Boob Tape, Silky Slips, Strapless Bras, and More: The Scaffolding Supporting All My Summer Looks

Trust me, this is so much more than just double-sided tape. I’ve attempted to use a roll of Scotch tape to Macgyver a last-minute outfit fix, but that office-grade adhesive is not cut out for the trials of a night out. This Hollywood Tape is powerful. It comes pre-cut in individual strips (rather than a roll) that I usually slice in half and apply precisely before peeling off the backing. I’ve used it to shorten pants, make a gaping blouse stick to my bra, and keep silky spaghetti straps from slipping down. What I love most is how it sticks directly to skin (for hours) and cannot be sweat off. I place the tape on my shoulders first and then press slippery straps into place once the top is falling how I want.

I gave up on sticky bras when my last one fully detached (thanks, sweat) while I was on my way to a party. These adhesive covers will not give out on you, no matter how humid or long the night is. After several uses (and washes with soap and water) my pair is still in great condition. Note that they serve one purpose: to keep your nipples from making an unwanted appearance. They’re not supportive and best used on occasions where you’re just looking for coverage and smoothness. Choose from four colors: light, light medium, medium, and dark.

While the Under Covers help you stay discreet, they can’t lift or hold you in place — that’s where boop tape comes in. This set of pre-cut boob tape is great for travel (no scissors required) and it will provide just what its name states: a boob job on the go. With a little practice, you’ll learn how to manipulate the one-use strips to get just the lifted look you want. The waterproof tape can be worn with swimsuits and while swimming. I like to use it in conjunction with the Under Covers, which have small mesh circles you can place in the center so your areola isn’t in harm’s way. The tape is available in the same four shades as the Under Covers and if you prefer a roll of continuous tape, try the 16.5-foot-long Boob Job in a Box ($25).

Instead of chicken cutlet cups or elaborate tape, sometimes all you want is a strapless bra that actually works. I’ve tried so many disappointing strapless bras that I was skeptical it could ever be done right, but Pepper’s strapless does not shift. The silicone lining grips your skin and no matter how much you twist or shimmy, the bra remains in place. It’s a little longer than your average bra because the strap beneath the cups gives more surface area for the super-necessary silicone to hug your rib cage.

I love a nightgown dress (like this Eileen West beauty) but no matter how no-show your underwear is, diaphanous fabric will reveal it. Instead of going commando, I’ve leaned into the nude slip. It’s the perfect solution for any sheer or cover-up-type dress that you want to wear as an actual dress. The microfiber fabric is weightless and disappears (you will barely feel it) so you can comfortably wear a floaty silhouette without worrying.

I have a bunch of smocked top dresses (thank you Hill House) that I like to wear sans bra, but the problem is that the bottom half is see-through. The half slip seems like it was invented for this exact predicament. It’s just as featherlight as the above full slip but it minimizes the amount of fabric you’re adding to your look. The half slip also works well with unlined maxi skirts.

As much as I love an elegant sundress and matching accessories, my most frequent summer look is a white tee and jorts. I found the perfect cropped tee ($11) that’s just the right amount of thin and stretchy, but the issue was finding a bra that makes itself invisible underneath. This affordable T-shirt bra was exactly the unobtrusive style that does not have the undesirable effect of making a tight tee look skintight. I love that the strap length adjusts from the front and, thanks to labeling on the bra, I learned that the three sets of hooks are meant to be used from loosest to tightest as the bra’s brand stretches over time.

Another winner from Harper Wilde is this white jeans-friendly, non-thong underwear. I avoid thongs at all costs because I don’t believe there is such a thing as a comfortable one. While I don’t see what’s so heinous about VPL, there are some outfits that deserve a smooth derriere and this bikini achieves it without any wedgie involved. The seams are nonexistent and the nylon-spandex combo feels like barely a wisp of fabric against your skin (it’s even invisible with bike shorts.) If you prefer a high-waisted cut, the luxe mesh highwaist brief ($18) is also a great thong alternative for light-colored pants.

Here’s a wild idea — what if you avoid the “what do I wear under this garment” question by making the base layer THE outfit? That’s what I’ve taken to doing with Girlfriend Collective’s ultra-flattering bodysuits that deserve to be shown off (and not just part of your workout wardrobe). I’m wearing this one-shoulder number with my favorite AGOLDE cut-offs and loving that it has a built-in shelf bra so you don’t have to pile on the layers. In addition to this chic style, I’m also a fan of GC’s Penny Square Neck cut ($58) that you can mix in to make sure you don’t get a permanent one-shoulder tan line.

Yes, bike shorts under a skirt feels very high school, but sometimes a solution just works. You can throw it back to a simpler time when spandex under a microfloral Forever21 wrap dress was a no-brainer with these ribbed, high-rise shorts. If you catch me City Girls Who Walk-ing in an opaque midi-dress or a vintage maxi skirt, you can bet I’m donning these underneath. I might be channeling Sophia Richie Grainge to the naked eye, but it’s comfy and sweat-ready one layer down (it’s called balance). Available in sizes XXS – 6XL.