The best shapewear, underwear and fashion tape for summer

Holly’s fashion stylist Danielle Whiteman reveals how the secret to a fantastic summer look starts with what’s underneath. From the right underwear for white clothes to supportive swimwear, she shares her all-time favourite gems for flawless summer dressing.

With summer officially in full flow, for some of us dressing just got that little bit trickier, but here are my insider tricks of the trade that can make life that little bit easier. Use these handy tips to construct an amazing foundation for your outfits and receive the confidence boost you need!

Starting with the basics then, let’s discuss your underwear. I really believe in investing in great underwear because it’s the hardest working part of your wardrobe. Get this bit right, and the rest will follow.

Let’s talk summer bras: the perfect t-shirt bra and strapless bra

Invest in a great fitting bra that will work under numerous garments, such as a t-shirt bra with multiway straps. I think Skims, Fits Everybody T-shirt Bra, £52 has the best lightly-lined, shape-smoothing, t-shirt bra and even more brilliantly, it comes in a multiple of nude shades. I would suggest choosing the shade that’s closest to your skin tone, or slightly darker, so it will work when you have a tan too.

The hunt for the perfect strapless bra is no mean feat. I, for one, have struggled for years in the search for a strapless bra that supports but also lifts without being overly padded. It’s with tremendous delight that I can confirm Victoria Secret have the answer with their Sexy Illusions Lightly Lined Multiway Strapless Bra, £45. With smoothing technology and non-slip cups and band, I defy you to find a more supportive and comfortable strapless bra. Hurrah to that!

Let’s talk summer knickers: the perfect invisible thong and support knicker

If your summer wardrobe consists mostly of whites, linens and floaty dresses then I would suggest a great seamless thong. I love this Chantelle, Soft Stretch String, Nude, £17. It’s one size fits all and seamless which means you’ll never suffer from the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) again.

If, however, you need that a little more support from a knicker, then I would suggest in investing in some lightweight shapewear. Spanx offer a fantastic selection that provide the hold you need. They’re also they’re made from a thin material that’s perfect for the summer months. I love these Spanx, Thinstincts 2.0 Shaping Girlshort, £44.

Let’s talk shapewear swimwear: the perfect tummy control swimsuit

Shapewear doesn’t have to stop at underwear! There are number of swimwear items on the market that have hidden shapewear support to enhance your silhouette. If you’re looking to invest in an absolute swimwear classic, I would suggest a black swimsuit that will take you from beach to bar. I adore this Pour Moi, Cali Ribbed Texture Ring Underwired Tummy Control Swimsuit, £50. It’s a beautiful shape, but with the added detail of a built-in bra, you shop for bra size rather than clothing size, which is something you don’t often see with one-piece swimsuits.

Let’s talk slips: the perfect cotton slip

A good cotton slip is also a good investment for summer dresses that are a little see through. A classic summer white cotton dress often falls foul of this – and if it does come with a slip, more often it’s a white slip which, in my opinion, can be quite harsh. You can achieve a softer, lighter look by wearing a nude slip similar to your skin tone underneath. I love this Intimissimi, Ultrafresh Supima® Cotton Slip, £24.

Let’s talk double-sided body tape

While all of the above may seem pretty self-explanatory, there are some stylist toolkit tips and tricks I swear by, starting with double-sided body tape. There are sooooo many variations of this on the market but my failsafe favourite is this Vapon, Topstick Hypo-Allergenic All Purpose Clear Double Tape, £17. This wig tape has a lot more hold than other body tapes, which is so important in the warmer months as oils and moisture can affect the tackiness of the tape.

Something else I simply can’t live without that will solve ALL of your summer wardrobe problems is Kinesiology tape! I always have this SPORTTAPE, Extra Wide Kinesiology Tape 10cm x 5m, £17.09 to hand and such is it’s hold, I’ve even used it as a replacement for a strapless bra or when wearing a bra is simply not an option. It’s literally the answer to all your dressing needs, and comes in myriad shades and colours. The hold this tape has is so impressive, it works for multiple cup sizes, meaning that the days of steering clear of a backless, low cut or halter-neck dress are over. If you do nothing else but invest in some of this magic, you’ll be onto a winner!