Perfect Panties -

It Does Matter What You Wear

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

Underwear are so expensive these days; what's the big deal? The way I see it, only people who really care about me are going to see them. And those people won't care if my panties have little charms hanging off of them or ruffles all over them. I would much rather spend the money on parts of my outfit that people will see, not the ones I'm covering. And why should I have to wear a pair of underwear that goes up my butt? Isn't the point of underwear to cover your butt? Please tell me why I should care so much about underwear!

Sincerely,

Who Cares What's Under There

April Masini's advice:

Dear Who Cares What's Under There,

When it comes to panties ...

Please don’t commit lingerie suicide! Women who wear raggedy underwear under $400 dresses are undermining the whole effect. Besides the fact that, as my mother always said, "Make sure your undergarments are clean and have no holes in them, you never know when you may have an accident." Don't underestimate the value of your mental attitude when you know you look well from the skin up-or from having the absolutely right foundation under your dress, AND men notice lingerie!

Your panties and bra should match and they should always look "inviting!" Do not skimp on your lingerie ... Trust me on this one! Panty-wear is extremely important – and not just because of what it covers. You don’t want to be seen with panty lines. You don’t want bunching underwear to ruin the look of your clothes. You don’t want elastic that is frayed for when your clothes come off. You don’t want anything that is too big or too small. You want panties that look good with your clothes or without your clothes. Here’s a way to start your panty collection:

Good bikini underwear is a basic, as is a G-string, if you’re comfortable in it. Try out a thong and a G-string to see what is more comfortable for you. Although they are guilty of being the butt of all butt floss jokes, G-strings are also the antidotes to panty lines and the next best thing to going commando. G-strings are also surprisingly comfortable. If you’re experimenting, grab a cheap Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s of Hollywood G-string and thong and see which works better for you. They are terrific for your Juicy sweat suit or any clothing that offers a view of your butt. You want a sleek form fitting shape and line.

Make sure you have classic whites in your panty/bra wardrobe as well as classic black. The way we dress tells people, including MEN, an enormous amount about ourselves. Our clothes declare us joyful, curious, sensitive, happy, feminine, creative, assured or, on the other hand, lacking in imagination, insecure, timid, boring or slobs. Your clothes are extensions of your personality. They must fit your form, compliment your lines, and flatter you with their colors. All the clothes you wear should complement each other, because you are aiming for an overall harmonious and beautiful effect, therefore, organizing, assessing, and purchasing your clothing go hand in hand. So get down to brass tacks and get to work.

Panty tips

* What I recommend to women is to wear panties that are pretty, flattering and make them feel sexy. If a G-string is making you walk like you have a disability, don't wear it. If you feel sexy in a thong wear it, but if you feel self-conscious, don't. Self-conscious behavior is NOT sexy. If you're not sure, have your best friend take a look and give you a brutally honest opinion. Or better yet -- ask your man what he likes to see you wearing.

* Take your panties as seriously as you take your outerwear. Don't just buy what's on sale. Buy to create a collection that matches your moods -- and his.

* Matching bra and panty sets are a surefire way to light his fire. Men love a pulled together look, and rather than a red bra and a paisley brown, green and purple set of tap pants that obviously don't match in any way -- buy some lingerie sets of matching bras and panties.

* Always replace panties as often as you would get your hair trimmed. There is nothing worse than worn out panties that should have been tossed ages ago. And NO granny panties. You don't want your man thinking of his mother or his grandmother's panties when he's looking at yours!

For more fashion advice for women, check out my book, Think & Date Like a Man.