Top 3 Knicks Picks: Best Shapewear on the High Street

It's getting to that time of the year that you need to control yourself. And in terms of control, I don't mean engaging in, ahem, festive cheer, I mean of the body shaping variety.

Anytime I have an event or I get dressed up, I don my bestest Bridget Jones pants. They do the trick, and they create shape on your body which we want to have when wearing something, well, special. I remember on my wedding day wearing what can only be described as see through cycling shorts. Aesthetically they were vile but they did the trick (well for the dress anyways).

There are plenty to choose from on the high street without having to splash out on the premium brands like Spanx. So here's my top three:

• Marks & Spencer Smoothline Light Control pants

These come in lots of colours and are fairly reasonable at €19. I went for black and all I needed was just light to medium control I needed for a pair of high waisted trousers. These focus on tummies, so if you are wearing a pencil skirt or any fitted bottoms that come up over your belly button, then this style is ideal. They also have a "no VPL" seemless cut so you won't see anything through your clothes. And they wash well alongside your normal underwear wash.

• Penneys Medium Control Body Suit

This piece looks like a swimsuit with a built in bra so you need to be fairly sure of your bra size before you try it. The suit has firm control for your torso while giving your bust a lift too as it has some padding and underwire. You don't need to wear other underwear as it has a gusset (that has buttons).

Now the only issue with this is actually getting into it; I decided to step into it. The first wear is a bit tight but it does adjust to your body shape. The range from Penneys is very big and I also really liked the firm control shorts and vest if you prefer to wear separates. And in true Penneys style, the range is very reasonable so if you haven't worn shapewear before, it's a good one to start with.

• Maidenform High Waisted Brief

This brand is one of the best shapewear ranges out there that really rivals Spanx. These easy-to-put-on brief feel lovely with their stain finish. The satin panel at the front has all the control and since they are high waisted to practically under your bust, they work with dresses too.

What kind of shapewear do you prefer to wear? Or do you think it's just for cutting off your circulation?