My biological sister has bought Spanx. Apparently, they end just around the knee or below, so they offer control if you're wearing a straight skirt, for instance. But you can have the bare legs for dressy sandals -- IMO, hose and sandals are a difficult look.
Also check to see if Off Fifth, Saks' outlet, ships internationally -- I've seen some Spanx in stores here in SoCal. They cost around $10 there. I've seen them above $10 at regular dept. stores.
ST