You've got the dream dress, you've found the perfect shoes and now you're standing in front of the mirror staring at an ill-fitting bra, ugly straps ruining the neckline and an unflattering, unsightly VPL. DO NOT PANIC! The Red fashion fairy godmother is here.
A good dress becomes a fabulous head turner with the right under pinnings. They'll make your body look amazing and allow your dress to take the spotlight. A boring investment they may be but they are the essential foundations to your look. Follow the guide to get it right.
THE PROBLEM: A skimpy backless dress
The Solution
If you have a small bust but want some support then go for a backless, strapless invisible bra. It will give you some support but stick to your skin so you look like you're wearing nothing and are just naturally perky. If you need more support than this then choose a bra that matches your dress and tie a bow around the clasp. This look works best with something slightly more covered and open at the back.
Nude invisible bra, £20, Figleaves.com
THE PROBLEM: One Shoulder Dress but need support
The Solution
Curvy Kate do strapless bras up to a double G cup. The seam free fabric and extra wide band offer good support so you won't need to keep hoicking it up all night.
Curvy Kate, £32, Simply Be
THE PROBLEM: Body hugging with a plunging neckline
The Solution
Choose a body control slip that will hold your tummy flat and cinch in your waist. This one is perfect as it's backless and cut very low so nothing will be on show.
Rita Shaping slip, £165, DMONDAINE at Net-A-Porter.com
THE PROBLEM: White bodycon and see through fabric
The Solution
No style of bra will work with this style of dress so go for magic tape instead to hold everything in place. Choose a pair of nude seam free pants, white is no good under white, weirdly it shows so always choose nude and DO NOT wear a g-string, it will look trashy. A dress this clingy means you need support.
Nude seam-free pants, £10, M&S
The Problem: A sheer lace dress
The Solution
A nude slip looks slick and expensive under sheer white lace. Choose a length slightly shorter than your dress so your legs show through at the hem. It's slimming and highlights the sheer detail which you don't want to cover up completely.
Nude body control slip dress, £35, Debenhams