When my sister first showed me a picture of the bridesmaid dress she wanted us to wear for her wedding, one of my first thoughts — aside from that I loved the style — was, "Nice! I won't need a strapless bra!" But then she clued me in that the straps are actually sheer, and the back would've prevented wearing a regular bra anyway.



Jasmine B2 Style B143923

Finding a strapless bra that is comfortable, actually gives support, and will stay in place throughout the day is no easy task. After suffering through wearing uncomfortable bras at events past, I was determined to find one I'd actually like for my sister's wedding.

The first step: Forget what you think your bra size is, and read this self-measuring guide. I learned that I'd been wearing bands two sizes too big and cups two sizes too small. Armed with my new knowledge, I took a chance on Va Bien's Ultra-Lift Strapless Convertible Bra ($58), one of the top-selling bras on barenecessities.com. It was love at first wear! In fact, it's so comfortable that I now wear it even on days when I don't need a strapless bra (it comes with removable straps, but since they're really not necessary to keep it in place, I don't use them).

The last step was finding shapewear that wouldn't roll down. And since it predicted to be over 90 degrees on the wedding day, I needed something lightweight. Spanx Slim Cognito Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit ($78 to $82) was the perfect solution. It offers the highest slimming level ("super duper"), and the best part is that there are four straps that hook around your bra, keeping the shaper in place — the straps have some stretch to them, so they won't pull your bra down when you let loose on the dance floor. (You may need to enlist someone to help you put on the straps — thanks, Mom!).



Photo Credit: Dana Lane Photography

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein