Trend watch: New shapewear pieces for holiday 2012

Wiggle into one of these new shapewear items to look bump-free under holiday party frocks.

By Elizabeth Denton Mon Nov 26 2012

Nothing messes up an evening look faster than lumps and bulges created by wearing the wrong undergarments. These recently launched shapewear items iron out your curves, leaving a smooth silhouette. Find affordable offerings from Skinnygirl, Jockey, Maidenform, Ami Clubwear and Victoria’s Secret.

Photograph: Jonathan Aprea

Anyone who has watched Bethenny Frankel on her popular Bravo show Bethenny Ever After knows she actually uses the Skinnygirl goods she hawks—including her growing line of sexy shape wear in sizes small to 3X. In the episode documenting her 40th birthday party, you’ll spot her wearing the lace shaping bodysuit ($40) from her debut collection under a sleek blazer. Among the second season’s made-to-be-seen offerings, our favorite is this lace babydoll slip, with molded cups and a hidden shaping layer that make it a great dinner-to-bedroom option. Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers alluring lace shaping babydoll slip, $62, at Macy’s, 151 W 34th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-695-4400, macys.com)
Photograph: Anna Simonak

Jockey has long been known for its comfortable cotton underthings, and its Rachel Zoe–approved shaping collection (she’s an ambassador for the line) is just as easy to wear. The slimming shorts, briefs and tanks are made from a smoothing nylon-and-spandex blend, and boast cotton inner-thigh panels to prevent chafing. We’re partial to this hip-length, curve-control tank perfect for concealing lumps and bumps beneath body-con party dresses. Jockey strappy shapewear tank, $38, at at Lord & Taylor, 424 Fifth Ave between 38th and 39th Sts (212-391-3344, lordandtaylor.com)
For its 90th anniversary, undergarment brand Maidenform launched two vintage-inspired shaping pieces. The satin-and-lace full under-bust slip provides upper-stomach, waist and back contouring, while the tummy-smoothing skirt provides support for your bottom half. Both have detachable garters, so they resemble chic lingerie rather than functional flatteners. Maidenform Flexees 90th Anniversary Collection Wear Your Own Bra full slip, $57; and lace half-slip, $42; at maidenform.com
Victoria’s Secret is no stranger to curve-enhancing garments (see: bras that add three cup sizes), but its smoothing line, which debuted in November, is a different direction for the brand. This shaping slip contours your body from breasts to thighs, creating a covetable profile, while a thick back band banishes dreaded bra bulge. Only you will know about the va-va-voom animal print—everyone else just sees a bump-free silhouette. Victoria’s Secret Confident and Curvy So Curvaceous shaping slip, $70, at Victoria’s Secret, locations throughout the city; visit victoriassecret.com

Photograph: Jonathan Aprea

Anyone who has watched Bethenny Frankel on her popular Bravo show Bethenny Ever After knows she actually uses the Skinnygirl goods she hawks—including her growing line of sexy shape wear in sizes small to 3X. In the episode documenting her 40th birthday party, you’ll spot her wearing the lace shaping bodysuit ($40) from her debut collection under a sleek blazer. Among the second season’s made-to-be-seen offerings, our favorite is this lace babydoll slip, with molded cups and a hidden shaping layer that make it a great dinner-to-bedroom option. Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers alluring lace shaping babydoll slip, $62, at Macy’s, 151 W 34th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-695-4400, macys.com)