If you've followed me for a while you'll know that I'm all about being content with your body, enjoying body confidence and dressing for the body you have. I've previously written about body neutrality and am a firm believer in accepting the body you're in - after all, life's too bl**dy short. With all this in mind, the title of this piece grates me slightly as I never want any of us to feel the need to hide any part of ourselves. However, I can't escape the fact that "how can I hide my belly" is something I'm frequently asked as a personal stylist. So rather than overcomplicate the title, I'm going with it.
Coupled with this I'm currently reading Alex Light's book "You Are Not a Before Picture" which discusses self acceptance. I'm finding it a really interesting read and raises some thought provoking points.
To be self accepting, we need to feel confident in our body and therefore we want to feel comfortable and our best in what we're wearing. If we are feeling conscious of areas of our body, implementing a few little tips when we're dressing to allow ourselves to feel body confident is perfectly ok in my eyes. As I've already said, how to hide or disguise a tummy is something I'm frequently asked when doing wardrobe edits or going clothes shopping with my clients so I'm going to share my top tips with you.
As you'll see I've provided a few clothing and accessories examples here and as we're coming into party season I've gone with the theme of partywear for the items I've chosen. All images are clickable.
Consider the fabric
Choose a heavier fabric or one which is lined as it will sit better across your mid section. Anything too light - think light jersey, satin or silk - will accentuate this area and may cling. Fabrics with a heavier structure like leather, corduroy or denim, for example, will do a great job of giving your tummy area support if necessary and also giving the garment structure so it looks its best on you.
Skim the area
The temptation when we are conscious of our tummy area is to wear something baggy to cover it up. However, this just adds volume and then draws attention to this area. When considering a top or dress, go for something which skims the area - you don't want it too tight or too loose, you're looking for the "Goldilocks" fit where it's just right.
Add interest elsewhere
A classic styling tip - use your clothes to hide the tummy by drawing the eye elsewhere so that you're diverting attention away from where you don't want it. Needless to say, this works for any part of your body. So, if you're wanting to draw attention away from your tummy, think about the neckline, consider adding jewellery or have interesting details on your top/dress above the waist.
Add a tuck
Another stylists' favourite but also one which people shy away from if they're conscious of the tummy area.
Now, if your top is not too long below your waist and skimming your tummy you may not need to do this. But if your blouse/shirt/t-shirt is on the longer side try a tuck. You don't have to tuck your top in all the way around - it can just be a little tuck at the side to give a little hint of where your waist is. Doing this can provide shape and also creates the illusion of longer legs which serves to draw attention elsewhere.
Monotone dressing
Also known as wearing head to toe in one colour. By wearing all one colour you create a column of colour which instantly makes you look taller and leaner. Although I would still recommend incorporating the above tips - i.e. ensure the fit skims the tummy and consider a tuck if the top allows. When wearing all one colour, throwing on an open jacket or blazer will also work as the column of colour underneath will still flatter the tummy area.
Dresses or tops with shape
When dressing to disguise a belly, adding shape above the tummy or tops/dresses which are fitted below the bust can work really well. A dress with an empire line is a great example and can be super flattering. It can also provide shape if you don't quite have a defined waist.
Don't be afraid of adding your own belt to a dress to also create this shape to use this trick. Bonus tip: a belt doesn't have to sit in the midline of your tummy - try wearing it off centre to (again) create interest.
There you have my 6 ways to help you when dressing to disguise a belly. I hope you have found these useful but again I'd like to remind you that I want us all (myself included!) to embrace the body we are in, not feel the need to hide it but enjoy feeling good in the gorgeous outfits we create.
I think we waste so much time focusing on what we think we should be looking like, rather than dressing for the body we have. Going back to my motto "life is too short" and I totally understand it's something we have to work at regularly - but practicing self acceptance and being grateful for our health and the body we have is so important. I hope these few tips will help you to feel fabulous in what you're wearing, body confident and be able to go out with your head held high and rock it!
Lou x
P.S. If you'd like to hear more about working with me one to one, please just drop me an email and I'll gladly get back to you - lou@stylegalore.co.uk.
Menopause /
well fitting jeans (not tight). can hold us in/ get the right rise on the jeans
empire line / slightly fitted dresses
Bold prints?
posture
well fitting underwear / shapewear
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