With summer comes strapless dresses, t-shirts, halter tops and this season’s number one trend: the maxi dress. Yet, there is nothing more annoying than wanting to wear the skin-bearing fashions of the season and realizing you don’t have the proper bra to wear with it. Well, my beauties, I have searched high and low, and tried various bras on to narrow down my top list for you!

Here are the top 5 bras to invest in this summer that will keep you from asking the infamous question: what kind of bra do I wear with this?

 Ck One Convertible Micro T-Shirt Bra

1. The White T-Shirt Bra.

Why put the emphasis on “white,” you ask? Because there is nothing worst than seeing a girl walking in the city with a pink, blue or even harsh black bra peering through a crisp white tee. Plus, you can usually wear your “white t-shirt” bra with any other colored shirt.

If you haven’t been told by now, your t-shirt bra should be nude, with a smooth satin or cotton based texture. Let me make this clear: nude means the closest shade to your complexion. Calvin Klein has a great T-shirt bra (above) for your everyday wear. If you are looking for a variety of colors, try your local department stores, as they will be sure to have your perfect “nude’ shade.

Remember to stay away from embroidery, lace and bras with embellishments; they will show through. Also be aware of bras with accents on the straps, they can poke out around the shoulders and make an outfit look cheesy.

 Pink® Wireless Bandeau

2. The 7 Way Strapless Bra.

This staple will allow you to wear your racer-back tops, halters and even tube tops and dresses. While most women only opt to buy a strapless bra for these purposes, I believe it is worth it to invest in a multi-way strapless bra instead. This will cost a bit more, but it will also allow you the convenience to wear different summer styles without buying a different bra for each look. This bra will be your go-to essential for your maxi dresses.

Try the Pink 7 Way Wireless Bandeau Bra (pictured above) for only $25 and choose from a variety of fun colors for the season. If you’re looking for more support, Express has a great 7 Way Strapless that has under wire and padded demi cups for a perfect fit. 

3. The U-Plunge Bra.

A more recent creation, the U-plunge bra comes in handy when you are looking to wear low-cut or deep plunging necklines for summer. Again, it would be best to buy this bra in a color closest to your skin tone. This way you can alternate it with different colors in your wardrobe. Victoria Secrets has a great Push Up U- Plunge that adds a bit of sexiness to this staple and for only $42. If that is out of your price range, try the Fashion Forms U- Plunge Bra sold at Bloomingdale’s for only $24. 

 

Fashion Forms Infinity Backless Strapless Bra

4. The Backless Bra.

Seemingly similar to the strapless bra; However, I believe the backless bra is worth the investment. This is a tough one though because most backless bras only attach with adhesives, which can turn out to be a one time use only. Yet, there are times when you just have to use a backless bra and there is no getting around it.

The Fashion Forms Infinity Bra (pictured above) is a great choice for this season and can be found in nude and black at Bloomingdale’s for only $36. There is also a newer rendition of the backless bra that I tried on and did end up liking. The Fashion Forms Nu Bra Ultralite Backless Bra actually works well and you do get a good couple of uses out of it. I haven’t reached the 50 usage mark, but if I do I will definitely keep you posted!

 

5. The Classic Push Up Bra.

Well, well, well! If there was ever a perfect time for a little va-va-voom, it is summer. Sometimes a girl just needs a little “pick-me-up”, and who better to help with this challenge than the famous push up bra? Invest in a good one that doesn’t allow nipple “opportunity”.

Make sure your bra has a sturdy under wire and do your best to stick with gel padding, since foam can easily lose its shape after one wash. And don’t fret over pricing; you can find reasonable push-up bras everywhere from Victoria’s Secret to Target to Topshop.