What you wear under your party dress really counts

PANELS TO SMOOTH SILHOUETTE  

Kristie, 31, is a size 12 and wears a 34E bra. Here, she wears the PrimaDonna Couture Full Cup Bra in cream, £88.95, and PrimaDonna Couture Shapewear High Brief With Legs in cream, £73.95. Dress, £55, marksandspencer.com 

KRISTIE SAYS: I’ve got a ‘mummy tummy’ since having a baby a few months ago. But this shapewear smooths my bottom and nips me in all over. 

KELLY DUNMORE, chief lingerie stylist at Rigby & Peller, says: ‘For women who have just given birth, it’s important to wear underwear that can help you feel sexy. A fuller cup bra keeps the breasts in position. Highwaisted shapewear with a stomach panel does a great job of hiding a ‘mum tum’.

BODY SHAPER THAT BANISHES WOBBLY BITS 

Catherine, 53, is a size 12 and bra size 32F. Here, she wears the PrimaDonna Madison Balcony Bra in Caffe Latte, £79, and Simone Perele Top Model Body Shaper in nude, £106.95. 

CATHERINE SAYS: My main problem areas are my ‘bingo wing’ upper arms, hips and tummy, so I was wary of this dress. Once I had it on with the right underwear,though, I felt really confident. It is amazing how much firmer my bottom looks.

KELLY SAYS : This clever fabric really holds you in — and it has the greatest impact on confidence when you see your ‘wobbly’ bits disappear.

PERFECT BOTTOM BOOSTER 

Sylviane, 59, is a size 6 and a bra size 30B. She wears an Aubade Jardin Des Delices Plunge Bra in black, £72.95, and Wolford Control Panty in black, £60.

SYLVIANE SAYS: I have never really worn bras — my bust is so small that I’ve never felt the need. I’m not sure I’ve been converted to wearing them, but I fell in love with the high-waisted knickers — I thought they were stylish and really flattering.

KELLY SAYS : For someone who has a small bust and is ‘rectangle- shaped’, you need to add the illusion of curves . Shaping knickers give a boost, while a plunge balcony bra pushes breasts together for cleavage.

SLIP THAT WHITTLES A WAIST 

Stacy is a size 16 and bra size 34G. She wears an Empreinte Thalia Balcony Bra in black, £95.95, and a Simone Perele Top Model Shapewear dress, £106.95.

STACY SAYS:I really liked the underwear — it fitted so well. It was really comfortable and made me feel confident. It also made the dress fit better. It felt much nicer with the underwear and smoothed out the dress, making it more flattering than before.

KELLY SAYS: This dress gives a good silhouette under a frock because it creates one smooth line down your body — opt for something that goes to your mid-thigh to flatter you all over, while nipping you in at the waist.

PERK UP ANY PROBLEM AREAS 

Dulcie, 61, is a size 8 and wears a 34B bra. Here, she wears a Marie Jo Lily Push-Up Bra in black, £91.95, and a Wolford Forming Body in black, £133.

DULICE SAYS: I try to show off my legs, as I think they’re my best feature. For a party dress, I go for something tight-fitting, because I find it more flattering. This sheer bodysuit is perfect for a bit of control and makes me feel slim and elegant.

KELLY SAYS: Dulcie is an hourglass, so her underwear should enhance her natural curves. I put her in a plunge push-up to give more cleavage, while at the same time showing off her tiny waist.

A GOOD BRA CAN SLIM YOUR FIGURE

Grazzi, 46, is a size 10 and wears a 34D bra. Here, she wears a Marie Jo Liza Balcony Bra, £96, and Marie Jo Liza Rio Brief, £45, both in fumy grey.

GRAZZI SAYS: I would have said I already dressed to show off my bust. But when I tried on the underwear Kelly suggested, I realised how much more I could make of my assets! My breasts looked more lifted — the dress sat better on me and looked amazing. No need to hide my hips any more.

KELLY SAYS: Grazzi’s old bra was too big, so her breasts were getting no support. A balcony bra lifts and smooths her silhouette — the old one was digging in and making bumps. 



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