an amazing perk!

Ciao for now!

Rachel

Well, I must say, it is nice to be back in Montreal. Despite the bitter cold, it felt great to step out of the airport yesterday evening and inhale the crisp, fresh air. While I am anxiously awaiting spring’s arrival, the fact of the matter is that Montreal is a beautiful city all year round. Its gorgeous, cobblestone streets in the Old Port and the diversity of its people make Montreal a truly cosmopolitan urban center. But what would Montreal be without the wooded slopes of Mont Royal, the St. Lawrence River and its countless parks? The city would be almost unrecognizable.

Serendipity Cotton Eyelet Strapless Corset by Blush Lingerie

This is one of the many reasons I believe in living an eco-friendly lifestyle – and trust me, it’s easier than it seems! Contributing to the preservation of our wonderful environment can be as simple as eating one vegetarian meal per day, committing to the use of reusable shopping bags or cutting a couple of minutes of your usual shower time. Many industries have already taken action towards minimizing their carbon footprint, including the wonderful world of fashion!

By using natural materials in the clothing they produce, companies are helping their consumers make a difference. Bamboo, for example, requires a remarkably low amount of water to grow, and not only that, but it actually has natural antibacterial properties – meaning no pesticides are used in its production and clothing that does not retain odor like other fabrics can! Cotton, too, is an excellent choice for the environmentally friendly fashionista, as sunlight transforms the plant into a fibre even before harvesting, eliminating energy-hungry intermediate processing steps.

Here are some examples of eco-friendly pieces from Arianne, Bra Doctor, Change of Scandinavia, Elita and Eva lingerie. Who knew being green could look this good?

Light Luxury Cotton Hipster Panty by Bra Doctor Lingerie

Bra Doctor’s Light Luxury Low-Rise Hipster: Keep it simple with this comfy and versatile panty! Made with cotton and a nice low-rise shape, these are great for low slung jeans and offer full bum coverage in skirts and dresses.

Elita’s Bamboo Camisole With Shelf Bra: A cami & a bra all in one! Sleek silhoutte, smoothes out any lumps & bumps, prevents too much cleavage and can even be worn on its own, without a bra!

Naturana Plus Sizes 3-Section Full Cup Underwire Bra: Naturana offers some excellent plus-size options, this one included. Pretty and ultra-practical, this three-section bra provides comfortable lift, with wide straps and wings to keep you from tumbling out!

Bamboo Camisole with Shelf Bra by Elita Lingerie

Elita Bamboo Classic High-Cut Brief: Another great panty, this one is higher-cut, great for the high-waisted trend that’s making itself known for yet another summer!

Blush Serendipity Cotton Eyelet Strapless Corset: This sweet corset proves that cotton can be sexy too! A 50′s-inspired, vintage-looking option that is both eye-catching and versatile with its removable straps, this piece can’t be beat, and looks incredible when paired with matching panties and a garter belt – also offered by Blush lingerie.

Until next time!

Xoxo,

Rachel

Sources:

http://www.suite101.com/content/environmentally-friendly-clothes-choose-renewable-eco-fabrics-a309967
http://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/sustainability-about/cotton-vs-other-fibers/

Let me start with one of the basic principles of bra fitting (you can see my other blogs on this by clicking here).  When your bra fits properly, the underwire should contour all of your breast tissue (from under your arms to where your cleavage resides) and lay flat against your breastbone in the front, without constraining your breasts or rubbing against your skin.

Dahlia bra and panty set by Valisère (Triumph). Size range: 34-40, D-DD cups. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com.

The purpose of an underwire is to contour the natural shape of your breast by encompassing the entirety of your breast tissue and giving it lift and a round shape.  When encased in those cups, your breasts will only be supported to the extent that the fabric of your cup covers your breasts.  For example, let me compare two distinct types of underwire bras.  If you’re wearing a padded push-up bra (most of which offer only minimal support), you are getting less support than if you were wearing a full cup minimizer (intended to deliver the utmost support).  But both bras have underwire.  So what determines this difference in support levels?

For any bra, the straps, elasticated back band, fabric, stitching, underwire and coverage all work together to play a crucial role in perfecting your comfort.  The majority of the support of a properly fitted bra lies in the elasticity (or firmness) of the fabric of your cups, plus the stitching (if any) on or along the cups.  (The reason I emphasize properly fitted is because, if your bra doesn’t fit, it doesn’t matter what style you’re wearing– you will not be get the support that the physics of your bra intended!  Click for more of my blogs on bra fitting.)  So, if your bra cups only cover half of your boobs (like in a demi-cup or demi-bust bra), then chances are, your bra won’t give you as much support as a full-coverage bra– regardless of whether there is or isn’t an underwire.  This also means that a bra with a stretchier fabric on the cups will support your breasts less than a bra made with a sturdier, less extensible fabric.

So that’s part of understanding what underwire can do for you.  Before I continue, I want to make something clear.  Just because you may prefer to wear non-underwire bras does NOT mean you are getting less support than a woman who wears underwire.  Many non-underwire bras are equipped with a supportive elasticated band around the torso and have seams that are stitched internally in such a way as to provide shape and support.  Full support bras DO exist without underwire and their support can be comparable to that of an underwire bra.  The major difference is that the shape of your breasts will sometimes be different in either type of bra.  You see, underwire works to envelop the entirety of your breast tissue, from beneath your arms and below your breast, bringing their weight closer to the front and slightly lifted upwards.  Some non-underwire bras may constrain the breast tissue nearer to your body, but this may make your breasts seem smaller, especially since your breasts will seem less separated from each other than if there was an underwire contouring each breast.

The Vintage Touch wire-free bra by Warner's offers a naturally rounded fit and unparallelled comfort. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com

So what have you learned?  Properly fitted, underwire bras help give you a more precise fit while supporting your breasts, but what more fully determines the support level are the fabric (and stitching) of your bra cups (more on this in a subsequent blog!).  All these aspects (and more, like the strap’s width) work together to provide support.  For women who do not like underwire bras and find them uncomfortable, don’t fret– there is still a wide range of non-underwired bras available for your comfort and convenience.

For all your bra fitting questions… contact me at celinethebradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com!  I hear from dozens of women every week with a wide range of bra fitting issues, and I respond to them personally.  So don’t hesitate or wait to feel comfortable in your bras.

See you next time!
Your Bra Doctor
bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com