Why I'll Never Wear A Dress Without Shapewear Again
I've heard people talk about Spanx. I've also read articles explaining that shapewear is the key to slimming and perfect looks we see on the red carpet, yet I still wasn't moved to purchase a pair. But, a little pink sequin dress from Zara changed that. When I opened the brown box and took the dress out, I thought, "There's no way I can fit into this." I gave it a try sans shapewear and saw my belly poking out. Since I was going to an event where the invite requested we wear pink and I hadn't ordered a backup, I went to Amazon and ordered Robert Matthew Women's Shapewear High-Waist Shapers.
The black shorts came the next day. I tried them on with my dress, and the rest is history. Shapewear changed the entire fit of the dress and gave me the confidence to wear it to a beauty launch party (where I got many compliments). Mission accomplished.
I am now a shapewear stan.
Shapewear isn't an item you only wear for special occasions. You can wear it daily to help smooth places you might not be fond of. For me, that's my stomach. Thanks to my fibroids, I seem to always have a bit of bulge which I'm learning to love and accept. If you're a first time shapewear-wearer, buying online might present a challenge. I was lucky my choice fit perfectly. I looked at a lot of reviews to try to make sure I was purchasing the right size, which was extremely helpful.
Here, I've added items you can buy online and in-store at local retailers like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. I have always had good experiences being fitted for bras at these stores, so I'd imagine shapewear would be similar.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Best Shapewear Options For Women
HoneyLove SuperPower Brief
HoneyLove
Having a brief that can be worn with everything from denim to dresses will help you get the most bang for your buck. HoneyLove says their shapewear won't move even if you're bending or reaching which is important for comfort. What I also like about this brand is their sizing goes up to a 3x.
Robert Matthew Brilliance High-Waist Shaper Panty
Amazon
This was the brand I went for at the 11th hour, and it came through. One thing I will note is that it didn't stay put, which wasn't really an issue for me since my dress was so short. But, if I were wearing a midi dress, I probably would have found the rolling of the fabric on my thighs to be a bit annoying, but for $20 and not having to leave my house, that issue was minor.
Yummie Cooling FX® High Waist Shaping Thong
Sometimes briefs just won't cut it, and you have to wear a thong no matter how uncomfortable they are. Made with Lightweight NILIT® Breeze material, this body-shaping thong will keep you cool, too.
Leonisa Power Body Shaper with Thighs Slimmer and Side Zippers
A jumpsuit option is versatile and would be worth splurging on. Leonisa's shaper sculpts the waist, butt, and thighs. I'd imagine you're wondering how on earth would you be able to take a restroom break in this, well they thought of everything because the suit has side zippers. Talk about a high achiever.
Secret Fit Shaping Panty
I couldn't leave the mamas-to-be off this list. This Motherhood Maternity find has over three hundred reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Reviewers said they help prevent their thighs from rubbing together and "it smoothed out some problem areas and was supportive."
TC Shapewear Sheer Bodybriefer Strapless Shaping Bodysuit
Neiman Marcus
The strapless dress always presents the issue finding the right bra to hold the girls up and keep them in. Well, this strapless shaper does double duty, by giving the bust a push-up and support with underwire while smoothing the waist, tummy, and back.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage