Jersey dresses and skirts. Ah, summer’s wardrobe staples, right? From what I’ve seen the past few years, this is a bulk of what makes up a casual wardrobe for the summer months. However, far too many women have forgotten one essential item that really should not be relegated only to grandma’s closet. I may be talking directly to you today, and I’m sorry to break it to you if I am. But, you need a slip. Not necessarily a body shaper, just a slip. A SLIP? It’s impossible to find a decent, non-bodying contouring slip it seems. But, they do exist. No, we do not want you to sweat more in August, but you do need this additional layer. Why? Well, without one, ladies, I see every dimple on your bottom (um, I have them too, and probably more than you!) and every curve of your fanny. Ms Apricot modeling our back sidePin

Your jersey skirt without a slip. We can see ALL your curves and indentions. Imagine walking. That's when it gets really bad!Pin
Gosh, imagine if Ms. Apricot was walking. That’s when it gets really bad! Don’t be a Ms. Apricot.
Ms. Apricot with a slip on under her skirt. Much better!Pin
That’s the exact same “skirt”!

And since so many of you are wearing thongs with your jersey skirts and dresses, often your skirt gets caught in your, um, how do I say delicately … that crevice between your cheeks. I see skirts bunched up in that there crevice every week. Please, this has to STOP! And, I don’t care if your bottom is cellulite-free and taut, I don’t want to see what I am still able to see. I feel like a voyeur. I see kids pointing at you, and as your friend, I need you to know. That is, if this is you. It may not be. This dilemma seems to permeate all generations. And the solution is seemingly so easy, except that it’s not. Finding a slip is hard. I went to a high-end department store and asked for one for my teenaged daughter. The manager of the lingerie department told me that they only carry body slimming varieties. With all the unlined dresses these days, you’d think they would be trying to sell MORE slips to go with the see-through cotton and linen fabrics. Maybe that is the prefered look. But, just so you know, we can also see right through that white linen skirt. We know you have on striped undies. We do. Wear a slip! Here is the perfect list of the slips you may need to add to your wardrobe. Wear them with jersey and see-through summer fabrics, okay? And, one more thing: hipster briefs, boy shorts, girl shorts (whatever you want to call them) are great to wear under skirts–just in case the wind blows. When shopping for the best slips to wear under dresses, here are a couple of tips:

  • Never buy a white slip–they are useless. You want the flesh-colored or nude slip. (Yes, I know this isn’t “nude” for everyone, but it is a neutral that can be worn with many light colors and not be seen the way white can.
  • Avoid an elastic band at the waist. They are irritating.
  • A good slip should not move around or ride up. (This is when shopping online and using user reviews, or going to a specialty store that really knows their offerings, is a good thing.)
  • Lace on the bottom usually can be seen through a jersey fabric. Your aim is invisible and smooth.

Here are my favorite non-body shaper slips. It’s a short list. Just four:

Vanity Fair Slip with a Lace Waist -- no more slip eating into your waist!Pin
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like a slip cutting into my waist. That won’t happen with this Vanity Fair lace-waisted slip. It has a side vent. If you need it shorter, just cut it. Available in 18″ and 24″. Buy a nude and black one. At Kohls for $27. (On sale, not sure for how long, for just $20.25!)
The Commando Slip -- A great choice that will not ride up!Pin
This half slip by Commando pretty much rocks. It’s pricier, yes. The hem is somehow weighted and it won’t ride up, ever. And, the way it is cut, like a raw hem, leaves no bulk to ever be detected. 18.5″ long. $48 at Nordstrom.
Mini Cami Slip--available in 3 lengthsPin
This cami slip is also by Commando Same weighted seam again as the half slip above–love that! “All commando slips feature our patented weighted hem to prevent creeping, clinging and sticking to legwear.” $72, $88, $118. At Nordstrom. A strapless version is available at Zappos.
Free People Slip in Variety of ColorsPin
This slip looks like a body shaper, and it does smooth, but it’s not a suck-you-in one. It’s more of a smooth operator. This slip comes in tons of colors, including hot pink, and is a great layering piece under sheer dresses, as the colored slip becomes your canvas and smooths you out, all at once. Plus, it’s super comfy! $28 Free People slip.

So do yourself (and the folks getting the rear view of the real estate) a favor: slip into one, okay? No Ms. Apricots any longer!

Liza Graves
About the Author
Liza Graves

As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!