20 Pieces of Chic Lingerie Everyone Should Own

It’s time to invest in your lingerie collection. Before going crazy with sheer bodysuits, colorful bustiers, and fussy underwire tops, build one of the most important collections in your wardrobe from the tried-and-true basics. As self-proclaimed lingerie obsessives, we can never get enough of this under-layer, and we want to share all our tried-and-true rules with you.

The best part about shopping for lingerie is that basic doesn’t ever have to mean boring. We’re challenging the assumption of what “essential” means when it comes to your lingerie drawer, and we are fairly certain it’s one of the best sartorial choices we’ve ever made. There’s something just so gorgeous about lingerie as a ready-to-wear category that it seems like a shame to miss out on their full potential. Whether you’re someone who loves to show off your elegant lace bralette under a sheer top or you’re pretty sure no one will even catch a glimpse of your bra strap, let alone receive a full-frontal view, every piece of lingerie you own should make you and happy and proud to wear it.

So forget everything your parents ever told you about what you “need” when shopping for lingerie and instead focus on a mighty band of lingerie essentials that will effortlessly make you feel more elegant—even if no one else sees them but you.

The black lace underwire

Whether you can see it or not, a black lace underwire will take you anywhere you need to go—and you’ll feel like the most confident person in the room even if no one else knows you’re wearing it.

The bralette

For those days when you just don’t want to fuss, a French bralette style is about to become your best friend. It won’t dig in, it makes your neckline look stellar, and you won’t feel weird about it peeking out from underneath your loose cotton tank. With this style, have a little fun with color and textures.

The bodysuit

A cross between lingerie and ready-to-wear, this all-in-one look is about to be your newest wardrobe essential if you haven’t already discovered it. Go for a sheer lace style layered under more covered-up tops or an opaque look that you can simply throw on over a pair of jeans and run out the door. Whatever your style, this no-fuss top is a definite lingerie essential.

The thong

For all those tight skirts, white pants, silk dresses, and the like: Have a thong or two on hand. Trust that you never want to be truly caught without one.

Whether you want to show them off or keep them all to yourself, make sure you have the above essentials on hand before shopping for anything else when it comes to your lingerie.