Underthings that Make a Difference

Whether or not you're into control panties and shapewear, there's no denying that can make a serious difference in the way you look and feel in some of your tightest clothes. Perfect for wearing under clingy satin and unforgiving shifts, shapewear can transform things you'd never imagine you could wear comfortably.

Not everyone likes a power panty, but that doesn't mean a slimming camisole won't appeal under certain items, either. Shapewear isn't old-fashioned anymore, and with changes in fabric, cut, and design, you can find one to save for your knock-em-dead dress.

Here are a few of my personal favorite shapewear items, and why:

1.Control Thong: One word: incredible. One of the pesky things about control panties is the fact that they can leave the most horrendous panty lines. Not anymore! Control thongs are high waisted, preventing the dreaded “muffin top” that even the barest thongs can create.

Get one in nude to skim under summer white and still match with every other thing in your closet. If you've never tried shapewear but love thongs, try one under your barest gown. Frederick’s of Hollywood carries them in your basic black, white, and nude.

2.Waist cincher with garters: Waist cinchers are excellent for if you wear stockings. You can wear them with garters and be guaranteed that nothing will start to creep down come midday. Find this shapewear basic at Bare Necessities, Fredericks of Hollywood, or Victoria’s Secret.

3.Belly Ups: Belly Ups were actually intended for pregnant women to keep their pants up, but they're useful for anyone stuck with low rise pants that like to creep down. You can clip them on to your bra and then on to your trousers along the side of your torso. They’re only recommended for bulky shirts and heavy sweaters, but they're indispensable with a pair of uncomfortable low-rise pants that still make your butt look fabulous. Check them out at Bellyups.com.

4.Body Wrap: The Body Wrap is a firm control panty that reaches all the way up to your ribcage, and smoothes any back bumps and bulges you may have. Not only does it flatten your tummy, but it lifts your rear. Perfect with dresses with '50s silhouettes or clingy jersey fabric tunics.

5.Control Tank: I'm a little wary of control camisoles, because they seem to affect the bustline in a not-so-flattering way. However, the Cosabella Bella Tank Camisole, available from Bare Necessities, combines molded cups that simply won't flatten you out.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni