Entertainment Fashion & Style How to Wear a Camisole Do's and Dont's for Styling This Feminine Top Share PINTEREST Email Print Getty Images, David M. Benett / Contributor Fashion & Style Tops & Sweaters Accessories Dresses Skirts Jeans Pants Do It Yourself Shoes Skincare Advice Makeup Hair Fragrance Tattoos and Body Piercings Kids and Teens Bumps & Babies Learn More By Cynthia Nellis Updated on 03/12/18 The camisole, or cami as your mom might call it, is a versatile and essential part of any woman's wardrobe. The thin straps and simple design make it a basic piece with a lot of potential. Silk, loose-fitting camisoles make great going-out tops when paired with jeans or tucked into a skirt. A more fitted, cotton camisole is great for layering under sweaters and sweatshirts for a little added coverage (and some slimming potential!). Because they are so skimpy by nature, we've broken down the most essential "Dos" and "Donts" for wearing a camisole. While they are particularly on-trend (just like slip dresses), they are a timeless layering piece and are unlikely to become unfashionable anytime soon. We love how they look tucked into a skirt (a la Alicia Vikander) or worn loose with your favorite boyfriend jeans and sneakers for a mix of masculine and feminine. Tips for Wearing a Camisole Do Layer a strapless, smooth-cupped bra underneath your camisole for a polished look. If you need added coverage or more support, look for a cami with a built-in shelf bra. Wear a silk camisole under a blazer or cardigan at the office for a hint of feminine charm. Tuck your camisole into a ladylike skirt for an outfit that's a mix of modern and sexy. Style a lace-trimmed camisole on its own with something unexpected, like boyfriend jeans or wide-leg trousers — a contrast of feminine and masculine influences is always chic. Embrace the lingerie and pajama dressing trend! Wear a silk camisole with a kimono or robe-style jacket and jeans for an of-the-moment outfit. Err on the side of larger rather than smaller — a camisole with a more floaty, relaxed fit will ultimately be more flattering since you're showing a fair amount of skin around the chest and shoulders. Don't Pair your most fitted camisole with tight jeans — remember that opposites attract in fashion. This style of top will look better either tucked into an A-line skirt or layered under a jacket or cardigan. Let it show if you're layering more than one camisole under a shirt or sweater — it looks sloppy and overly youthful. Choose an overly-skimpy camisole if you are busty; instead opt for lace trims on a more substantial tank top like one with thick straps or a more conservative, straight-across neckline. Forget to accessorize your neckline with layers of thin necklaces, a choker or statement necklace. Wash your delicate camisoles in the washing machine — silk and crepe should be dry cleaned only to preserve the color, shape, and fit.