We all acquire lumps and bumps and wobbly bits as we reach the age of magick … by the time we are 50, we are starting to feel and see the effects of gravity and the loss of elasticity in the skin. Our solution? Shapewear!

Even thin people lose elasticity in their skin. If you pull the skin on the back of your hand it no longer bounces back into shape … and it happens all over your body.

The insides of your thighs will eventually become like sagging curtains … your arms become bat wings and your stomach looks like cottage cheese.

One of the worst side-effects of these physical changes is Back Fat, and again, even thin people have back fat; although it may not appear until the mid-50s, or later.

Shapewear can become your greatest friend and ally in looking and feeling more youthful; and saving you some mental turmoil.

All the celebrities you see with smooth, sleek bodies are wearing Shapewear (you don’t really believe they’re that perfect do you?!) and usually more than one layer of it!

Think Jessica Alba and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda; not to mention Gwyneth Paltrow who isn’t seen anywhere without her Shapewear bike shorts …

Miracle suit Women’s Shapewear has got you covered … literally. The body briefer contours your midriff, stomach, waist and hips.

Sloggi Zero Feel Just the name makes you feel more comfortable. A high-cotton, non-irritating range manufactured by Triumph International

… are just 3 shapewear pieces that will make a difference to the way you look and the way you feel about the way you look.

If you haven’t bought new underwear in a while, it may be time to have an underwear cull. Anything vaguely resembling Granny’s bloomers or schoolgirl knickers must go… Along with anything that creates an extra bump or lump in your silhouette.

If you’re really not sure about your knickers and bras, try them on under a fitting dress, something clingy or some lycra pants … then you’ll know if you can keep them or not! You need to change them for some flattering shapewear.

Go to a small lingerie shop or a large department store and get it all fitted by a professional.

This is no time to be embarrassed … these women have truly seen it all! Not wishing to burst your bubble, you are just not that special in the aging shapewear department (have you watched Embarrassing Bodies?)!

In shapewear you’re looking for structural figure support systems with different levels of control.

Compression ranges from light to medium to heavy-duty in shapewear. The heavy-duty type can actually take inches off you … and it doesn’t mean you will have fat bulges over the top of the shapewear.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the smaller the size, the better the effect. High-quality shapewear will do its magic trick when worn in the correct size, and downsizing will only leave you feeling pinched in all the wrong places. You also risk inflicting stress on your organs, which doesn’t exactly scream “good night out”.

If your problem is the tops of your arms, fat under the arms, back fat and a layer of fat under the bust, get yourself a seamless arm shaper.

You can take 10  years off the way you look by wearing the right bra – that will give your boobs a new lease on life.

80% of women don’t have their bras fitted and as you age, your boobs change and you must learn about Figure Shaping. The physical changes can be dramatic and a bra that fits well will be so much more comfortable …

Whatever you buy… panties, shapewear, bras or even socks… buy a selection in black and nude. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … white undies don’t work under anything, except ON the washing line … if you have any, throw them away, but never ever wear them out of the house!