Camisole Etiquette? - YouLookFab Forum

Dear YLF,
please excuse these totally clueless questions...

(1) Is a camisole considered undergarment (i am referring to those typically used for layering). I see other tops/dresses that is in this shape, example below. So can it be wore standalone without a topper? If so, Inadvertently the bra straps will show, and is that a big no-no? How else are you supposed to wear it? I'm thinking about getting this for an upcoming cruise. so I'll likely need a topper, but if it gets hot, i want to be able to just take the topper off, but would that be appropriate?

(2) for a true camisole, like the BP one in Angie's store, http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....-camisole/, which has a satin trim, is it appropriate to show the trim when worn under a shirt? The satin trim somehow makes me feel more underwear-ish. (i don't have this feeling with other camisoles without the satin trim. So what's your take?

(3) see the 2 maxi dresses below. I really like the thinner strap one, but it has the cami-look top. I'd prefer the crewneck (or vneck) shape, but i think the wider stripes hit wrong spot at hip area.

Any advice welcome! TIA!

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12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I wear mine showing under jackets. I don't wear them alone, but only because I don't like the look on me. I see people wear camis alone a lot, but this is CA and we have a lot of beachy looks.

Diana

I sometimes wear them alone for very casual, hot weekend days. I sometimes size up if I want to wear the cami by itself so it's not super clingy. I wear a bra with either skinny straps or pretty straps, preferably in the same color, although i'd love to find a cami with built in bra cups (not a shelf bra).

Anonymous

If I wear a cami, or more frequently a tank, I wear a strapless bra to avoid bra straps showing. I used to think strapless bras were uncomfortable but the knowledgable lingerie SAs at Nordstrom found me comfortable ones. I learned that one usually wears a different size in strapless.
I like the first of your dresses best on you.

Thistle

I wear camis under other pieces. If I want to go without a topper, a wear a tank top so my bra doesn't show.

That said, I have seen a lot of younger ladies wear coordinating bras and just let the straps show.

Kristin L

Sometimes My camis show and sometimes they don't. I usually don't wear them alone, though. I think ones with lace or satin trims can be shown off. under a top or jacket.

I like the cami strapped dress better than the other. You can always throw a cardigan or a denim jacket over it.

CocoLion

I too prefer the sleeveless version of the dress which looks great for a cruise.Here's my opinion on camis, bras, and what can show.

- I think it's ok for camis to show. In fact a lot of sheer tops need a cami and having one show underneath is the look.
- I personally don't like too much strap action to show. A cami strap and a bra strap trying to hide under a thin strap of a sleeveless top can look too complicated (three straps fighting for space on your shoulders). So if you are doing a lot of layering (bra, cami and sleeveless top), I prefer wearing a strapless bra so there are fewer straps. My rule is no more than two straps which includes the top. But that is my individual, arbitrary rule.
- I think it's ok for bra straps to show too. I admit mine show quite a bit when it gets hot, due to my love of open neck and sleeveless tops. What I try to do, though, is match the top with a pretty bra. Like a red top with a red bra which has pretty straps.

Suz

I like the cami-like dress on you as well, and I like Joy's idea of a strapless bra with it. I also like Denise's general principles.

And Joy, I am fascinated. In what way do people wear a different bra size with strapless? Up or down in the band/ cup?'

Shine

Active Member

I am very concious to wear a dress like that as i have huge hips and a dress just loose on top but getsa stuck on my hips, so i avoid them But they asr elooking fab on you.

Suz, the SA told me my strapless bra size would be different from my regular size. She said it like it was a general rule and she was right because I tried different ones. I'm regularly a 30d in the bras I've tried and a 32c in strapless, so up in band, down in cup. I know it's hard to believe but I spill out of a C cup in a regular bra. I bought both styles at the same time. It's a mystery.

Lisa

Great questions. For myself, when the camisole has thin straps I use those as a layering item. When the straps are on the thicker side, I will layer or let those stand alone. I'm not a fan of strapless bras and I don't prefer my bra straps to show hence the layering.

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