Must-Have Underlayers for Modest Outfits, Part 2
Updated: Apr 11
Shopping for modest outfits is not easy. Finding underlayers for the outfit can be even harder.
As a modest gal, I'd like to wear comfortable yet chic underlayers that put a smile on my face. I'd like them to put a spring in my step all day.
My previous article "10 Essential Underlayers for Modest Outfits" got a big, positive response. So I'm here to bring you even more life-changing layers.
I found many of these garments at thrift shops, and stores that carry inexpensive clothes for teenage girls. Skimpy garments make graceful underlayers!
12 More Underlayers for Modest Outfits
Keep reading to discover 12 more layering and support pieces. They'll make your modest outfits look and feel just right.
Some are so clever and useful, I wish I had found them sooner. Scroll to the bottom for my favorite.
1. 100% silk slips
Slip dress: J.Jill, similar here
This full slip is made of a delightful 100% silk charmeuse. It's by J.Jill, and was sold as a dress.
Slips help unlined dresses drape smoothly. I especially like to wear them underneath button-front dresses in case of gapping between the buttons.
For a higher neckline, wear it backwards.
Scarf: Vera Bradley
You can find a very similar, affordable 100% silk slip dress from Quince here. It comes in sizes XS-XL in 7 colors, and is machine washable.
This 100% mulberry silk slip is also lovely, and comes in pink, navy, black, and red. It's available in sizes 0-20.
This maxi length version (XS-XL) is uber-luxurious. Also 100% silk, it comes in unexpected colors, like 'blue haze' and 'zinnia yellow.'
2. Lacy and embroidered cotton slips
These cotton 'slips' are a delight to wear. I found them at my favorite online thrift store ThredUp, in the dress section.
The lighter color slips above are by Monoreno. You can find others by this brand on the ThredUp site here. (Grab them fast, before I do!)
The honey beige slip with lace edging was solid white when I bought it. I dyed with Rit All-Purpose Liquid dye in the color 'tan', following their easy video tutorial.
To make getting in and out of the ivory slip easier, I opened one side seam and added snap closures.
You can find a lovely, handmade cotton slip with a lace hem on Etsy here (S-XL).
This one (M-2X) has embroidered details around the neckline.
This 100% linen tunic dress comes in 7 colors in sizes small, medium, and large. It ships quickly with Amazon Prime.
If you'd like to choose from different hem lengths, this cotton handmade slip (XS-2X) from Etsy has 4 options.
The brown cotton slip (further above) came with a Banana Republic shirtdress. It serves as a detachable lining. These little numbers are useful for under other dresses besides the one they came with.
Cotton maxi slip: Eco-ganik, similar here
This cotton 'slip' above is a dramatic maxi length. It's perfect for adding opacity under semi-sheer casual dresses. The layers of tiers add volume under a maxi dress or skirt.
I replaced the dress' original straps with stretch lace trim to reduce bulk when layering.
You can find a similar maxi slip dress here. It's made of a lightweight, 100% linen fabric. It comes in nine colors and sizes XS-XL.
3. Matching camisole and shorts
One of the benefits of modest skirts and dresses is that you can have more fun with feminine undergarments!
This affordable camisole and shorts set (S-4X) comes in eighteen fun prints and solid colors. If you'd like even more solid colors and prints to choose from (28 to be exact), check out this set (S-2X) too.
This set comes in sizes XL-5X. It comes in 5 pretty colors, like light pink and red.
For the height of luxury, this Fishers Finery cami-boxer set is made of 100% mulberry silk. It comes in 9 nine colors, from sizes XS-XL. The 'light blue' and 'radiant orchid' colorways are rare beauties.
If you fancy just a 100% silk camisole, this one is the most affordable I've ever seen. It's also machine washable.
Tight-fitting jeans don't allow freedom for the lacy frills shown above, nor for the next undergarment...
4. Lace garter belts
Garter belt: Amazon
Garter belts were a staple of ladylike mid-century outfits. They are in need of a comeback!
This stretch lace garter belt is comfortable and cute. The satin bows make it extra feminine. To make it fit just right, adjust the slider in the back.
This style also comes in black and white. Wear yours with semi-sheer stockings or opaque tights (misses, plus).
5. Modal jersey slips
Slip: Amazon
This modal-spandex slip is cozy yet breathable. Modal is my favorite fiber for knitwear, because nothing comes close to its buttery-smooth texture. The slip's straps are adjustable with a slider.
6. Cotton underdresses
I made these cotton underdresses to add opacity underneath slightly sheer dresses. They are so useful, especially when it's too hot to wear a clingy nylon slip.
The last one is by Le Lagon, and was probably designed to be a regular dress. It was yet another thrift store victory.
You can find a similar, handmade dress on Etsy here. It comes in sizes XXS-3X, in 8 colors.
If you'd like a longer length white underdress with sleeves, check out this one (XS-3X) from Amazon. The hem length, sleeve finish, and side seams are easy to alter. It comes in a handful of colors.
7. Waist shapers
Shapewear bodysuit: Spanx XS-3X
For special occasions, these waist shapers give you a smooth silhouette.
All three above are by shapewear brand Spanx. The edges are seamless, and the straps are all adjustable.
The black bodysuit above has thigh-smoothing shorts attached, and also comes in beige. It's available in sizes XS-3X. This one (XS-3X) is from Spanx's more affordable line, and has less shaping strength. To quote the brand, the bodysuits have a "double gusset for ease when nature calls."
The beige bodysuit on the left has snaps at the bottom for the same purpose. It also comes in black, and in size S-XL.
8. Silk blouses with sleeves
Blouse: Max Studio
Forever21 / & Other Stories / similar here (XS-2X)
These silk (and silk-like) blouses are great underneath sleeveless dresses, like scoop-neck shifts and denim overall dresses. Their airy, lightweight texture is divine.
You can find a versatile 100% silk blouse from LilySilk here (XS-2X). It would look stylish under this sleeveless tiered maxi dress (XXS-5X).
This silk blouse (XS-XL) by Quince is one of the most affordable I've seen. It has a chic pussybow ties, and comes in burgundy, black, dark brown, ivory, and navy.
I can also see a silk blouse looking flirty underneath a denim fit-and-flare overall dress like this one (XS-XL).
If you wear sizes 1X-4X, check out this denim midi overall dress in black, white, light blue, and dark blue.
9. Slip shorts
Slip shorts like these prevent thigh chafing when wearing skirts and dresses. Many also give light tummy control. You can find a black and beige 2-pack of similar shorts here.
If you prefer cotton, these 3-packs of biker shorts come in over a dozen colors, in sizes S-4X.
These satin 'pettipants' (M-2X) have a charming lace edge.
10. 'Dickey' collars
Dickeys add the look of a crisp button-down shirt underneath, without unnecessary bulk.
There are so many collar styles, colors, and embellishments to choose from. They make building up necklines into fun, artistic expression.
These cotton dickeys come in over 35 colors and collar styles. At under $15, I'll take one of each, please.
To complement an evening look, this chiffon dickey has charming faux-pearl accents on the collar. Side elastics to keep everything in place.
Consider a cozy variation when temperatures drop. This 100% cotton dickey comes has a turtleneck, and comes in 5 different colors.
11. Jersey knit layering dresses
Jersey knit layering dresses often tight-fitting. The close fit allows for layering without bulk. They add coverage to necklines, sleeve hems, and skirt hems--all with just one garment.
This rayon-spandex layering dress (S-XL) has a fit-and-flare shape. It comes in over a dozen fun, solid colors.
For a pencil silhouette, try this 3/4-sleeve layering dress. It comes in 9 useful colors, in sizes XS-22.
12. Skirt extenders with chiffon ruffles
Skirt extender: Grace Karin (S-2X)
Where have these been all my life?
These skirt extenders make so many tad-too-short dresses and skirts suddenly wearable. This is life-altering. Truly.
The upper portion is made of a comfortable rayon-spandex jersey knit. There is a narrow elastic band inside the top of the waistband to keep it in place.
I ordered the 2-pack of black and 'nude.' The nude color has a feminine peach tint. The navy and ivory underskirts are every bit as lovely.
Thank you for reading!
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UP NEXT: Styling a Shirtdress & Two Hats
