How to Keep a Strapless Dress Up: A Comprehensive Guide
Strapless dresses are the epitome of chic, offering a beautiful and elegant silhouette perfect for everything from cocktail parties to summer weddings. However, the fear of a wardrobe malfunction – specifically, the dress slipping down – can often overshadow the joy of wearing one. The key to confidently rocking a strapless dress lies in proper preparation, the right support, and a few clever tricks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your strapless dress securely in place and enjoy your event without any worries.
## Understanding the Challenge: Why Strapless Dresses Slip
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why strapless dresses are prone to slipping. Several factors contribute to this:
* **Lack of Shoulder Support:** The most obvious reason is the absence of straps. Traditional dresses rely on straps to distribute weight and provide upward support. Strapless dresses, on the other hand, depend entirely on the bodice’s fit and construction.
* **Gravity:** Gravity is a constant force working against you. Over time, the weight of the dress can pull it downwards, especially during movement like dancing or walking.
* **Body Shape and Movement:** Your body’s shape and how you move significantly affect how a strapless dress stays in place. Certain body types may find it more challenging to keep a strapless dress up, especially if the dress isn’t tailored to their specific shape. Actions like raising your arms or twisting can create gaps between the dress and your body, increasing the risk of slipping.
* **Dress Construction and Fabric:** The quality of the dress’s construction and the type of fabric used play a vital role. Poorly constructed dresses with flimsy fabrics are more likely to slip than well-made ones with structured materials.
* **Incorrect Sizing:** Wearing a strapless dress that’s too big is a surefire recipe for disaster. Even a slightly loose dress can gradually slide down throughout the day or night.
* **Sweat and Moisture:** Sweat and moisture can reduce friction between the dress and your skin, making it more slippery.
## Preparing for Success: The Foundation for a Secure Fit
The best way to prevent a strapless dress from slipping is to lay a solid foundation. This involves several crucial steps:
### 1. Choosing the Right Size:
This is arguably the most important step. Don’t assume you know your size; always try on the dress and ensure it fits snugly but comfortably. Here’s what to look for:
* **Snug but Not Too Tight:** The dress should feel secure against your skin without being so tight that it restricts your movement or creates bulges. You should be able to breathe and move comfortably.
* **No Gapping:** Pay close attention to the area around your bust and back. There should be no gaps between the dress and your skin. If you can easily slip a hand into the top of the dress, it’s too big.
* **Consider Alterations:** If you find a dress you love but the fit isn’t perfect, consider getting it altered. A professional tailor can make adjustments to ensure a snug and secure fit, particularly around the bust and waist.
### 2. Selecting the Right Bra (or Going Bra-less with Support):
Choosing the right bra or support system is crucial for providing lift and preventing slippage. You have several options:
* **Strapless Bra:** A well-fitting strapless bra is a classic choice. Look for bras with these features:
* **Underwire:** Underwire provides essential support and lift.
* **Silicone Grips:** Silicone grips along the top and bottom edges of the bra help to keep it in place against your skin.
* **Multiple Hook-and-Eye Closures:** More hooks provide a more secure and adjustable fit.
* **Wide Band:** A wider band offers more support and prevents the bra from digging into your skin.
* **Proper Fit:** Ensure the bra fits snugly around your ribcage and that the cups fully contain your breasts without any spillage.
* **Longline Bra:** A longline bra extends down to your waist, providing extra support and smoothing your silhouette. These are particularly effective for dresses with a longer bodice.
* **Bustier:** A bustier offers even more support and structure than a longline bra. It typically extends further down the torso and provides shaping and support for both the bust and waist.
* **Adhesive Bra:** Adhesive bras are a good option for dresses with low backs or unusual necklines where a traditional strapless bra wouldn’t work. Look for high-quality adhesive bras with strong adhesive and good reviews.
* **Built-in Bra or Bodice Support:** Some strapless dresses come with built-in bras or bodice support. These can be a great option, but make sure the built-in support is adequate for your bust size. If not, you may still need to add additional support.
* **Going Bra-less with Taping or Pasties:** For smaller busts, you might be able to go bra-less with the help of surgical tape or pasties. Surgical tape can be used to lift and support your breasts, while pasties provide nipple coverage. This option requires careful application and may not be suitable for all body types or dress styles.
### 3. Skin Preparation:
Clean, dry skin is essential for ensuring that adhesive products like silicone grips or tape adhere properly. Avoid applying lotions, oils, or powders to your skin before putting on your dress. If you’re prone to sweating, consider using an antiperspirant on your chest and back.
### 4. Test Run:**
Before wearing your strapless dress to an event, do a test run at home. Put on the dress and wear it around the house for a few hours. This will give you a chance to identify any potential problems and make adjustments before it’s too late.
## Securing the Dress: Tricks and Techniques for a Worry-Free Fit
Once you’ve laid the foundation, you can use these tricks and techniques to further secure your strapless dress:
### 1. Fashion Tape:
Fashion tape, also known as double-sided tape, is a lifesaver for keeping strapless dresses in place. It adheres to both your skin and the fabric of the dress, preventing slippage. Here’s how to use it:
* **Choose the Right Tape:** Look for fashion tape specifically designed for clothing. It should be strong enough to hold the dress in place but gentle enough not to irritate your skin.
* **Prepare Your Skin:** Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying the tape.
* **Apply the Tape:** Cut strips of tape to the desired length and apply them to the inside of the dress, along the top edge and any other areas where you want to prevent slippage. Then, carefully peel off the backing and press the dress against your skin.
* **Be Generous:** Don’t be afraid to use plenty of tape, especially in areas that are prone to slipping, like the bust and back. Use it along the top of the dress and along the sides under the arms.
### 2. Silicone Grips:
Many strapless dresses come with silicone grips along the top edge of the bodice. These grips help to prevent the dress from slipping by creating friction between the dress and your skin. If your dress doesn’t have silicone grips, you can purchase them separately and sew them into the bodice.
### 3. Adding Straps (or Faux Straps):
If you’re concerned about your strapless dress slipping, you can always add straps. This can be a simple and effective way to provide extra support and security. Here are a few options:
* **Clear Straps:** Clear straps are a discreet way to add support without detracting from the look of the dress. They’re practically invisible and can be easily attached to the inside of the bodice.
* **Matching Fabric Straps:** If you want a more integrated look, you can add straps made from the same fabric as the dress. This will create a seamless and elegant effect.
* **Decorative Straps:** For a more fashionable look, you can add decorative straps made from lace, beads, or other embellishments. This can add a touch of personality to your dress.
* **Faux Straps with Jewelry:** You can create the illusion of straps with jewelry. Attach a delicate chain or beaded necklace to the dress at the front and back to mimic the look of straps.
### 4. Belt It Up:
Adding a belt to your strapless dress can help to cinch in your waist and prevent the dress from slipping down. Choose a belt that complements the style of the dress and wear it at your natural waistline. A wider belt will provide more support than a skinny belt.
### 5. Safety Pins (as a Last Resort):
If all else fails, safety pins can be used as a temporary fix. However, use them sparingly and carefully to avoid damaging the dress or pricking yourself. Use them on the inside of the dress to tack the dress to your bra or undergarments.
## Choosing the Right Dress Style:
Certain strapless dress styles are inherently more secure than others. Consider these factors when choosing a strapless dress:
* **Structured Bodice:** Dresses with a structured bodice are more likely to stay in place than those with a loose or flowing bodice. Look for dresses with boning or other internal support structures.
* **Fitted Silhouette:** A fitted silhouette will hug your curves and provide more support than a loose or flowing silhouette. A-line or sheath dresses are generally more secure than empire waist or maxi dresses.
* **Heavier Fabrics:** Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, velvet, or thick satin, are less likely to slip than lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk.
* **Sweetheart Neckline:** A sweetheart neckline provides more coverage and support than a straight or plunging neckline.
## Movement and Posture: Carrying Yourself with Confidence
Even with the best preparations and support, your posture and movement can affect how well your strapless dress stays in place. Here are some tips:
* **Stand Tall:** Maintaining good posture will help to keep the dress from slipping down. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high.
* **Avoid Slouching:** Slouching can cause the dress to wrinkle and bunch up, increasing the risk of slippage.
* **Move with Grace:** Avoid sudden or jerky movements that could cause the dress to shift. Move smoothly and gracefully.
* **Be Aware of Your Arms:** Be mindful of how you’re using your arms. Raising your arms above your head can create gaps between the dress and your body, so try to keep your arms at your sides as much as possible.
## Dealing with Wardrobe Malfunctions: Be Prepared
Despite your best efforts, a strapless dress can still slip down unexpectedly. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for such a situation. Here are a few tips:
* **Carry Fashion Tape:** Keep a small roll of fashion tape in your purse for quick fixes.
* **Bring Safety Pins:** Safety pins can be used to temporarily secure the dress in place.
* **Wear Spanx or Shapewear:** Shapewear can provide extra support and smoothing, and it can also help to keep the dress from slipping down.
* **Have a Backup Plan:** If you’re really concerned about your dress slipping, consider bringing a backup outfit that you can change into if necessary.
## Additional Tips and Tricks:
* **Consult a Seamstress:** A professional seamstress can make alterations to your strapless dress to ensure a perfect fit.
* **Try Before You Buy:** Always try on a strapless dress before you buy it to make sure it fits properly and provides adequate support.
* **Read Reviews:** Read online reviews of strapless dresses to get an idea of how well they stay in place.
* **Choose the Right Occasion:** Consider the occasion when choosing a strapless dress. A strapless dress may be appropriate for a cocktail party or wedding, but it may not be suitable for a more active event like a dance or sporting event.
* **Invest in Quality:** A well-made strapless dress will be more likely to stay in place than a cheaply made one.
## Conclusion: Confidence is Key
Keeping a strapless dress up is a combination of proper preparation, the right support, and a few clever tricks. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently rock your strapless dress and enjoy your event without any worries. Remember, confidence is key. When you feel good in your outfit, you’ll radiate confidence and look even more stunning!
Now go out there and slay in your strapless dress!