Dress to impress

Whether it’s halterneck, backless, strapless or sheer, there’s a bra for every outfit, Katie Wright discovers

From sexy little festival frocks to elegant evening gowns, summer provides ample opportunity to get dolled up. It also brings with it a whole host of underwear conundrums – particularly this year, when backless, bandeau and spaghetti-strap dresses are so on-trend. Going bra-less might work for some people but if you need some support or don’t want your nipples to be visible beneath a light fabric, it’s not an option. So how do you find a bra that’s discreet but doesn’t let you down – literally? “When wearing any type of bra – especially one you want to be discreet – it is essential that you get the fit right,” says Debby Duckett, Boux Avenue buying director. “A correctly fitting bra will not only be more comfortable but also more supportive, therefore giving you a better shape under clothing. So when looking for a new ‘solution’ bra, it is always worth getting professional help from an expert bra fitter.” From backless to sheer, here’s what you need to know about choosing a bra for every dress, no matter how skimpy.

1. BACKLESS DRESSES

“In the summer months, backless and low-cut dresses are what everyone wants to wear to keep cool,” says Victoria Shelton, garment technologist at Figleaves. “Finding the perfect underwear to go with these is the hardest part about getting ready. “A plunge, backless, strapless, selfadhesive bra solves all these problems. “This bra is the perfect foundation under any summer dress, designed to lift and shape with a deep plunge for ultimate confidence.” – Fashion Forms U Plunge Backless Strapless Bra, £28, Figleaves – Missguided Nude Secret Stick On Strapless Bra, £15

2. HALTER NECK DRESSES

A multiway bra is best for halterneck dresses according to Debby: “With an adjustable clip, it can be worn as a regular bra, halterneck or racer back and comes with a low back converter, so it’s good if the dress has a really low back as well as a halterneck.” You can also buy converters separately to attach to any bra. – Boux Avenue Ultra Boost Bra, £28 – Perfection Beauty Natural Low Back Bra Converter, £6, Debenhams – Magic Bodyfashion Va-Va-Voom Lace, £26.50

3. STRAPLESS DRESSES

“A strapless bra is a key asset in everyone’s lingerie drawer, no girl should be without one,” Debby says. “Opting for a strapless or multiway bra will provide the support needed, whatever the neckline of the dress, whether it’s strapless, bardot or one shoulder,” Victoria advises. – Cleo Koko Moulded Strapless Bra, £36, Panache – The Collection Natural Underwired Padded 24 Hour Strapless Silicone Free Multi-Way Bra, £25, Debenhams

4. SHEER DRESSES

Sheer and silk slip dresses have been a huge trend this year but the combination of fine material and thin straps can prove tricky. “In the summer months you want to feel comfortable in what you are wearing,” says Victoria, recommending a T-shirt bra if your dress has thicker straps because, “it offers support while appearing invisible under clothes – perfect for thin materials worn in the hot weather.” – Another clever alternative is stickon nipple covers. – Gossard Glossies Sheer Bra, £29, Figleaves

Very few of us are lucky enough to go braless and feel totally confident so finding the right multi-way bra is the first step in supporting you through all of summer’s pretty dresses. A multi-way bra is the best investment for getting the most out of your purchase – it will come with removable straps that can be worn as a regular bra, a halterneck, a crossover back, a racer-back and, of course, a strapless bra. Make sure you get the right size by being fitted by a professional. Most dresses this summer have been spaghetti straps (try clear straps on your strapless bra for extra support) or Bardot styles, which work best with no straps showing. However, open-back dresses are trendier and edgier so consider it cool to wear a statement bra underneath so you’ve got the season’s fashion under control, as well as your boobs.

Clockwise from bottom left: model wears U Plunge Backless Strapless Bra, from Figleaves; model wears Missguided Nude Secret Stick On Strapless Bra, from Missguided; model wears Cleo Koko Moulded Strapless Bra, from Panache; model wears Perfection Beauty Natural Low Back Bra Converter from Debenhams; model wears The Collection Natural Underwired Padded 24 Hour Strapless Silicone Free Multi-Way Bra from Debenhams; Gossard Glossies Sheer Bra from Figleaves; Boux Avenue Ultra Boost Bra; and Magic Bodyfashion Va-Va-Voom Lace.