Answer Angel: Just the necessities

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Dec 9, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I purged my lingerie drawer. It was stuffed with too many camis, slips, pantyhose, etc. Now I want to restock with only the basics.

What would you consider the necessary pieces?

--Diane B.

Dear Diane: Congratulations on the purge. I need to follow your example. My underwear drawer is filled with stuff I never wear, is raggedy, or doesn’t fit any more. Here’s how I recommend you stock your now trimmed down underwear wardrobe:

Bras

* Two comfortable everyday bras. One nude. One black.

* A T-shirt bra, with smooth, seamless cups. Nude.

* One easy-wash, quick-dry sports bra that supports, is easy to get in and out of

* Optional: A convertible nude bra that can be worn strapless, one shoulder, halter, racer back

* Optional: A nude bra for low necklines or to emphasize cleavage for cocktail/evening wear

Underpants

* Enough for comfortable daily wear in numbers that won’t force you to do laundry too often

* One no-show (seamless) nude pair to wear under close-to-the body clothing

Legwear

* Opaque tights, black and/or brown

* Black and nude sheer pantyhose

* Trouser (knee high) socks black and/or brown to wear under pants with flat shoes or low heel or boots

* Warm outdoor socks for under boots in cold weather

* Socks for sports and gym shoes in white and colors

More optional

* Shapewear for top, bottom or a combo if you need or want it. Nude.

* Slip and cami: Nude for under clinging or sheer clothing

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What does “shop your closet” even mean? My friend showed up for dinner in a retro-looking, very cool, slightly fitted chocolate brown button blazer and she looked terrific. I complimented her and she replied, “Oh, I shopped my closet!” I was too embarrassed to ask her what she was talking about.

--Libby A.

Dear Libby: What your friend was telling you: Take a second look all the things you never wear. Fashion is cyclical. What’s old is new again.

For instance, leather pants, vests, dresses and skirts are hugely popular — like they were in the 1960s. I had a black leather shirt literally collecting dust in the back of my closet after an impulse (bargain) buy on a trip to Buenos Aires. It looks fantastic and on-trend now and I get compliments.

Wide leg jeans are flying off thrift and vintage store racks and women are kicking themselves for donating theirs in a closet purge 10 or more years ago. Ditto ruffled shirts and blouses. Brown in all its shades is high style for fall/winter.

The list goes on. There are gems in your closet. Just take a fresh look. And you’re saving them from a landfill. That’s “shopping your closet.”

Angelic Readers 1

Becky G. writes: “This in response to Kathy O.'s letter about needing to pay to have her pants hemmed. I suggest she try Lands’ End clothing at landsend.com. They have wonderful clothing, and pants are hemmed free. I've shopped with Lands’ End for decades and have rarely been disappointed in the quality and style of their merchandise, their prices or their customer service. She won't be disappointed!” From Ellen: In addition to free pants hemming, Lands’ End offers inseam alteration and pants cuffing on some products.

Angelic Readers 2

From K.C.T.: “In a recent column, two readers lament the discontinuation of their favorite products, namely one style of L.L. Bean women’s jeans and Clinique's mild bar soap. I appreciate hearing about these items, and share the writers' lament as I too have had some favorites discontinued. But I think your advice falls slightly short. Please advise these writers to contact the respective companies! The companies want to hear this feedback. I encourage the writers to not only call, write (quaint suggestion!) or email the company, but also utilize the company's social media pages to communicate their displeasure (in a courteous way, of course).”

Soap suggestions for reader Michelle D. who needs to replace discontinued Clinique, from Sarah R.: “CeraVe makes bar soap that is available at drug stores and other major retailers. They offer three types: a Foaming Cleanser Bar, a Hydrating Cleanser Bar, and a SA Cleanser Bar for rough and bumpy skin (SA = salicylic acid). I struggled with adult acne and have to choose my skincare products carefully, lest I react and break out. I’ve had very good luck with the CeraVe skincare line and I think their products will meet Michelle D.’s needs.”

Pam P. says: “I had skin issues in my late 20s. My dermatologist recommended Neutrogena transparent facial bar — the clear, orange soap that’s been on the market for decades. It’s fragrance-free, non-drying and leaves no residue. I’m 73 and still using it.”