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Slimming Tricks for the Hot
Season, Yes, Girls, the Corset Is Back
By Catherine Townsend
Fashion Wire Daily NY April 10, 2001 - Spring is in the air, which means a return to skimpier styles that can cause any woman who is not a size zero serious fashion anxiety. Fortunately,
FWD has sorted through the new crop of body-shaping lingerie (all available in sizes from A-D) that promises to camouflage any flaw - without looking like something out of grandma's
closet. 
"We just launched three new styles using satin and matte net," said Alan Fisher, Vice President of Merchandising for Wacoal, "and the new fabrics and fibers mean that they can have panels
for control - but still look very sexy." 

Scenario #1: You are wearing a provocative neckline and want to display a curvy, not canyonesque, amount of cleavage. 

Solution: Anyone woman who can't bear to go sans bra can try one of the convertible models made to work under any style - like the Seamless Convertible Bra by Wacoal ($35) or the Olga Convertible Bustier ($39). Donna Karan makes a terrific one-shoulder camisole especially for off the shoulder and asymmetrical styles. Need to look smaller? There's also the
Olga Full-Figure Minimizer Bra ($21) (available in DD) and the Wacoal semi-transparent supplex bra ($34), which we hear is Oprah's personal favorite. Victoria's Secret spokeswoman
Marnie McLaughlin recommends taking a look at the Body by Victoria line, which offers "tons of options" with seamless styles that work under even the thinnest fabrics. Also by Victoria's
Secret: the Bandeau Bra ($30), which has removable straps and comes in animal prints, as well as basic black and nude. 

Scenario #2: You're aching to try one of spring's slim-cut silhouettes, but lately people have been asking when the baby is due - and you're not pregnant. 

Solution: Don't suck it in - just slip on a tummy control bottom. The Seamless Control Brief by Bodywrap ($32) has a hidden front panel. If thighs are the issue, try a control pant like the
Wacoal Intrigue Seamless ($48) - which according to Fisher is "structured with "fabric from Japan that allows for lighter control at the top of the leg and more control at the bottom" - and
say sayonara to cellulite. Need a thong? Donna Karan Intimates and Victoria's Secret both offer sexy and supportive options. For more proof that control undergarments have moved past the realm of the department store and into small specialty boutiques, check out stores like La Petite Coquette in New York City - where you can find a sexy but practical Gossamer brief
($14) in nylon mesh and Lycra alongside lacy little French numbers. 

Scenario #3: A major event (best friend's wedding, birthday, party with possibility of an ex-boyfriend sighting) means that you need to look 10 pounds thinner - by tonight. 

Solution: When emergency intervention is in order, it's time to take out the bodysuit. Bodywrap makes two great products that really hold it all in: the strapless, seamless Bodywrap Braslip
($44) and the Bodywrap Underwire Bodysuit ($70) that promises "back support, waist minimizer, tummy tamer, and fanny lift." For a shapely line and more control, Nancy Ganz
Bodyslimmers Strapless Dress with Inner Bandeau ($54) has a built-in bra with detachable straps. 

When all else fails, there's always the corset. Although they may not be everyone's cup of tea, some women swear by them - and they do work. In place of laces, the modern version by Agent Provocateur (about $285) has hidden hooks in front and back, so that the wearer only has to go through the process of having someone get behind her and tighten it once.