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Dress to impress: How to match your underwear to your party outfit
Posted by Claire Boote, on December 12, 2023.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
FROM CHRISTMAS PARTIES AND FESTIVE DRINKS, TO FANCY DINNERS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE…’TIS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY AND GLAM! WHETHER YOU’RE DONNING YOUR TRUSTY LBD OR GOING FOR ALL-OUT SPARKLE, A SUCCESSFUL PARTY OUTFIT STARTS WITH THE VERY FIRST LAYER.
Wearing the right bra on any social occasion does two things: it helps you look good, and it helps you feel good. You don’t want to spend an evening with an uncomfortable bra, squashing you in all the wrong places while you’re trying to elegantly eat a mince pie while chatting to a colleague over the mulled wine. You also don’t want mismatched straps and odd shaping spoiling the look of your favourite party outfit.
To help you stay festively fabulous this Christmas, here are Royce’s top tips for choosing the right underwear for party season…
Firstly, find the perfect fit
There’s no point in carefully selecting the right bra style if the fit is all wrong. Not only will you feel uncomfortable all night, but loose straps, and bulging or under-filled cups can ruin the look of a great dress or glamorous top. Spend time trying on your favourite bras – what fitted last Christmas may not this year as anyone’s boobs can fluctuate in size, even week to week. Use a mirror as you try them on and go through our five-point checklist:
1. Are your breasts well enclosed within the cups of the bra, with no bulging or gaping?
2. Does the middle of the bra lay flat on or close to the chest?
3. Does the underband fit firmly and comfortably on the middle ‘hook and eye’ fastening?
4. Does the underband lay straight with no riding up?
5. Are the straps comfortable and not digging in or slipping off your shoulders?
If you answered ‘yes’ to all five, you can start testing them under your party outfit options.
Think shape for tight-fitting dresses and tops
You want to maintain a smooth shape beneath close-fitted clothing, so look for bras with light padding and moulded cups. If needed, look for pocketed bras which can hold inserts such as a bra balancer, useful whether you’ve had breast surgery or have uneven breasts.
Royce choice: Maisie, our best-selling T-shirt bra, comes in classic black or white, rogue, blush and navy; comes with pockets; and is available from an A to G cup.
Flash a little detail
We don’t always want to be discreet with our bras – some are just too gorgeous to hide! The best and simplest way to flash a bit of bra is via the straps or a peek of cup. When you fancy showing off, select a bra in a bold colour or with interesting details such as lace edging.
Royce choice: Indie (in petrol blue or lilac) features lace detailing across the cups; Maisie in rouge or navy adds a pop of colour via the straps or satin-trimmed cups.
Strap in for dancing!
Unlike skimpier summer clothes, festive party dressing let’s you get away with a bit more coverage – higher necklines, longer sleeves and no chilly backless numbers mean you can stay extremely glam. You can also go for fuller coverage underneath and wear a bra that not only offers great shape but also firm support – look for designs that include features such as additional side slings so you can jump, jiggle and jive the night away in complete confidence that you’re securely strapped in!
