Disclosure: this blog post is sponsored by David Nieper.
Office dress codes vary from the super-conservative to ‘anything goes’, but generally speaking smart or smart-casual is the norm. Even in workplaces where the rules are pretty relaxed, you may be expected to dress ‘professional’ for client meetings and the like.
From trousers suits to wraparound dresses, whatever office wear you’re shopping for, don’t forget to consider your office lingerie wardrobe too. Choosing underthings that work with your clothing means you can keep comfortable, look professional, and focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about something like a visible knicker-line!
Here are 7 office lingerie essentials to think about when you’re planning the rest of your workwear wardrobe…
Sheer Tights
Tights have the ability to instantly elevate an outfit. Have you noticed how Kate Middleton always has a pair of tights on under her pencil skirts and dresses? They add a polished finish to your look, and quite literally to your legs if you go for glossies!
Ultra-sheer tights can be worn even in the summer, and in winter opaque black tights are a smart option that’ll keep you warm in skirts and dresses if you’re not a fan of trousers.
David Nieper Nude 8 Tights – £17
David Nieper Nude 8 Tights – £17
Available in 3 skin tones, in XS-XL
Wolford Synergy 40 Support Tights – £25
Wolford Synergy 40 Support Tights – £25
Available in black, navy and 2 skin tones, in XS-XL
Camisoles
Camisoles, or camis, are wonderfully versatile garments that cross the line between underwear and outerwear. A camisole can add an extra layer under tops and shirts for warmth, or you can pair one with a higher neckline with a V-neck for added modesty in the office.
In fact, sometimes you can even forgo the shirt/top – a pretty cami looks great peeking out from under a tailored suit jacket!
Mey Pure Cotton Camisole – £23
Mey Pure Cotton Camisole – £23
Available in white only, in UK 12-20
David Nieper Georgette Camisole – £35
David Nieper Georgette Camisole – £35
Available in beige only, in UK 10-28
Bodies
An alternative to the camisole is the body or bodysuit, which has the practical advantage of staying tucked into your skirt or trousers for a completely seamless line. For this reason, they’re also ideal under form-fitting, tailored or jersey dresses.
Some bodysuits are made from strong ‘control’ fabric, making them a great choice if you want a little tummy control under your outfit.
Barbara Kentia Lace Body – £119
Barbara Kentia Lace Body – £119
Available in black, white or beige, in 34-40 B-D
Triumph Amourette Lace Body – £65
Triumph Amourette Lace Body – £65
Available in white or beige, in 34-42 B-DD
Bras That Match Your Skin Tone
If you tend to wear white blouses or shirts to work, then this bra will be your new best friend! A white bra can be surprisingly visible underneath a white top, so choose a bra that blends in with your own skin tone instead.
Bonus points if it’s a t-shirt bra with moulded, seam-free cups as it will provide a smooth line underneath lightweight or stretchy fabrics.
Triumph Amourette Balconette Bra – £34
Triumph Amourette Balconette Bra – £34
Available in beige, black or white, in 32-38 A-DD
Chantelle T-Shirt Bra – £42
Available in beige or white, in 32-42 B-F
Slip Dresses
Have you ever almost left the house in something, only to realise it was completely sheer when the light hit it? I have, and I’m just glad I noticed in my hallway and not when I arrived at work! That’s why I’ve fallen in love with slip dresses – they provide that extra layer of opaque lining that’s missing in so much modern clothing.
Slips also add an extra layer of warmth in the winter, and dresses in certain fabrics seem to move more nicely on the body when there’s a slip underneath.
David Nieper Pearl Bias-Cut Satin Slip – £77
David Nieper Pearl Bias-Cut Satin Slip – £77
Available in white, ivory or black, in UK 10-28
Mey Simply Soft Slip – £40
Available in black or beige, in UK 10-20
Half Slips
Half slips, or slip skirts as I call them, are another option. Do you have skirts or dresses that keep getting wedged between your legs when you walk? A slip will fix that!
Many slips have decorative lace trims, which means they double up as skirt extenders. Have a skirt that’s a tad too short for your workplace? Wear a beautifully-trimmed slip underneath which is a few inches longer than your skirt. Most people won’t even realise the trim isn’t part of the skirt itself!
David Nieper Luxury Half Slip – £49.50
David Nieper Luxury Half Slip – £49.50
Available in grey or ivory, in XS-3XL
David Nieper Lace-Hem Half Slip – £49.50
David Nieper Lace-Hem Half Slip – £49.50
Available in black, white or ivory, in 3 lengths and in XS-3XL
Shorts-Style Knickers
Longline, stretchy knickers like those below have a couple of great benefits for the workplace. For one thing, their shape eliminates visible knicker-lines, making them a great choice under jersey skirts and dresses.
They also help to prevent thigh-chafing and keep you cool and comfortable on hot days, so if that’s a problem you experience and your office hasn’t quite figured out air-conditioning yet, add these to your shopping list!
Mey Superlight Smooth Line Pants – £26
Mey Superlight Smooth Line Pants – £26
Available in white or beige, in UK 12-24
Sloggi Double Comfort Shorts – £14
Sloggi Double Comfort Shorts – £14
Available in black or white, in UK 10-18
I hope you’ve found this list useful! Do you have any other workwear-themed lingerie tips to share, or pieces that work well for you?
