Looking Slim and Sexy This Holiday Season

One of the challenges during the holiday season is looking festive and fit while navigating through an array of parties that often cause one to pack on a few pounds.

First off, one needs to choose outfits that best compliments one's figure. In The Science of Sexy, celebrity stylist Bradley Bayou walks readers through the process of choosing the right clothing and accessories By identifying one's silhouette shape (triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, and hourglass), Bayou combines that information with a height/weight chart that determines which one of 48 "fitting rooms" are best suited in that particular individual. In each fitting room is a selection of the most figure flattering casual, business and evening wear as well as those particular items that one should avoid.

Even if one is wearing the most figure flattering clothing, a few extra pounds here and there can cause one to look more frumpy than fabulous. Spanx by Sara Blakely developed a line of shapewear that can help one look slinky and sexy by smoothing out the bulges. Following are some suggested shapewear to create a cocktail look that can tone the tummy, boost the butt and slim down the back.

Skinny Britches Open Bust Camisole lands right under the bra and smooths the mid section thus creating a seamless look. This combo works better than an all-in-one body suit that can feel very restrictive and tends to flatten the breasts. Combine this with their Bra-llelujah! collection of front closure bras, which are designed with soft straps that eliminate bra lines and smooth out back fat. These bras come in a range of styles and sizes that can fit women from a size A to DD.

For another option to smooth out one's upper body, check out their On Top and In Control collection of slimming tops. These tops fit tightly but they're comfortable enough that they can be worn all day long.

Moving to the rear, Spanx's new line of Skinny Britches offers medium level tummy control. Those needing super support might want to check out the In-Power Line collection. When choosing a style, go with the panty style as they will fit snug and secure. The high-rise style creates a bit of a bulge around the top as the elastic rolls over. Those wanting a bit of warmth on a cold winter's eve might want to check out their tight end tights. This opaque hosiery will tighten the tummy and thigh while its moisture wicking technology will keep one from getting overheated when moving from the cold into heated interior environments.

Then after one is dressed, Bring it Up's Don't Come Undone Apparel Tape, a collection of hypoallergenic dots and strips can secure any gaps in clothing so one can be photo ready for any party without the embarrassment of visible nip slips and other fashion mishaps.