Your search for stylish dresses to hide a tummy ends here. As a fashion editor (and a self-confessed dress addict) I’ve tried and tested countless frocks over the years and I’ve finally figured out the most flattering designs to help me look and feel my best. Whether you’re after a special occasion gown, a floaty beach dress or an everyday essential, I’m here to share my expert knowledge.
Much like the best jeans for your body type, dresses are a key player in a capsule wardrobe. Minimal styling and effort required, they’re a sartorial saviour on those nothing-to-wear days. Before we get started on our search for stylish dresses to hide a tummy, it’s important to firstly state that all bodies are beautiful and nothing should ever stop you from wearing items that you love. Fashion is supposed to be fun and we should all embrace our bodies (they’re amazing!). However, that’s much easier said than done and we all get a little self-conscious sometimes especially when it comes to that stubborn middle area.
From experiencing body changes due to the menopause, or simply a bit of bloating, if your hang-up is a not-so-perfect middle, these stylish dresses to hide a tummy are guaranteed to make you feel more confident.
The most stylish dresses to hide a tummy
"Dressing for your shape is all about balance, confidence, and highlighting the features you love most. The right silhouettes, fabrics, and styling tricks can help create a flattering, effortless look that feels as good as it looks," explains Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred.
As well as considering colour and fabric, there are certain silhouettes to look for when shopping for stylish dresses to hide a tummy. From a timeless wrap dress to a breezy trapeze design, these flattering frocks are comfy, versatile and forever on-trend.
“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 headstart on finding your forever frock, I’ve curated the very best stylish dresses to hide a tummy as well as consulting the experts on how to style 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 cross-over 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.
RRP: £139 | Phase Eight are masters at occasion dressing and this frock is no exception. Timeless and chic, the blouson sleeves add an extra layer of elegance. Available in regular and petite for the perfect fit, finish with gold accessories.
RRP: £334 | The queen of the classic wrap dress, this DVF beauty is worth the splurge. The bold floral print is perfect for summer garden parties or date night outfits. Bring out the hues and team with blue or orange heels.
RRP: £102 | A floor-sweeping gown with romantic ruffle detailing, this head-turning number is a guaranteed confidence-booster. Keep the rest of your look simple with neutral raffia accessories and let the dress (and you!) 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 any problem areas without swamping you in fabric.
RRP: £136 | Polka dots are an all-time classic and this season they’re back in the limelight. Cut from silky satin for a luxe finish that’s easy to dress up or down, wear with tan boots now and swap for sleek mules on warmer days. Did we mention there’s pockets too?
RRP: £160 | Embrace your inner Barbie girl in this hot pink dress. The statement ruffle sleeves bring extra drama as well as being super flattering, adding volume to your top half (perfect for pear shapes). Add heels and swish your way to any soiree.
RRP: £40 | This sleek monochrome dress is making us want to book a beach holiday stat. The flattering a-line shape has a cute tie on the bust and sweet puff sleeves for a contemporary spin.
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 hour-glass silhouette, and if you opt for one in a matching colour to your dress it be even more flattering on your midsection.
RRP: £150 | Midi dresses remain a wardrobe staple and we’re currently eyeing up this wear-anywhere frock. The pretty broderie detail adds a romantic flair whilst the sleek shirt silhouette makes it highly wearable.
RRP: £45.99 | When it comes to versatile prints, stripes are a no brainer. We love the contrasting belt, adding extra definition to the waist whilst the versatile stripes help to elongate too. Get more mileage and wear over your swimwear in the summer.
RRP: £119 | For something a little fancier, this is one of the best wedding guest dresses. The slinky satin material oozes elegance and the asymmetrical hem gives it a modern touch that avoids cutting your legs off. Team with other warm tones.
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 add curves on straighter body shapes too. Vertical lines will attract attention and create the appearance of a narrower silhouette, which in turn will flatter your tummy.
RRP: £295 | The perfect dose of feminine tailoring, this polished dress will work for weekends and the 9-5. Cleverly crafted from a crease-free material, the contrast piping creates structure for a flattering shape.
RRP: £199 | This ticks all the figure-enhancing boxes with its bold colour block design and contrast waistband. Fully lined with a fit and flare silhouette, it boasts three-quarter length sleeves and a classic v-neckline. One to reach for on repeat.
RRP: £85 | When it comes to elevated basics Cos has you covered. A contemporary shape with timeless stripes, this has that throw-on-and-go appeal to make everyday dressing a breeze. The angular seams allow an effortless drape.
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.
"Dresses with ruching or draping around the waist create a smoothing effect. Strategic gathering or pleating can cleverly disguise any areas you feel self-conscious about, while also adding texture and interest to your outfit,” says Megan.
RRP: £37.99 | This simple, elegant design has heaps of styling potential. With a one-shoulder neckline and a gently draped bodice, the ruched detail adds a flattering finish on the tummy. Available in three wearable muted hues.
RRP: £230 | This playful geometric pattern is bound to wow. Complemented by a simple crew neckline, it features a gathered side detail and a fluid high-low skirt for maximum comfort. Adding straight to our holiday wishlist.
RRP: £219 | It’s the year of the snake so what better way to celebrate than with a snake print dress. The mono palette makes it easy to style and the ruched skirt is adjustable too. Wear with stompy boots for added edge.
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 over a bigger midsection or curvier hips nicely. 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.
RRP: £69 | A playful, arty print this dress will spark some joy into your wardrobe. It features a notch neckline and a tiered hem for a boho feel. Embrace the western trend and style with some cowboy boots and you’ve got your festival outfit sorted.
RRP: £65 | Another fun frock to add to your collection, the oversized frilly collar adds interest and a preppy vibe to the trapeze design. The long sleeves help to offset the shorter hem but you can add knee-high boots and sheer tights for extra coverage.
RRP: £89 | Every dress collection needs a denim iteration and this design gets our vote. A classic shirt silhouette with two front patch pockets, it will nail any smart-casual dress code. It has heaps of sustainable credentials too.
Printed Dresses
Don’t shy away from a 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 can be your best friend when it comes to creating a streamlined look. Opt for abstract or diagonal prints, which help draw the eye away from the midsection. Darker tones like navy, deep green, and black also work wonders for a sleek, slimming effect,” says Megan.
RRP: £69 | You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dresses from this British clothing brand. This ditsy floral print will work all-year-round thanks to its long sleeves and moody blooms. A classic silhouette with a swishy skirt and v-neckline, it’s a never-date dress.
RRP: £110 | We can’t get enough of leopard print and there’s a reason this dress is a best seller. Crafted from organic cotton, the voluminous fit and blouson sleeves makes it oh-so-flattering. Perfect with sandals, heels and everything in-between.
RRP: £245 | Rixo knows a thing or two about dreamy prints. Cut to a bias shape for a high-end finish, it has that vintage-inspired edge that makes Rixo dresses so appealing. The tie front makes the neckline adjustable too.
Stylish dresses to hide a tummy: Gathered Waist Dresses
Dresses with a gathered waist not only draw you in for a slimmed down silhouette but are super comfy to wear, thanks to the stretchy middle. An elasticated 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
RRP: £45 | Introducing your new summer frock. In lightweight cotton, it features lightly puffed sleeves, a shirred waist and a laidback tiered skirt all in a punchy red hue. We predict this one will fly off the shelves.
RRP: £169 | Shake up your prints and swap florals for this abstract design. It’s all in the details with a waist-defining shirred middle and adjustable ruched short sleeves. Team with tan accessories for a polished daily look.
RRP: £90 | This soft denim fabric is perfect if you’re after something more lightweight than traditional denim. The adjustable ties makes this drawstring waist easy to reach that perfect fit. A versatile, casual dress with heaps of comfort too. Don't forget to check out Levi's Ribcage jeans too.
My favourite stylish dresses to hide a tummy
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, hour glass 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, so 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 more easy.
- 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 what colour suits me, so you can aim for shades that really 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 which can feel a little bit sweaty to wear over the summer months 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 for 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 really help draw the eye away from your tummy. If it’s a looser 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 make any lumps and bumps look worse, so it's best to avoid them if you're worried about your tummy. Instead look for slightly thicker fabrics with some hold and structure - cottons, linens and even denim will all be roomier and wont be as skin-tight. As well as skimming over your wobbly bits, these fabrics will often be more breathable and comfortable to wear.
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 really 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.
Megan Watkins is the Head Stylist and Shoot Coordinator at online destination for independent fashion brands, SilkFred. Megan has nearly 10 years experience in styling and has shot ecommerce campaigns for the likes of Never Fully Dressed, Dancing Leopard and Pretty Lavish.Prior to her role at SilkFred, Megan worked as an assistant stylist to Karl Willett whose clients include the likes of Amanda Holden, Kylie Minogue and Nicole Scherzinger.
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.
