As a stylist for over 15 years, I've learned one thing that most women don't realise until it clicks: a great outfit doesn't start with what's hanging in your wardrobe. It starts underneath it.
The right foundation pieces change everything. They change how clothes drape, how confident you feel walking in the door, and how long you stay comfortable once you're there. Heading into summer, when the heat is up and the outfits get lighter, the foundation layer matters more than ever.
These are the three Shapermint essentials I personally reach for every summer, and exactly how I'd style them.
Use code SHAPENAT20 at checkout for 20% off, valid until July 31st.
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1. All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Cami: The Shaping Top That Does It All
The easiest way to transition your wardrobe from workwear to patio season? This cami.
I love the Scoop Neck Cami because it works as both a smooth base layer and part of the outfit itself. That versatility is what makes it a genuine summer staple.
For daytime, layer it under an oversized blazer with tailored trousers or denim; it's a polished, pulled-together look that works from desk to lunch. Then for patio season, drinks, or dinner out? Take the blazer off. Suddenly you have a sleek, sculpted summer look that took you zero effort to put together.
Beyond the styling, it does the work you want a cami to do: bust support, tummy and waist smoothing, a seamless finish under anything. The fabric is soft, breathable, and moves with you, which is important when you're wearing it for a full day in the heat.
This is the piece you'll end up reaching for constantly all summer long.
→ Shop the Scoop Neck Cami at Shapermint.com
2. All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts: Your Secret Summer Weapon
What's one summer essential every woman should have underneath dresses? These shaping shorts.
I actually recommend these instead of a traditional slip, and once you try them, you'll understand why. They smooth the tummy and thighs while adding coverage underneath dresses and skirts, which is exactly what you want in summer when fabrics get lighter and clingier.
The game-changer is what they do on hot days. They prevent thigh discomfort and chafing while still feeling lightweight and breathable, which if you've ever had a summer ruined by the wrong underlayer, you know is non-negotiable. The soft fabric feels like a second skin, and the anti-slip silicone waistband keeps them in place all day without rolling or riding up.
Style them under fitted dresses, linen styles, vacation looks, or wedding guest outfits. They also work beautifully under linen trousers and wide-leg culottes when you want a smooth line without bulk.
When your foundation pieces fit properly, your clothes automatically look and feel better. That's not a cliché — it's just true.
→ Shop the High-Waisted Shaper Shorts at Shapermint.com
3. Convertible Strapless Bandeau Bra: The One That Actually Stays Put
Why is a great strapless bra such an important summer wardrobe staple? Because summer fashion demands it.
Strapless dresses. One-shoulder tops. Halter necklines. Off-the-shoulder styles. Event dressing. Every single one of these requires a strapless bra that actually works, and finding one that provides support and stays in place all day is harder than it should be.
This bandeau bra solves both. It's designed for seamless strapless style with all-day wireless support. The seamless fabric creates a smooth fit under clothing, and the stay-put silicone grip means you're not constantly adjusting it throughout the day. The adjustable, removable straps also make it genuinely versatile because you can wear it strapless, with straps, or convert it depending on what you're wearing.
Confidence starts with pieces that fit properly, feel supportive, and allow you to actually enjoy the outfit you're in. A great strapless bra is one of the hardest-working pieces in your summer wardrobe, and this one earns its place.
→ Shop the Convertible Strapless Bandeau Bra at Shapermint.com
Shop Natalie's Summer Edit
All three pieces are available now at Shapermint.com. Use code SHAPENAT20 at checkout for 20% off, valid until July 31st.
Whether you're building looks for patio season, summer weddings, or everyday warm-weather dressing, these are the foundation pieces that make everything else work.
Shop everything at shapermint.com and use code SHAPENAT20.
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Natalie Sexton is a Canadian fashion and lifestyle expert with over 15 years of styling experience. She appeared on CH Morning Live, CTV Your Morning Edmonton, CTV Your Morning Calgary, and CTV Your Morning Winnipeg as part of Shapermint's Spring into Summer broadcast tour.
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