Stylish Outfit Ideas That Hide A Belly & Flatter Your Figure

A plus-size model wearing a dress and blazer

Many people are self-conscious about their stomachs. Regardless of age, weight, or shape, they have a daily battle with buttons that gape, zippers that just won’t close, and elastic waistbands that pinch in odd ways.

Whether it’s bloating, the occasional weekend binge, or just your natural shape, you might want to hide what’s going on. If this sounds like something you’re struggling with, it could be time to skip the shapewear and try something new.

When you need some quick tips to create outfits that hide a belly, we’re here to help! Skip the Spanx and battle your bulge with these chic outfit ideas!

Try A Flowy Dress

A loose dress, like an A-line, shift dress, or skater style, helps gloss over your middle with an instant solution to your stomach problems. You won’t need to suck it in or shop for any shapewear, either! With something a little looser, you can feel liberated!

The most important thing to remember when hiding a belly with this outfit is to balance baggy and shapeless with something intentionally flowy. Look for dresses that have ruching, pleated details, and sculpted necklines to create shape.

Other flowy casual dresses that don’t look baggy could be gracefully draped or even have dramatic sleeves. Ideally, you should explore midi and maxi styles that offer an airy fullness a little more naturally than a mini hemline.

Distract With Prints

Another way to use style to hide a belly is by wearing bold, dramatic prints, including florals, animal prints, and even camo. With eye-catching designs, you’ll be able to hide your stomach bulge in nearly any silhouette.

You don’t even need to resort to dark colors to slim your figure! Be bright and bold in prints from gem tones to pastels. The best printed outfits for hiding a belly include pencil skirts or fit-and-flare dresses, but this tip works with boho dresses and empire waistlines, too.

Fashion + Posture

A plus-size model in jeans and a white t-shirt

One of the easiest ways to create an outfit that hides a belly is to fix your posture. First, choose tops that fit a little looser in materials that don’t cling. Then, wear all your tops untucked. When you stand straight, nobody will be able to see what’s under that button-down!

Cropped styles won’t work for this, but casual tops and graphic tees can be a great choice. As long as you don’t slouch or hunch, your stomach should be hidden by the looser cut. This tip is invaluable during spring or summer when you don’t have layers to hide behind.

Go Monochrome

Wearing a single color from head to toe is a great outfit choice for hiding a belly. It even works for guys! Check out matching sets for your tops and bottoms to find pieces that are the same shade for a tonal effect.

Keep your outfit from looking boring by mixing and matching textures instead of colors. Even with different textures, your outfit will create a sleek column that visually looks like a single, slim line.

Tucked, semi-tucked, or untucked, test the results of this style to hide a belly when you check out your silhouette in a full-length mirror. If it feels like all the different shades flow together, you’ve got it right.

Focus on loose, relaxed blouses and slacks to create an effortless, casual look.

Deflect Attention Away

Is there a part of your body you consider your greatest asset? You can use it to deflect attention away from your stomach. Wear clothing that accentuates your shoulders or legs to keep people’s eyes off your stomach.

A lot of women choose outfits that highlight their legs to draw attention away from their belly. An above-the-knee dress or a dress with a leg slit can help show off toned muscles! You can also explore some low-cut tops or off-the-shoulder styles to hide a belly.

Clothing Tummy Tuck

A plus-size model wearing a pantsuit

If you’re looking for an outfit that can do a tummy tuck for you, the sharp lines of a tailored blazer set have the structure you need. It can reshape your torso and slim your waist with the help of tailoring that cuts in at the waist and flares below the hips.

One of our favorite blazers, the double-breasted blazer, can help you style an outfit to hide a belly because it has two layers of fabric in that area. When you wear this look with matching pants, you’re working with the same principles as the monochrome look.

The column of color you create frames your torso to slim you at the middle and sides, almost like a curtain hides a window. You can also explore oversized blazers to get even more coverage with a looser fit.

Finally, use style to hide a belly by choosing color contrasts to create an illusion of a smaller waist. Wear a lighter blazer color over a dark blouse and pants. And don’t forget to wear high-waisted trousers to press your stomach in even more!

Style For Yourself

While you can work toward a slimmer belly through diet and exercise, this can take time. And sometimes, it’s not even something you want for yourself. Whatever your life plans, there are plenty of ways to enhance your confidence!

Use these outfit ideas that hide a belly to ensure you feel strong and powerful in your body. If you want to shop for any of these styles, check out our women’s clothing boutique for chic finds!

Kim Kidd

Kim Kidd founded The Willow Tree Boutique in 1992 with a mission to help women of all ages and sizes feel confident and appreciated. The boutique offers a wide range of clothing options, including tops, bottoms, and accessories from top brands at affordable prices. Over the years, The Willow Tree has grown from a small clothing boutique to a beloved fashion destination.