Style classic: Spanx, the Bridget Jones-style pants that are the best friend to women of all shapes

At the Golden Globes, you can guarantee most of the celebrities sauntering down the red carpet were wearing waist-cinching, bottom- hugging, thigh-squeezing Spanx under their gowns.
The Bridget Jones-style pants have been the best friend to women of all shapes since their launch in 2000.
As the brand's creator Sara Blakely says: 'I never dreamed that visible panty lines and uncomfortable thongs would inspire me.'

Gwyneth Paltrow proudly declared she wore two pairs, and Jessica Alba is also a vocal advocates

But that's what happened when in 1998 she tried to find the perfect knickers to wear under tight white trousers.

She cut the feet out of her control tights, and Spanx had arrived.

 

They were put on the coveted 'Oprah's favourite things list' and the TV star later declared she no longer wore anything other than Spanx.
Gwyneth Paltrow also proudly declared she wore two pairs at a time after her daughter Apple was born, and Julia Roberts and Jessica Alba (right) are vocal advocates.

Spanx come in a range of styles. Their 70-denier tights cost £32 from figleaves.com

The brand ranges from slimming knickers and shaping bras to swimsuits and men's T-shirts.
Last year, Blakely was named the world's youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.
So, you really can have that lightbulb moment when getting dressed in the morning.