Recently in Intimates Category

Q. I've just purchased a sleevless black dress that has a wide belt which sits just below the waist. The dress is very fitted and comes to the knee. I have a pair of black stylish heels. If I do decide to wear hosiery would I wear nude, black or a color....I would appreciate your opinion.

Q. I am 5'11' and large busted. I have a terrible time finding a bra that fits at department stores. Help! How can I find a bra that fits?

A. We consulted Panache, the lingerie design expert for D+ cup sizes, for tips on ensuring that you have a properly fitting bra:

1. FILL YOUR CUPS...
Baggy cups are a surefire sign that you have the wrong size. Try going down a cup size. If your cups are creasing around the nipple, try going down a back size to pull the fabric taut.

2. ...BUT DON'T OVERFLOW
Spilling out over the tops or sides of your bra won't make your breasts look bigger; it will make your clothes look lumpy. It means you're wearing too small of a cup size, so try the next size up.

3. DON'T LET THE STRAPS TAKE THE STRAIN
A bra's main support comes from the band, not the straps. Make sure that you're wearing the correct band size: too big, and your straps will end up taking the weight, which will cause them to dig in and be uncomfortable.

4. THINK HORIZONTAL
Stand sideways and look in the mirror. Is your bra band at the same level all the way around? If it's riding up at the back, you probably need a smaller band size so it will stay in place and not cause the dreaded "back fat."

5. FINGER RULES
Never mind a rule of thumb; here's what you need to know about fingers. Your bra band should feel tight and firm but with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the center front.

6. FASTEN A NEW BRA ON THE LOOSEST HOOK
Fascinating bra fact: a bra band can grow up to 4" due to wash and wear. When you buy a new bra, make sure that it fits properly on the loosest hook as you might need to tighten it with wear.

7. MAKE SURE YOUR UNDERWIRE IS FLAT AT THE FRONT...
The center front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone. If it doesn't, go up a cup size.

8. ...AND SITS ON THE BONE
On that note, check the wire at the side of the bra. It should sit on the ribcage without digging into any breast tissue.

9. DO THE T-SHIRT TEST
The best way to see what shape a new bra will give you is to try it on under a fitted T-shirt. Look at yourself from all angles and make sure you have an uplifted look with no unwanted bulges.

10. GET MOVING
You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without walking around in them. So why should buying a bra be any different? Don't just stand there: stretch out and swing your arms to make sure it feels comfortable when you move. Also, make sure to sit down in your new bra. This will tell you whether the bra will dig in and bother you when you are sitting in it all day.

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of our favorite bras for size D and up:

Panache Tango Classic Balconette Underwire Bra

Panache Harmony Full Cup Underwire Bra

Le Mystere Dream Lace Tisha Bra

Le Mystere Dream Tisha Seamless Full Fit Bra

Q. I am not too old, 49, but now I hear from my daughter, 26, that wearing pantyhose are out of style, and she never wears them, not even in the dead of winter, because only old grandmas wear them. Is this true? This past winter I decided to just wear pants to the office and not look silly wearing a skirt with no panty hose, in the below zero New England weather, however, I would like the option of wearing a suit with a skirt in the winter. What is your advice on panty hose or no panty hose? Thanks.

A. In the fashion world, hosiery tends to come in and out of style. However, whether to go bare-legged or not is more than just about what's "in". If you feel more comfortable in hosiery when the weather is cool, then by all means go for it. Regardless of trends, you can always opt for ultra sheer nude hosiery that matches your skin tone or opaque tights.

That being said, hosiery is very much in style for fall - aren't you lucky! The Fall 2009 runways showed everything from sheer hosiery to funky patterns, prints and embellishments from virtually every designer. Here's some proof of hosiery's fabulousness for your daughter:

left to right: Collette Dinnigan, Elie Saab, Limi Feu, Chanel, Valentino, Stella McCartney - photos courtesy of style.com

Q. I love wearing tights with high heels, but how do I prevent my feet from slipping inside my shoes!

A. It sounds to me like your shoes may not fit properly. We are huge fans of Foot Petals products which offer various shoe inserts to help your shoes fit better. If this doesn't keep your foot from sliding, you might want to try a little double-stick wardrobe tape like Topstick on the soles of your tights to help prevent slippage. Finally, you might want to opt for heels with ankle straps or t-straps which will help keep your foot in place.

Q. I'm small-chested (34A) and whenever I wear my strapless bras (and i've tried a number of them: Victoria's Secret, Gap, etc.), if i have them on under a snug fitting top, i get a highly unattractive "dent" across my breasts where the top of the cup meets my skin. Yes, i've tried the bras specifically designated as "smooth" for supposedly seamless coverage. Can you please help me? Thanks!

A. My guess is that the bras you've tried so far have been bandeau-style (straight across at the top) which can often give the appearance of a dent. Instead, look for bras that dip down in the middle that help give more of a lift than a flattening effect. If you are still experiencing a "dent", then it is possible that you are choosing a cup size that is too small, try a 32B or 34B instead.

If these solutions still don't work for you and you are truly an A cup, then I suggest skipping the bra entirely and wearing one of the nipple covers we recommended here.

Here are some strapless suggestions to try:

Q. I am 46 years old and have a young look with a slim build. My problem is that I have small breasts and don't like to wear a bra as I really don't need one. I don't like the padding and most are tight around my rib cage and uncomfortable. Is there a bra that conceals my nipples without being too much?

A. Lucky you if you're able to go bra-less! If your goal is merely to conceal nipples, then your best bet is to try these bra alternatives:

Sassybax Sassynips - Made from Soufflé technology, these adhesive nipple concealers are so light, natural and comfortable, no one will know you are wearing them but you. Each patch is approximately the size of a half dollar and can be washed and reused up to 50 times. $18

Fashion Forms Ultimate Silicone Gel Petals With Travel Case - Silicone petals that offer a smooth look with or without a bra. Can be worn up to 25 times. $15

Fashion Forms Breast Petals 3-Pack - 3 pairs of disposable no-show designed petals that have padded centers, and are great for wearing with or without your bra. $6

Pure Style Girlfriends Smooth'em Nipple Concealers - Dim the headlights the easy way! These re-usable silicone discs create a seamless silhouette as they conceal nipples with a gentle adhesive. They're tapered to lay flat and they adhere gently to the breasts for a natural and seamless look. Waterproof and sweatproof, reusable up to 20 times. $17

Q. I've started looking into gel-ly adhesive bras because strapless bras usually don't fit comfortably on me, or the gel sides that prevent the bra from falling down bother me a lot, and I just wanted to ask you if you had any insights toward them. I was just wondering if you guys knew any other good adhesive bras besides the NuBra? Most of the results of my Googling were mainly about the NuBra, but I don't know If I'd be comfortable in one, so I'm not ready to shell out $60 just yet.

A. Adhesive, backless bras are the perfect solution to wear under strapless, backless or one-shoulder tops and dresses. Although you can find some that fit size C and up, it's important to note that these styles work best for women who are a small C or smaller, or who don't require a lot of lift and support.

The NuBra is one of the most popular styles and can be worn over and over again. The NuBra Ultralite is a less expensive version, available for $32. An alternative to the reusable bras is the Adhesive Body Bra which can be worn 6 times and costs $12 or the disposable one-time-use Fashion Forms Adhesive Bra which costs $8 for one pair.

Our advice? If you're unsure if an adhesive, backless bra will work for you, start with one of the options for $12 or less. If you are pleased with the bra, then the reusable NuBra will be worth the investment.

(P.S. get 10% off any of the above styles through 7/31/09, click here)

Q. I purchased a white pattern light transparent dress for Easter, bought myself a full slip to avoid panty lines, but then ended up not wearing the dress because I wasn't sure if I should wear underwear under the shaper slip. Does the shaper replace the underwear? I wouldn't want anybody to see my bare butt under the dress when I was outdoors on a sunny day. Thanks.

A. What a great question. Whether or not to wear underwear underneath shapewear is a personal decision, though I am from the camp that does. There are many women who go bare underneath stockings, Spanx, etc. However, going bare underneath a slip is a bit risky - it's really no different than going panty-less under a dress or skirt. So, to be safe (and sanitary), you're better off wearing a seamless thong or panties under your shaper slip.

Cass Luxury Shapewear: Camisole Shaper Slip
$128 at barenecessities.com

2008 has come to a close, so we're recapping our most popular, and in some cases, controversial, Q and A's of the year. Read on and happy holidays!

What Are The Age Guidelines For Hosiery?

Rules For Wearing Black Tights With Colored Shoes

Should a 55 year old always wear hose to the office?

Is Sheer Hosiery Back In Style?

Hosiery To Wear With Sandals?

Is Hosiery Mandatory For A Black Tie Optional Wedding?

Smooth Look Under Satin

Comfortable Bra for Busty Gal

Questions about shoes and boots are also very popular:

In Search Of Flats With Arch Support

How To Wear Ankle Boots

Winter Boots That Are Warm, Weatherproof and Stylish

In Search Of Riding Boots That Aren't Too Tall

In Search Of Boots For Skinny Calves

Chic Shoes To Wear In The Rain

Some wardrobe and figure-flattery questions:

Chic Options For Stay-At-Home Moms

Do Boot Cut Jeans Really Flatter Curvy Women?

Figure Flattering Options For Large Thighs

Capri and Shorts Lengths For Petite Women

Traveling In Comfort and Style

Closet Clean Up

Q. I'm a 27 year old who recently moved from the rolling plains of Mississippi to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. The weather of course is drastically different. I would like to wear skirts to work but some seem to look better with bare legs. I feel I'm too young to wear old lady panty-hose but don't want my legs to freeze. I do wear tights but it all depends on the outfit. What are the age guidelines for hosiery? I don't want to look too old or too young for my age.

A. Whether you choose opaque black or colored tights, textured hosiery or even sheers this season, hosiery has never been more stylish. You almost can't go wrong with whatever legwear you choose. That being said, there are a few tips to remember:

1. When wearing nude hosiery, make sure it is an ultra sheer shade that matches your skin tone. The quickest road to "old lady" hosiery (as you put it) is to wear nudes that are too dark or light for your legs or are too opaque.

2. Don't wear white tights unless you are 7 years old.

3. Though sheer colored hosiery is a trend this season, it is easier to wear tights during the day instead. Unless the rest of your outfit is very fashion forward, you risk looking dated (or older) with your sheers.

If you prefer to wear bare legs and the weather isn't too cool, then by all means, go for it!