Discretion.

Meaning the right nudes underneath.  It’s all in the foundation when you wear summer’s whites, sheers and bares, and it’s all about knowing the options you have to make sure you look class-not-crass.

We shopped ICLondon the other day to check out what’s hot in NO SHOW under-things.

First bit of learning:  What will they think of next?  Really.  You’re about to read about coverage options we never even thought of last summer.  Now, we won’t be able to get by without them.

Second bit of learning:  all nudes were not created equal.  While ICL stocks maybe a dozen different nude shades in various pieces, we now know that the darker tones disappear much better underneath.  Even if you are pale and not tan.  The nude you pick should be darker than your skin tone, and really quite “tan” if you want it to fade away visually.

The Bottoms.

Thongs, yes.  You know about the stand-by’s like commando’s and cosabella with your white jeans.  But what about with white summer pants?  You don’t want VPL, but you don’t want everyone to “see the T” of your thong either.  (trust me, we can).  Move to a laser cut bikini or full panty.  The laser cut means smooth leg fit with ZERO panty lines, and the full coverage disappears well.  Ditto for under loose, flowy skirts and dresses.  More coverage is just better for those breezy Marilyn moments – try a laser cut boy short in nude.

For those of you who really, really want no panty at all to interfere with a clingy, form fitting dress, but still actually want to wear panties (and we thank you), ICLondon carries the SHIBUE adhesive panty.  We’re a bit skeeved out, but we can tell you, there’s coverage in the right places and adhesive to hold it on.  Enough said.

For you outdoorsy, exercising types, the Knock Out panty is perfect for workouts or extra protection.  This miracle panty was two years in development by a mom-preneur and her trials and tribulations are our benefit.  ICL carries several styles and you can click the link for more info.

The Slimmers.

ICLondon no longer carries Spanx™, having moved to lower priced products for slimming and smoothing.   For most outfits, you shouldn’t need serious compression, and one of several SLEEKERs will make your skirt/dress/pants fit and hang better.  The leg bottoms are laser cut (no thigh squeeze or stop lines), and there are no center seams to show thru.  For more compression, ICLondon carries LUPO products, with all sorts of advances in comfort, smoothing and style.  They’ve thought of everything.  We mean it, but we’re too shy to say more.

Another tip:  when buying your smoother, consider a bottom with a high-rise waist, well above your natural waistline, best for fitted tops and dresses.  That way there also won’t be any waist line showing.  Or little fat indentations in my case.

Sometimes, you need a smoother on top, and the new SLIMPRESSIONs at ICLondon are perfection…white or nude, with upper arm compression to minimize the dreaded arm fat.  They call it “sleevage plus cleavage.”  With a torso trimmer and two different design options —  for the Haves or for the Have Nots.  Meaning shaped coverage over the chest if you plan to have a bit of white peek through at the neckline.  Or scoop-cut way below the braline if you don’t want any additional coverage, shaping or compression at your chest.

The Bra’s, or lack thereof.

Nude bras galore at ICLondon – too many shades, shapes and styles to cover here.  For the barest of summer styles, grab a NuBra.  Still the go-to solution to backless, strapless, deep-v cuts.  These adhesive cups, available in standard sizes, provide coverage and slight support.  We hesitate to point out that if you require significant support then perhaps you should reconsider the strapless, backless, deep-vee’d top you’re wearing.  Just sayin’.

Finally, for some tops and some women, the “headlights” issue can be easily resolved with a product sold at ICL called Dimmers.  If your top is very snug or sheer, sometimes even your bra or cami isn’t enough coverage.  The Dimmers then, for those of you who want no reveal at all.

The End.

One final tip: make sure you can check yourself back & front, full length in the mirror before you head out.  You may be surprised what that rear view will reveal.

ICLondon has two stores, one on East Blvd in Dilworth and one in Ballantyne Village.

They have a new Facebook Fan page, here, and they are giving $5 off to every new Fan.  They also have a Customer Discount Program where you pay $40 and get 20% OFF every purchase for an entire year.