The Secret to Wearing a Strapless Dress

Wearing a strapless dress requires some preparation.

Wearing a strapless dress can be difficult if you do not know how to buy the perfect fit for your size. You also need to be aware of how you prepare your body to show a strapless dress off to its best effect. The correct underwear, hose and accessories will also make a difference in how the dress looks on you.

Things You'll Need

• Strapless dress
• Strapless bra, adhesive bra cups or shape-wear
• Accessories like earrings or necklaces
• Fashion tape
• Low-heeled shoes
• Hose

Instructions

1. Make sure that your body is in fit condition, because strapless dresses do not look good on someone who is overweight. Slim down by eating healthy foods and exercising. Consult your doctor before you undertake any diet or exercise program. Take care of your skin before wearing a strapless dress so that rough, burned or peeling skin does not detract from the look of the dress. Use sunscreen to avoid premature aging of your skin. Remember to shave under your arms and use deodorant before wearing a strapless dress.

2. Look for a dress that will fit your body and flatters your skin coloring. Buy a dress that is high up on your torso and snug on your chest but is not tight enough that it pinches your arms and gives you bulging in the armpit area. Do not wear dresses with a deep cleavage. A modest scoop line, not a deep V-cut, is enough and it is more aesthetic to show any necklace that you wear. Choose dresses that are at least knee length, preferably longer, so that the length balances out the bust-line. Do not buy dresses that are short because these do not show the bust-line well and the dresses can possibly expose your undergarments.

3. Buy a strapless bra to wear under your dress or buy a dress with cups sewn into the dress. Avoid bras with lace or other embellishments because these will make the dress look crumpled at the bust line. There are also adhesive bra cups for dresses with cleavage or bra ties to transform ordinary bras for strapless wear. Use shape-wear that smooths the entire body of the dress. Remember to buy hose that matches the dress color.

4. Wear accessories that flatter the color and shape of the dress. Choose necklaces that are of similar color to the dress and avoid chunky, brightly colored necklaces that will overshadow the dress. Accessories are the condiments, not the main entrées of style. Choose, similarly, earrings that complement the line and mode of the dress. Try thin chandelier earrings for a long dress or medium hoops for a shorter dress.

5. Wear shoes that are comfortable such as low heels. Do not wear shoes with very high heels because this will make it difficult for you to walk and keep your top in place.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use double-sided fashion tape to hold your dress top in place if you do not have a strapless bra.

References

• The Fashion Code: Reese and Angelica Reveal the 4 Secrets to a Perfect Strapless Dress
• Underwear Matters: How Do I Wear a Strapless, Backless Dress
• Chic Stories: Tips to Wear a Strapless Dress
• Glamazon Guide: The Best Bras to Wear Under Spring Dresses
• Service Magic: Keys to Looking Hot in a Strapless Wedding Dress
• Already Pretty: 1,001 Uses for Fashion Tape

Resources

• Beauty Riot: Best Hairstyle for a Strapless Dress
• Racked: Why the Strapless Wedding Gown Isn't Going Away
• You and Your Wedding: Underwear for Strapless Dresses?
• Jewelry That Goes with Strapless Dresses
• Times Of India: How to Wear a Strapless Dress
• KooFind: How to Wear a Strapless Dress and Look Fabulous