If you're looking for stylish dresses to hide a tummy, you are in the right place. Whether you’re shopping for dresses for smart work occasions, a glitzy festive party, or your day-to-day, we've rounded up the very best for you to browse.
Dresses in all variations are key players in any autumn capsule wardrobe. An essential everyday staple, dresses can be layered up with tights and the best knee-high boots when the temperature drops, and they are a go-to choice paired with slingback heels for those festive invites. Minimal styling and effort are required with midis, maxis, and even minis, making dresses a heroic staple on days you have nothing to wear. However, finding styles that fit and flatter your body type can be challenging, which is why we've rounded up styles to make you feel more confident and at ease.
Before we get started on our search for stylish dresses to hide a tummy, it’s important first to state that nothing should ever stop you from wearing items that you love. However, that’s much easier said than done, and we can all get a little self-conscious sometimes. From experiencing body changes due to everything from bloating to the menopause, if your hang-up is linked to your middle, these stylish dresses to hide a tummy are guaranteed to help boost your confidence.
The most stylish dresses to hide a tummy
Dressing for your body type is all about highlighting the areas you love the most. By making these a focal point, you can glide past the parts that you might feel less comfortable with. Identifying the shape and style of dress that works best for your body type is a great way of simplifying getting dressed and, in the long run, will ensure you always feel confident.
From a timeless wrap dress to a breezy trapeze design, there are certain silhouettes to look for when hunting for stylish dresses to hide a tummy. The styles we've rounded up are flattering frocks that are comfy, versatile, and forever on-trend. Apart from flattering designs, functional elements are also something to consider. Look for the best dresses with pockets, practical lengths, quality materials and prints and colours that you can style through multiple seasons.
“Once you find a shape of dress you love, you can experiment with different colours, prints and lengths to build up a confidence-boosting wardrobe,” says woman&home fashion director Paula Moore.
To give you a head start on finding your forever frock, I’ve curated the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy, as well as consulting the experts on how to wear them.
Dresses to hide a tummy: wrap dresses
Universally flattering, a wrap front dress is a total fashion failsafe for all shapes and sizes. The crossover front will pull you in at your waist, and wrapped designs often have a tie sash or knot to one side, which cleverly draws attention away from your stomach. As well as being tummy-flattering, the deep V-neckline on a wrap dress will suit bigger busts or give smaller chests a boost too.
Ro&Zo are masters at occasion dressing, and this metallic wrap dress is no exception. Timeless and stylish, the long, voluminous sleeves add an extra layer of elegance.
This sequinned beauty is worth the splurge. The chic black colour and long sleeve design make it perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings or even as a date night outfit.
A bold red with romantic flutter sleeve detailing, this head-turning number is a guaranteed confidence-booster. Keep the rest of your look simple with slingback heels and let the dress take centre stage.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Empire Line Dresses
Empire line dresses are fitted around the shoulders and top, and then flare out from just below the bust, making them a wise choice for anybody feeling worried about their tummy. The fit-and-flare shape will draw attention to your slimmest point, and then the looser skirt will skim over middles without swamping you in fabric.
A luxurious velvet dress will serve you throughout the festive season in style. In a deep crimson colour for a seasonal finish, this frock will become your go-to all party season long.
Embrace forest green this season. The V-neck design and empire waist form a flattering silhouette, and the long sleeves offer a sophisticated finishing touch. Add heels and swish your way to any event.
This beautiful gold dress is designed in a soft, gold metallic fabric that falls into an empire waist silhouette, which fits and flatters a range of figures. It also comes in sizes UK 6-18.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Belted Dresses
A great way to make your tummy appear smaller is by pulling your middle in with a belted detail. Wider belts will work wonders to cinch in your tummy for an instant hourglass silhouette, and if you opt for one in a matching colour to your dress, it will be even more flattering on your midsection.
Get party-ready with this standout sequin dress. It comes with two of the design features to look out for when hunting for stylish dresses to hide a tummy: both a belt and a flattering wrap front.
When it comes to prints, polka dots are an on-trend choice. We love the tie belt, adding extra definition to the waist. Dress up this style with slingback heels or wear it for the office paired with your most comfortable trainers.
For something printed, this Hobbs dress offers a striking design. The black and cream print feels bold and playful, whilst the belted design and long sleeves ooze elegance.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Illusion Dresses
A cleverly placed seam, contrast colour, or panel can completely transform how your figure looks. An illusion dress not only disguises any insecurities, but can also add curves to straighter body shapes. Vertical lines will attract attention and create the appearance of a narrower silhouette, which in turn will flatter your tummy.
The perfect dose of feminine tailoring, this polished dress will work for weekends and the 9-5. Cleverly crafted with contrast piping, this dress has an extremely flattering design.
This ticks all the figure-enhancing boxes with its stripe pattern and belted design. It boasts longer length sleeves, a button-front and an on-trend brown hue. Add this dress to your current brown outfit ideas.
When it comes to elevated occasionwear, Hobbs has you covered. A sleeveless shape with flattering side panels that create a slimming illusion, this dress is a fantastic option.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Ruched Dresses
Ruched areas across the front and sides of your dress can work wonders to cover up any lumps while adding extra style points to your outfit. Subtle pleating details can also add the illusion of curves to your waist and hips for the most flattering finish.
Ruched or draped dresses are an absolute winner when it comes to dresses to hide a tummy. The clever gathering will gently glide over your midriff and, depending on the angle, can highlight your waist, nipping you in, in the process.
This simple, elegant design has heaps of styling potential. Its black colour, gentle draped bodice, and ruched detail add a flattering finish to the tummy area. Finish off with a blazer or long tailored coat.
This bold hue dress will liven up your wardrobe effortlessly. Complemented by a unique draped shoulder and featuring a gathered front around the waist, this dress is an elegant choice.
This style features a bold pink hue that will make you stand out from the crowd. The ruched front and long sleeve silhouette should fit and flatter your figure perfectly.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Trapeze Dresses
The light and airy shape of a trapeze dress makes it super easy and comfortable to wear, and despite the name, it doesn’t have to be huge and tent-like either. The cut doesn’t cling to your body so it will drape nicely over a larger midsection or curvier hips. Opt for trapeze dresses that are slightly fitted across the shoulders and upper chest to add some definition, and look for shorter lengths to avoid looking swamped in fabric.
Add a standout style to your current partywear collection. This metallic smock dress will flatter almost any body type, skimming your figure beautifully. It features metallic polka dots, feminine frills and sheer long sleeves.
If you're on the hunt for event-ready occasionwear, this sparkling sequin trapeze dress will be an instant hit. It features a striking halterneck design that fastens with a sophisticated tie at the back.
Another fun frock to add to your collection, the khaki printed number will work for both daytime occasions and the evening too. Style with a leather knee-high boot and a cosy wool coat when the temperature drops.
Printed Dresses
Don’t shy away from bold print. A big and busy pattern can act like wardrobe camouflage to detract attention away from your tummy – and all while making a fashion statement! Hero prints like polka dots, stripes, and florals are a wise investment, as they are a total classic and work well for any age and style.
Prints and patterns are great when you're looking for dresses to hide a tummy. The abstract designs can draw the eye up and away from your middle.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dresses from this British clothing brand. This vibrant red print will work all year round thanks to its blooming design. A classic silhouette with a swishy skirt and high-neckline, it’s a never-date dress.
Already a best-selling style, this polka dot dress from M&S is bound to sell out fast. It features shimmering metallic spots that make it party-ready, yet its easy-to-wear silhouette means that it can be worn day to day, too.
Rixo knows a thing or two about dreamy dress designs. We can’t get enough of leopard print this season, and this dress offers the chicest way to channel the trend. Style with ruby red, jet black or warm browns.
Stylish dresses to hide a tummy: Pleated & gathered front dresses
Dresses with a gathered or pleated front not only draw you in for a slimmed-down silhouette, but they are often more comfortable to wear. A gathered waist detail or a shirred top half will add shape and definition to an otherwise loose dress, and the gathered fabric detailing around the band cleverly disguises any insecurities around your stomach.
Introducing your new favourite frock. In midnight navy and featuring a gathered front, this dress is made from soft crinkled viscose for an elegant finish. The Fold are a brand renowned for its excellent tailoring, but its eveningwear is equally impressive.
Shake up your printed dresses and add this beautiful floral design to your current collection. It has a waist-defining gathered middle and a flattering waistband. This style comes in UK sizes 6-28.
This shirt dress is perfect if you’re after something that can transition from AM to PM seamlessly. The tie-waist adds further dimension to your silhouette, and the chocolate brown hue falls in line with the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2025.
What To Consider When Buying a Dress
- Your Body Shape - Aside from your budget and the occasion you're shopping for, a great starting point is to figure out your body shape. Rather than just focusing on covering your stomach, understanding your natural shape means you can find items that will accentuate and show off your best assets. As well as dresses, figuring out your body type will help you find all kinds of staple pieces, including the best jeans for your body shape. For example, hourglass shapes have a naturally smaller waist, so opting for dresses with details to cinch you in at your middle will look fantastic. While apple shapes often have a smaller bum and slender legs, shorter length frocks will be a wardrobe winner. Thinking about your body as a whole, rather than focusing on your tummy, will make dress-shopping all the easier.
- Colours - While we are firm believers that you can where whatever you want to wear, it’s worth keeping in mind that very light clothing tones can make paler skin look a little washed out. Take some time to think about what colour suits me, so you can aim for shades that pop against your skin tone and hair colour. This will add extra wow to your wardrobe while making you feel good.
- Fabrics - Materials are a big thing to consider too – cheaper dresses are often made of synthetic materials like polyester, and won’t have as much give. Opting for natural-based fabrics like cotton and linen when you can means that you’ll feel more comfortable and your dress will likely last longer, too. “Fabrics like crepe, chiffon, or soft jersey provide movement without clinging, helping to create a smoother silhouette,” explains Megan.
FAQs
How to style a tummy-hiding dress?
woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Caroline Parr gives us her top tips for styling your new frock - "When it comes to styling, accessories can help draw the eye away from your tummy. If it’s a loose style or simple midi dress you're wearing, statement jewellery, head-turning scarves, and colour pop bags are all good options to add interest and texture.
On the other hand, if you’re disguising your tummy with details like pleating and ruching, you might want to keep accessories to a minimum and allow the dress to do all the talking.
The best shapewear isn’t essential but can give you a confidence boost, particularly for a big occasion like a wedding (and if it’s only for a few hours). Avoid the firmest styles and instead opt for comfortable but smoothing options - they do exist!"
What material is best for hiding a tummy?
Very clingy and stretchy fabrics can highlight your mid-section, so if you're worried about your tummy, it's best to avoid them. Or at least look at designs that utilise wrap or draped silhouettes to balance out the clingy material.
Try slightly thicker fabrics with some hold and structure; cottons, linens, and even denim will all be roomier and won't be as skin-tight. As well as skimming over your middle, these fabrics will often be more breathable and so more comfortable to wear.
If you do want to opt for tighter fabrics, looking for breathable shapewear that supports and sculpts your shape should help you feel more confident in a more fitted dress.
What style of dress is most slimming?
There isn't just one style of dress that will universally fit and flatter everyone; finding a dress to hide a tummy is all down to personal preference, your body shape, and what you enjoy wearing. If I had to pick one, though, I'd suggest starting with a wrap dress, as the crossover front will accentuate curves on hourglass and pear shapes, or help to create them on apple shapes and sportier frames. As well as drawing you in at the waist, the diagonal cut will skim across lumps and bumps on your midriff nicely. The knotted or gathered side will draw the eye to the side of your figure rather than the front for a slimmed-down and smoother feel. Wrap shapes are a wardrobe winner if you're worried about your midriff.
Caroline is Digital Fashion Editor for woman&home, and has been a fashion writer and editor for ten years. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent the last decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under-the-radar labels.
Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. She oversees the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly, and Chat magazines.
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