The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Supportive Bras for Summer Clothes

I can't find bras that give good support and are comfortable yet are still well hidden when wearing off-shoulder/bareback/low neckline dresses or tops. SOS! Your Fan, Denise in Distress

If there's one thing I learned while working at Oprah.com it's this: Make sure you are wearing the right size bra! Many women are not, and that goes for all women regardless of size. Use an online guide or better yet, go get a complimentary in-store bra-fitting at a place like Nordstrom. Finding the right size bra can be life changing for you and the girls.

Next, be sure to try on bras before you buy, even if you think you know your size. Each style will fit differently. Here are a few places to look:


This convertible bra by Cacique for Lane Bryant has received great customer reviews. I'm sure it's not perfect but it will work with lots of different tops. The clean lines and flesh tone are another plus (forget lace and frills, what you want it smooth, comfy support).


Another affordable amazing bra brand is Olga, which you can find at Kohls on sale. This bra will give you smooth coverage under many sleeveless dresses and tops.


Yet another option is to find a camisole with built-in support; this one's strapless but you can always layer a regular camisole under many tops/dresses for additional support which will add interest to your outfit as well.

What are the best bra/undergarments for your summer wardrobe? Are there certain styles you found work best? Certain styles to avoid?

Ask BB: What to Wear to an Interview When A Suit Isn't Appropriate

Here's a question from the forums posted by sarasosa: "I KNOW that for the majority of interviews a suit is the way to go, but there are situations when you will be inappropriately overdressed. (Yes, this is possible!) I am interviewing for a company where the atmosphere is casual for everyone right up to the CEO. I'm afraid a buttoned up suit will give off the wrong first impression. So how do you fit in and still look professional?"

I'm a staunch advocate of the interview suit, but as sarasosa points out, there are times when a suit just isn't appropriate and wearing one to an interview might even hurt your chances of getting the job. If you've done your homework about the company and you're certain that a suit isn't the way to go, here are three alternative outfit ideas that will help you land the job:

OPTION 1: PENCIL SKIRT + SHORT SLEEVE BLOUSE + PEEP-TOE HEELS
A pencil skirt and pretty blouse strikes the perfect chord for a casual work environment interview.