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The Hunt: Camisoles for Work

02/22/2016 by

camisoles for workSure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

We haven’t rounded up the best camisoles for layering (or demi camisoles) in far too long — so let’s discuss. Which are your favorites, ladies? What do you like about them — simplicity, stretch, shaping powers — something lacy or pretty? — or fun colors or prints to add a pop of color or fun to an otherwise basic outfit? What color camisole do you think is best under white blouses? (I’m on Team White all the way!)…

First, some picks in a few special interest categories:

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Filed Under: Layering Pieces, The Hunt Tagged With: , ,

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Airism Sleeveless Top

08/21/2015 by

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

airism camisoleSometimes it seems like the hunt for the perfect camisole is never-ending.  Uniqlo now brings us a $12 camisole from their new Airism line.  From the product page: “This AIRism tank top lets you stay dry and comfortable year-round. Made from ultra-fine fibers, it is so smooth and light you’ll forget you’re wearing it.”  Innnnteresting. I’ve always loved their Heat-tech stuff, so I may have to give this a try. It’s available in seven colors (including two beiges) for $12.90. Airism Sleeveless Top

Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail [email protected]

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Filed Under: The Personal Shopper (TPS) Tagged With: ,

Camisoles Beneath Blouses: White or “Nude”?

07/30/2015 by

camisoles beneath blouses white nudeWhich are the best camisoles to layer beneath blouses? Is a seamless camisole important, or a nude-for-you camisole? Or is a white camisole the best thing under a white blouse? Reader S has a question, and I thought it might be a fun topic because I’ve said before: I am a fan of plain, non-lacy white or black camisoles (with a nude-for-you bra) beneath sheer blouses, rather than “nude” camisoles. They make it clear to the non-fashion people you work with that it’s safe to look at your blouse — a solid camisole avoids that weird Barbie look of “it’s sheer and I think I see skin but there’s no bra or nipple and I’m so confused…” I also think it streamlines things in your closet, because if you need a camisole to raise the neckline of a dress, you’d want a white or black one anyway. But maybe I’m in the minority. Here’s S’s question:

I recently got several lovely silk button up blouses. I love the feel and look, and the step-up in fabric. However, they are kind of sheer. I have been searching high and low, and can’t find a good nude camisole that doesn’t show all the straps and seams and edges under the silk, making it look cheap and not well put together. Not the look I’m going for. Why can’t they make the camisole equivalent of these panties?

camisoles beneath blouses white nudeIn addition, most of the “nude” camisoles I have found look like they’re nude on a banana cream pie, but not on me. like this one (pictured at right).

I’ll weigh in with a few answers for S, but I’m curious to hear what readers say about this whole issue. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Layering Pieces, Lingerie Tagged With: , , ,

Coffee Break: Halftees

05/11/2015 by

halftee-102_black We haven’t talked about demi camisoles in a while, but as summer is almost upon us, and everyone wants to shed unnecessary layers, now is a great time to discuss it. In hot weather, a regular slip or camisole just seems too heavy; they bunch up and they leave lines. Still: cleavage is never work appropriate, which is (often) the whole point of the camisole. Enter the demi-camisole, with a modest neckline but not a lot of fabric to bunch up around your waist. There are many companies that do this, but today I’m liking the look of these Halftees simple tanks — they come in 11 colors, are reversible, and are machine washable. Huzzah! They’re $17.99 at Halftees.com (but use code MOTHERS20 to take 20% off). Tank Style Halftee

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The Hunt: Demi Camisoles

02/10/2014 by

The Best Demi Camisoles | CorporetteSure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

I’ve always been intrigued when, amidst a discussion of great camisoles or what to layer under wrap dresses, numerous readers have expressed their love for the demi camisole.  There are a number of companies making these things, and the general idea is the same: you get a bit of fabric to raise the neckline of your dress or blouse for modesty, you don’t have to deal with bunchy/extra fabric around your middle, and they can even be a great way to make regular shirts more friendly to nursing/pumping moms.  Some of the brands (such as HalfTee) even make half-shirts with sleeves, which I think would be great beneath silk/cashmere tops to to extend the time between laundering.  I’ve mostly heard of women wearing them on TOP of regular bras, but every woman is different.  I thought I’d round up a few — readers who swear by demi camisoles, which brands are your favorites?  Readers, do you prefer demi- or full camisoles? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Layering Pieces, Lingerie, The Hunt Tagged With: ,

Slips, Camisoles, and More: What Are Your Go-To Pieces?

02/28/2013 by

what-to-wear-beneath-wrap-dresses2017 Update: We still stand by this advice on what to wear beneath wrap dresses; if you’re looking for more current advice on which are readers’ go-to underwear picks, check out our more recent discussion of the best lingerie for office looks. 

What do you wear beneath wrap dresses? Are there camisole-slips? Reader V has an interesting question about what to wear beneath clothes that I think leads us to a great larger question: what are your favorite brands and pieces in slips, camisoles, support garments, pantyhose, and more?

I have a question re slips. I understand that people wear them (even the non-control ones) to even out the lumpy-squishies, make things less sheer, improve drape, etc. But for an unlined v-neck or wrap dress, where one might want help with smoothing out lumps and VPL and sheerness, what if you also want to raise the neckline. Are there camisole-type slips that are designed to be seen (so maybe in white or black, depending on the color of dress; not nude-for-you)? I’m not sure what to do for something like a DVF wrap dress — I want to wear a slip, but don’t want to slip up. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you!

This is a great question. We’ve talked about how to keep wrap dresses closed, but not what to wear beneath wrap dresses. While reading her answer I found myself going through the things that I would wear beneath a wrap dress:

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Filed Under: Lingerie, Pantyhose, Tights Tagged With: , , , ,