Looking your best can feel like a pressure during the festive season, with Christmas parties and New year’s Eve to dress up for.
When looking to squeeze into a tight-fitting dress or jumpsuit without feeling vulnerable, there are ways to add a smooth silhouette underneath, and help clothes look as flattering as possible.
While investing in shapewear isn’t going to magically change your size or weight, it could help build your confidence and enhance your shape for special occasions.
There are several brands that specialise in shapewear, but if you want to stick to a budget, John Lewis’ range is affordable and has plenty of reviews.
Buy: Rae Firm Control Body (£35)
The bodysuit is sleek and discreet, coming in a choice of almond for lighter-coloured outfits and black for wearing under darker clothing.
It’s designed to be worn with your own bra, so there’s no chance of being ill-fitting on the chest area, and the adjustable shoulder straps can be converted into a racer-style for different outfits.
The shaping effect works on the back, stomach and hip areas, helping to smooth the silhouette and help clothes fit in a more flattering way.
Although the bodysuit is described as having ‘firm control’, some of the reviews mention that it didn’t provide enough support for them, but M&S also has some high-control alternatives, like the Body Define™ Firm Control Shaping Slip.
The body has been racking up reviews on the John Lewis website, with some calling it ‘comfortable and light’.
Carol9172 said: ”Wore this under my dress for a wedding, it was very discreet, comfortable and more importantly held my tummy in. It is quite delicate in places so I was careful when putting it on, making sure I didn’t damage it. It was worth the money and I would buy it again. I am a typical size 12 and F508 and the 12 fitted perfectly.”
Sarah commented: ”I am very pleased with this purchase; it gives support where needed and I am particularly pleased with my smoother shape and flatter tummy. HOWEVER, this garment, of its nature, is close fitting and it needs to be pulled on and off with some force. The striped, lace panels at the tops of the legs, though attractive, are simply not strong enough to do the job. My thumb went through one of these panels the first time I wore the garment. I have tried to be more careful since, but a stronger panel is really the only solution.”
Fussypup also added: ”Lovely soft fabric, light and breathable. It wasn’t firm enough for me personally, but it was comfortable and light and I was able to wear it all day in hot weather. If I wasn’t so lumpy it would have been perfect!”