Svelte and Successful

With the year drawing to a close, many of us are tying up loose ends at work as our calendar fills up with holiday parties, dinners and benefits.

Now it’s time to pull out the holiday cocktail attire – and hope that favorite dress still fits just right. The secret to maintaining a svelte silhouette this season: shapewear.

Fortunately, today’s flattering undergarments aren’t a complicated contraption – they come in multiple styles (like camisoles, leggings and skirts) that seamlessly conform to different body types, including plus sizes.

These pieces “provide women with the proper foundation,” says Jill Zarin, former star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York, co-owner of Zarin Fabrics and founder of Skweez Couture. “During the holidays, women dress up a lot, [and

shapewear] helps clothes fit and look better.”

When shopping for the right undergarments, “fit is extremely important,” says Zarin. So, “never be afraid to ask for assistance from a salesperson.”

At Skweez Couture, garments are tagged with a size and fit chart as well as suggestions on what garments to pair with a particular piece.

If you’re shopping online, stores like Spanx, Yummie and Va Bien feature blogs with expert tips to help you decide which products best meet your body’s needs, like tummy control and bra support.

Bonus PINK Link: Now that your wardrobe is set, here’s how to host a holiday work party.

By Christine Kim

“The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.” Hubert de Givenchy