Love it or hate it, shapewear has become a formidable force in fashion. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lizzo - with their brands Skims and Yitty, respectively - have cashed in on the contemporary shapewear craze, which dates back to 2000, when Sara Blakely invented Spanx.
Now, more than 20 years later, a whole new category of undergarments has taken over our lives and wardrobes. For some, like actor Danielle Brooks, the prevalence of shapewear is simply inescapable. "I mean, I'm in the middle," Brooks, 33, tells POPSUGAR. "I am that girl that needs both in her life. You know, I'm not on either side of the spectrum: I'm grateful for Spanks and I'm grateful for people who make things that are not Spanks," she says, jokingly renaming the popular brand.
While "Spanks" did put the shapewear category on the map, the latest offering from Aerie aims to take the market to the next level. Called
Brooks has been a longtime fan and partner of Aerie. The Smoothez pieces are among some of her favorites from the brand, she shares, in part because they're more comfortable than other shapewear brands she's previously tried. "I am actually wearing them now," she says. "I have made them a part of my day-to-day wear. I'm glad to now have undergarments that are not as tight."
Available in bright hues and classic neutrals, the items range in price from $13 to $50, and come in sizes XXS to XXL and 32A to 40DD for bras. They're all ideal for cozy season and lounging at home after getting your space just right, a pastime that Brooks has had quite the affinity for. "I've always been into decorating [and] doing your own projects at home," she says.
That's why her most recent stint as host of the new Netflix show "Instant Dream Home" perfectly complemented her existing interests. The premise of the show is completing an entire home renovation in 12 hours, much to the surprise of the unsuspecting home owner. Brooks plays part host, part cheerleader, and part mediator as an entire crew navigates the time-crunched reno.
"I mean, these people are flipping the house, the backyard, the front yard, living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, all in a very, very short span of time," Brooks says. "It's so rewarding when you can give someone that, who is so deserving of that. [It] has really been so fulfilling in a lot of ways - sometimes more fulfilling than my acting jobs."
Ahead, Brooks shares the Smoothez by Aerie collection pieces she's shopping for the season, in addition to her go-to fall styling tips and tricks to get the most out of your everyday essentials.