Style Question: How to Camouflage Your Tummy

Dear Deborah,

I want some advice on camouflaging your tummy when you are short! I am just over 5′, so I have to take care not to look like a Teletubby!

Thanks for your advice! Sue W.

Hi Sue,

What happened to the days when our waists were slim and our mid-sections were something that seldom crossed our minds? Many of us over 40 struggle with our mid-sections. For some, it’s a protruding tummy; for others, it’s a thicker waist and let’s not forget the muffin top. So, how do you dress to camouflage your belly?

There are two options: The first is to exercise and change our eating habits, which, as you probably know, is not as easy as it sounds. There’s just something about stubborn belly fat. The second option is to dress in a way that conceals – by far the easiest. Let’s talk about covering a tummy and the choices we have available for you

Sue, you have a double challenge! You need to find ways to look taller and leaner and deflect attention away from your tummy.

Here’s what we can do to fool the eye into seeing a longer, leaner you.

1. Strategically Use Color to Look Taller and Slimmer

Want to look slimmer in your clothes and hide that tummy area? Here are a few tips to show you how. By dressing from head to toe in all one color (monochromatic dressing), you will create the illusion of looking longer and leaner. Since darker colors recede and make the area they cover look smaller, dark stains like black, gray, dark brown, and navy work well to camouflage that tummy.

If you want to throw a colorful jacket or sweater over the top, leave the coat open to reveal the slimming column of color underneath, as shown here. Make sure your shoes are also the color of your column ( in this case, black) so you don’t break that vertical line.

2. Choose clothing styles that are slimming and flattering

Choose classes that glide over your tummy and waist and take attention from that area.

Empire Waist Dresses – The remarkable thing is they suit any body type, and they will hide a tummy and drape nicely over problem areas. Be sure to choose them in your best color.

Tops – The best tops to hide a large midsection are in printed material, in a light fabric that doesn’t cling, and in shelters that are not tight.

Jeans –The most flattering jeans for women who want to conceal a tummy are those that end at the belly button or one inch below the belly button. Choose jeans in stretch denim for the best comfort and a more slimming look. Also, buy them in a  dark color.

3. Choose a V- neckline

A V- neckline makes you look taller and slimmer by revealing some skin, making your neck look and entire body length. Also, any top with some detail up at the neckline draws your eye up to your face and away from your tummy. This top is particularly flattering because the sequence at the neckline carries down the front creating that vertical line I talked about that draws the eye up and down and makes you look thinner.

4. Wear a Good Bra & Undergarments

To make your tummy look smaller, wear a good bra that lifts your breasts off your stomach, creating more separation and making you look less like you have a big belly.

What happened to the days when our waists were slim and our mid-sections were something that seldom crossed our minds? Many of us over 40 struggle with our mid-sections. For some, it’s a protruding tummy; for others, it’s a thicker waist and let’s not forget the muffin top. So, how do you dress to camouflage your belly?

There are two options: The first is to exercise and change our eating habits, which, as you probably know, is not as easy as it sounds. There’s just something about stubborn belly fat. The second option is to dress in a way that conceals – by far the easiest. Let’s talk about covering a tummy and the choices we have available.

Undergarments

Undergarments are called foundation garments for a good reason. No matter your age or wardrobe challenges, wearing the proper undergarments are a prerequisite for looking great in your clothes.

When you wear undergarments to hide a tummy, you have several choices:

High-waist panty: This foundation garment works great under pants or jeans. Ensure the top of the garment is under your bra, and you’re not creating extra bumps.

High waist shorts: These shorts create a smooth look (no lines) and are great to wear under clingy dresses, jersey pants, or any garment clinging and revealing.

Slimming Tank:   This tank is also a great choice to wear under pants or jeans. It will slim your waist area and not create bumps anywhere else.

Open-bust camisole: Just the thing to wear with pants or jeans. This is the perfect garment if your bust is small and you’d like to add a little lift.