IT’S time to retire that reliable (read: dated) little black dress to the back of your closet.
The hot-ticket item for the upcoming party season is a festive, flirty camisole top.
Salted with twinkling beads, trimmed with richly textured ribbon or drenched with metallic sequins, these versatile tops are as easy to amp up (with a slinky satin skirt or slim-fitting velvet jacket) as they are to tone down (with dark-colored tailored pants or a jewel-encrusted cardi).
Better still, despite the cami’s bad rep for catering to the tiny minority who fit into the so-called “perfect C-cup,” this season’s crop has – for once – been constructed with the rest of us A’s, B’s and D’s in mind, too.
The A team won’t need a Wonderbra to get away with wearing a sexy, shoulder-bearing halter cami which will create the illusion of curves – even where there are none.
And the double-D team will find a smashing array of wide-strapped and corset-structured camis which make the most of a generous cleavage without forcing you to squeeze into a boob-minimizing bra.
So we hit the stores and found the best camis to flatter every figure. Just check out our guide on the next two pages – it’s as easy to follow as A (small), B-C (medium) and D+ (voluptuous).
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Lapetina & Lomeli: Size: A
Only the petite can get away with this chiffon-beaded cami ($132, at Big Drop, 174 Spring St.).
Tracy Reese: Size: D+
The extra straps on this halter-neck cami ($268, at Palma, 521 Broome St.) make this a strong option for curvy girls.
Matthew Williamson: Size: B-C
The pleats of this cami ($758, at Henri Bendel) balance a baring top.
Ingwa Melero: Size: D+
The plunging neckline of this velvet cami ($275) elegantly prevents that unappealing mono-breast.
Zara: Size: B-C
You’ll get all the support you need thanks to the empire waistband of this tiered chiffon cami ($55).
Arden b: Size: B-C
The deep V of this chiffon cami ($68) keeps boobs perky, while the fluted hem hides plenty of figure flaws.
Prada: Size: D+
Boned by deceptively soft yet deft seaming, this corset-style chiffon cami ($2,350) requires a generous cleavage.
Ice Vanilla: Size: B-C
The crinkle fabric of this cami ($12.99 at Strawberry) supports mid-size breasts.
DKNY: Size : D+
The shoulder detailing on this beaded cami ($245) and the shirt-hemmed waistband create a slimming effect.
Armani Exchange: Size: B-C
The thick sequined straps of this Grecian cami ($98) offer exceptional support and creates a flattering décolletage.
CK Calvin Klein: Size: A
The beading on this crystal-kissed cami ($150 at Bloomingdale’s) will make even the flattest chest pop.
Blumarine: Size: A
This sequin-drenched halter neck ($1,285, at Saks) creates an curvy silhouette reinforced by a thick banded hem.
Alice & Trizie: Size: B-C
This wrap-over style of this satin cami ($175, at Precision, 1310 Third Ave.) is especially flattering for curvy bodies.
Diane von Furstenberg: Size: A
This feathery chiffon beaded cami ($225) boasts a wide, empire waistband that will give breasts an appealing lift.
