The majority of women forget to stock their lingerie drawer regularly with the bare essentials. Just because lingerie isn’t the first thing others see doesn’t mean it doesn’t play an invaluable role in your wardrobe and your self-esteem. Take stock of the bras and panties you do have, and make sure you’ve got everything on hand for the last minute party invite, backless dress, interview or active day at the park. Here’s a quick checklist of what every girl should own, complete with tips for what to look for when shopping:

The girl-next-door bra: A smooth contoured, well-fitted bra that is comfortable to wear under t-shirts and when you are semi-active (not for sports, but sight-seeing, for example.) Light on lace, decorations and extras, this bra should be one you can wear with a thin summer shirt so that there aren’t unsightly bumps and ridges. Look for one with a thin padding to make up for uneven breast size. A lovely choice is the Chantelle Senso Multipositional T-Shirt Bra; it comes in a neutral sand color so that it blends nicely with any color t-shirt.

The little-black-dress bra: A black bra is a must for dark colored evening wear when a strap might show, this bra won’t stick out like a sore thumb. Black lace is an especially attractive, sexy choice. It’s also a good idea to make sure your black bra has a plunging neckline; for a blouse or dress that goes low in the front, this bra will do the trick. An especially pretty example is the Cosabella Ceylon Demi Cup Bra—unusual and sexy.

The strapless bare-it-all bra: With tank tops, tube tops, or dresses, this bra will save the day by laying low and letting your shoulders take the lime light. Be sure to watch for sturdy structure and support, since this bra won’t have straps to keep it in place. Prima Donna offers Prima Donna Satin Strapless Bra (www.BitsofLace.com); classy, elegant and easy to wear.