Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Undergarments Question: I have finally found several pantsuits that I like and look good on me, however I'm perplexed on what to wear underneath. I don't want panty lines and I want to maintain a smooth figure. I do wear hosiery and pumps with the pantsuits, but my question is, what's more appropriate, control top pantyhose, or a slacks liner with sheer knee highs, or even non-control pantyhose with a shaper bottom over that? Laura Answer: Kudos to you for already wearing hosiery and pumps with your pantsuits! Actually, all of the options that you list will help to create a smooth line when wearing pants. Since you already strive for a smooth look, your preferences are the key. There are no hard and fast rules on this issue except that panty lines are detestable, far from being desirable. Nonetheless, there are a few factors to consider when creating the smoothest optimum look. For example, will you be wearing a blouse or top under the jacket and will you be tucking it in? Control-top pantyhose styles or body shapers will give you the smoothest look when tucking in a blouse or top. This is particularly true when the top or blouse is made of a medium-to-heavy fabric and of such a length that it creates a line across the middle of your abdomen and hips. All of this becomes even more relevant if you plan on removing the jacket. If you prefer to wear knee-high hosiery without pant liners or body shapers, it’s then essential that you wear control/shaper panties. Knee-high hosiery worn in this fashion look best when you’re not tucking in a top or blouse, especially when the pant fabric is a light-to-medium weight. Another important factor to consider is your hip set. Is it high, medium, or low? Higher hip lines are fuller at the waist area. Some heavy-duty control/shaper products actually push more flesh up around the waist, adding visual pounds in that area. Keep in mind that control-top pantyhose or shaper undergarments are also needed when an extremely snug fit is preferred or when wearing light colored or lightweight pants. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: I recently accepted a position in the office of the University President. This summer I have worn skirts and tops - but sometimes I feel underdressed without a suit jacket. Are suits required in an office like this? The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'