Brian Maynor August 15, 2013

It is impossible to create a great outfit without the proper undergarments, yet most people take a haphazard approach to them.  Guys tend to buy a pack of t-shirts or socks and wear them until they disintegrate and ladies rank shopping for bras as high on the list as shopping for a swimsuit and both are below a root canal. 

Foundation wear does not have to be a dreaded or neglected task.  You only need a few key pieces, but the trick is finding the ones that are right for you and your needs.  Here are my suggestions on basic appropriate and inappropriate office foundation wear:

1.  Make it seamless.  The whole idea of foundation wear is to build a smooth layer for your clothes to rest on, preventing unsightly lumps and bumps that can snag clothes.  To achieve this look, ladies a seamless bra and camisole are crucial.  If it has lace, studs, bows or other elements you would see in a music video then it does not belong at the office.

Guys the same seamless principle applies to your undershirts.  Whether it is a crew neck or V-neck doesn’t really matter as long as it is fitted.  Nothing is more uncomfortable or unsightly than a tailored shirt over a loose and baggy t-shirt.  Keep the colors solid, even casually, because graphic t-shirts can be either a hit or a miss that sends your look back to high school.  Also if it is stained, holey or misshapen replace it immediately.

2.  Pantyhose, one of the most hated hosiery items ever.  Not ever having worn them I have no personal experience, but I cannot image encasing your legs in a skin-tight layer of polyester could be very comfortable, especially in the summer.  That being said they still serve a role in a professional wardrobe, though I recommend the silk variety.  Office tights, stockings and pantyhose should be nude, black or grey and either opaque or solid.  Keep the colors, prints and textures for the off hours.  Like fishnets, they would only be work appropriate in certain industries.

3.  Sock choice.  As I’ve said before, I love a fun, colorful sock.  It shows personality and is a great way to break up a mundane outfit, but like the t-shirts there is a line that should not be crossed.  Cartoon, athletic and novelty socks should not be worn to the office.  Geometric, horizontal stripes and solids in subtle or muted colors are generally acceptable.

4.  SPANX.  One of the most recognizable names in shape wear, but also often misused and misunderstood.  SPANX will not, do not and should not make you two-sizes smaller.  That is not their intended purpose and if you buy them with that expectation you will be sorely disappointed and possibly injured.  As shape wear they are intended to be a stronger, more supportive smoothing agent than a t-shirt or camisole, think locked and loaded, while still allowing movement and breathing.  If you buy the right size they should be comfortable enough to wear every day under just about every type of office outfit. 

The ‘no one is going to see it, so what difference does it make’ attitude and approach to foundation wear is common, but inaccurate.  While it may be true no one will see them, they matter immensely and have a definite impact on your outfit and how comfortable you look and feel wearing it.