Have you ever watched some red carpet event and thought to yourself: "How do these women get their bodies into such great dress shape?"

Exercise plans and crazy celebrity diets aside, there is a secret: body-shaping underwear.

Though it is a trick as old as fashion itself, the truth is the different types of shapewear today make it easier for women to look good in any dress.

Join us, as we take a closer look at some of the basic shapewear styles available, and how you can use them to help you squeeze into that perfect dress.

Control Camisoles

Cami tops are one of the most straightforward types of shapewear you'll find.

They're also one of the most popular.

A great option for women looking to lock in their tummies, these formfitting tops extend right down to and slightly past your panty line. This has the effect of slim lining your upper body silhouette without creating a visible bump around your underwear.

For a seam-free look that reigns in everything from your hips to your shoulders, you could do worse than a good control cami.Speaking of underwear, these also help to streamline your breasts, with built-in cups and even underwire sometimes. Alternatively, put a standard cami over your existing bra, and you'll smooth out any unseemly bra seams.

Control Tights

We live in an age of big promises, especially when it comes to fashion.

Luckily for you, control tights deliver when it comes to their big promise: being a practical way to move a little weight away from your thighs and hips. The added benefit is that the waistband is also almost always much higher on these tights, designed to reign in and smooth out your tummy.

And the best part is, unlike most other shapewear, you don't need to cover control tights up under layers of clothing. These tights work hard to tuck in everything from your tummy down to your thighs while being elegant enough to wear with a short dress or skirt.

Of course, depending on the style of tights, you might still want to opt for wearing clothes over them.

Corsets

This is the granddaddy of all shapewear.

Or maybe the grandmommy, because it's been around for so long, even your grandmother has one tucked away somewhere.

Regardless, it's a popular choice for women of all ages and body types and has seen a resurgence in fashion in the last few years as well.

To this day there is no other piece of shapewear out there with the kind of body shaping power as a corset. Ditching stretch fabrics and contouring panels for metal frames and cinches, the corset is a no-nonsense body shaper that works.

The effect? Less general smoothing and flattening, and more specific restriction applied to your midsection.

And there are different types of shapewear, for the discerning wearer. Detachable corsets feature clips and fasteners to help you get them on and off without any fuss. They can also be worn alongside your regular underwear. There are variations on the theme that pull up, as well, and these are quite popular for a less visible approach.

Bodyshapers

As early as the 1920s, women were using girdles to restrict their bodies, specifically their torsos, and fit into dresses. It makes sense, from a fashion perspective. Take the guesswork out of your body shape with shapewear that targets your whole torso, and you can wear anything.

Enter the modern age and bodyshapers.

This underwear works best when used to cover your whole torso and breasts. It's a discreet option that suits everyday wear well, but can also be ratcheted up to firmer shapers for outfits that require a bit more work.

Get the smoothing benefits of shaping bottoms, and stop bumpiness around the seams of your underwear. And when it comes to the bust area, you can opt for compression, built-in cups, or an open bust for use with your own bra.

Singlets

Throwing a little more definition into your look is easy with a shapewear singlet.

These discreet undergarments emphasize your curves while keeping you comfortable throughout the day. Tummy shapers keep your midsection in check, and flat construction means there won't be any of those dreaded visible panty lines to deal with.

What's more, they actually allow you to wear your own bra underneath them, making them a viable alternative to a bodyshaper.

Singlets are also available in different designs, with shorts styles giving control over your thighs, and briefs for a much freer wear.

Half Slips

Also known as control slips, these types of shapewear look a lot like a pencil skirt. Which is important, because that's exactly where you'll be wearing yours - under your skirt.

The half slip is actually a classic piece of underwear having been around for many years. The design is quite simple: a basic skirt shape, made from sheer fabrics and worn underneath your skirt. It's this design, of course, that makes it effective at eliminating panty lines under your skirt and tucking in that tummy.

Comfortable and easy to wear, use these high-riding slips to look your best in any skirt you wear this summer.

Arm Shaper

Similar to compression socks in their construction, our last entry into today's list is near and dear to the hearts of many women.

We mean, of course, the beloved arm shaper.

Simply slide these light sleeves on and go about your day, confident that your arms are being shaped and controlled. Use in combination with a long-sleeved top (or under a short sleeved one, if you like the look), or with your favorite slip dress.

Combined with your own bra and whatever other shapewear you'll be wearing, this makes a great addition to any outfit.

Different Types of Shapewear: Now You Know

Getting yourself ready to wear your favorite outfit shouldn't be an exercise in confusion and complicated straps.

You just need to know what your options are. With the right shapewear, anybody can strap in, smooth out, and shift their body weight, and highlight their best assets for any occasion.

Interested in learning more about corset styles, and what to look for in body shaping underwear? Check out some of our other great blogs, or get in touch and discover our fantastic product line, today!