Perhaps fashion’s most famous woman, Coco Chanel is quoted as saying, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”. So what does classy mean? Contrary to popular belief, “class” has nothing to do with wealth, or being a snob. Class is all about self respect – and respect for others. A classy woman is independent, authentic, polite, courteous, assertive but not overbearing; she “does unto others’ as she’d like to be treated and does not gossip or be mean. (Doesn’t sound altogether easy, does it? And this is but the tip of the iceberg!) A classy woman also strives to always look her best – presenting well whether she’s in jeans and a tee, or dressed to the nines for an elegant event. A classy woman dresses to suit her own taste and sense of style and does not “follow the crowd” and adopt passing trends for their own sake. One wardrobe item every classy woman used to have was the slip. This once essential lingerie item is noticeably absent from many a girl’s wardrobe today, yet every woman should have at least two: one in black and one in nude. But just why should anyone wear a slip? Aren’t they old fashioned?

slip

  Slips are worn functionally for two reasons: if the dress or skirt is sheer enough to be seen through, and also to hold the dress or skirt away from the body, so it sits/falls nicely and too much is not given away about the woman’s body and its flaws (and let’s face it, we all have our flaws). A garment looks better with a slip, and the woman wearing it will in turn look better. Many skirts and dresses now have lining sewn in; there are times when a separate slip should be worn:
  • When wearing lightweight fabrics which are transparent or clingy. Lingerie, as beautiful as it may be, is not meant for show for the masses – not if you’re a classy woman.
  • When wearing a delicate outfit – formal or cocktail wear will fit better and look nicer with a slip underneath: the slip will assist the fabric of the garment to sit properly and not ride up, cling, or wrinkle.
  • Under anything clingy – especially synthetics in warm weather. This will eliminate visible panty line (which is not at all classy), bra lines, and disguise any lumps and bumps. A streamlined silhouette is worth it.
It’s important to wear the correct slip for the outfit you’re wearing.  Whether full or half, a slip should be shorter than the skirt of the garment, but not too much shorter. A lacy slip shouldn’t be worn with a transparent garment. A garment with self-lining won’t usually require a slip. Try your slip and garment on together in natural light. You need a slip if, without it, through your dress / skirt you can see panty lines, colours or prints on underwear, thigh outline, any other “too much information” through the garment. Sunlight is unforgiving and what looks OK in the house getting dressed might be a whole other story when you go outside... Next time we’ll advise on pairing the right slip for the outfit. Stay tuned...