Struggling to shift that extra weight around your abdomen? You’re not alone – as we get older, losing the extra pounds can become more and more of a struggle, and it can leave your confidence at an all-time low. But that stubborn weight shouldn’t have to affect your style. With some clever tricks, you can learn to pick dresses to hide a tummy dress and disguises your problem areas leaving you brimming with confidence – and looking fabulous!
If you have an apple-shaped figure and carry weight on your tummy, you probably spend far too many hours searching for dresses to hide a tummy. We know you have better things to do, so we’re here to share the fashion insiders’ best kept secrets to dressing a tummy.
Find dresses to hide a tummy is not all about hiding your stomach, either – it’s about showing off your assets. Yes, we’re talking about the enviable cleavage and killer legs your pear-shaped friends would kill for. Read on to find out how to hide a tummy and make the most of your best bits with our guide to finding the best dresses for an apple shaped body on the high street.
1. Wrap it up
Meet your new best friend. This softly draped and gathered wrap-style dress will camoflauge your tummy whilst a delicately scooped V-neckline adds length to your upper body and a fitted skirt section acts to emphasise slim hips and thighs.
Floral Print Wrap Midi Dress, £39.50, M&S
Buy now from marksandspencer.com for £39.40
2. Earn your stripes
Don’t shy away from patterns and prints: the larger the print, the smaller the body, according to fashion experts. Stripes can be tricky, but stick with the vertical variety and you’ll be amazed by their slimming effects. This smart-yet-relaxed style will skim over a pronounced tummy as its print lengthens. Undo a few buttons to lengthen that torso, instead.
Stripe Utility Shirt Dress, £49, Warehouse
Buy now from warehouse.co.uk for £49
3. Scoop it up
High necklines have a shortening effect on the upper body, adding bulk to a curvier torso. Opt for a scooped, sweetheart or V-neck neckline to add length. Feeling brave? Showing a hint of cleavage will not only draw the eye up and away from belly bugbears, but make you look slimmer, too! And don’t give ‘cold shoulder’ styles the cold shoulder. They’ll show off the slimmest parts of your arms whilst concealing bingo wings and drawing attention away from your midriff.
Sapphire Blue Leopard Print V Neck Dress, £69, SOSANDER
Buy now from sosanda.com for £69
4. Dress with a high waist
Dresses with high waists falling just below the bust area draw attention away from the abdomen area. Adding ruffles and an interesting hemline also distracts away from your tummy. You can add a thin belt, though make sure it is wide fitting and not too tight.
Marlee Snake Print Midi Dress, £129, Mint Velvet
Buy now from mintvelvet.co.uk for £129
5. Make a statement
Didn’t think the ruffle trend was for you? Think again. Detail, volume, colour or embellishment around necklines and hemlines will draw focus away from your tummy area and towards slim shoulders, hips or legs. Try a bardot-style top with oversized ruffle detailing, or a pencil skirt with a frilled peplum-style hem.
Ruffled Jacquard Midi Wrap Dress, £95, & Other Stories
Buy now from stories.com for £95
7. Disguise using volume
Pick dresses with volume to hide a tummy. Opt for dresses with fuller skirts such as skater dresses or choose dresses with detailing at the bottom such as pleated skirt. We love this gorgeous pleated wrap dress.
Mela London – Red ‘Olean’ Wrap Dress, £40, Debenhams
Buy now from debenhams.com for £40
9. A shirt suits all shapes
In some cases, oversized is good – and a baggy shirt ticks all the boxes (button strain on a too-tight shirt is never flattering). Vertical stripes slim the torso, while the oversized pockets on the bust draw eyes upwards and away from the tummy.
Cotton shirt dress, £49.99, Mango
Buy now from mango.com for £49.99
10. The miracle dress
A wrap dress will always be a figure-fixer. But Winser’s miracle dress goes one better thanks to its flattering double knit material. A soft cross-over style with a sweeping V-neck is especially great for those wanting to disguise a tummy.
Winser London Grace Miracle Dress, £99.99, John Lewis
Buy now from johnlewis.com for £99
11. Accessorise all areas
Long statement drop-style earrings will draw attention away from your middle and give you a ‘longer’ overall look. Long, textured scarves will lengthen your torso whilst a pop of colour or bold print draws attention to your face. Bulky tote bags which sit high under your arm can add bulk to your midriff. Opt for a more streamlined style with a longer shoulder strap for a more flattering look.
Long Earrings, £8.99, H&M
