How to Hide a Stomach in a Fitted Dress

Don't be afraid to wear fitted dresses.

If you love wearing fitted dresses but dread the inevitable tummy bulge, don't worry. You don't have to hide yourself under a tent. Of course, you don't want your stomach to be the center of attention, so seek ways to camouflage it without sacrificing style. It's fairly easy to hide your stomach if you know the proper methods. You will probably be amazed when you look in the mirror and see your sleek silhouette.

Instructions

1. Buy an undergarment that is designed to hold in your stomach and actually flatten it a little. This type of product is called shapewear, and you can find it at clothing stores. Always wear shapewear under your fitted dress to give you an instantly flatter stomach.

2. Wear a cardigan over your dress. Of course, this only works if it's cool outside or there's an air conditioner running. Wear a loose cardigan that falls to your waist. You can also wear a cardigan that is half shawl and half sweater and drapes over your body, hiding your stomach. Add a skinny belt under the cardigan and over your waist to give you the appearance of a smaller waist.

3. Stand up straight. This simple move will improve your posture and pull in your stomach bulge. Imagine a string running through your entire body from behind your ears all the way to your ankles. Visualize your ears lined up over your shoulders, your shoulders lined up over your hips, your hips over your knees and your knees over your ankles. Look at yourself in the mirror, and make sure your shoulders are pulled back and your pelvis is forward.

4. Wear dark-colored dresses, which tend to hide a stomach bulge. Choose colors such as charcoal, navy and chocolate-brown. Avoid lighter colors, which may make your stomach stand out.

References

• Fabulous After 40; How to Hide Your Midlife Tummy -- Part 1; Deborah Boland, et al; April 2009
• Fabulous After 40; Discover the Secret of Shapewear; Deborah Boland, et al; February 2009
• "Good Housekeeping": Look Slim in Seconds
• "USA Weekend"; How to Dress to Look Slimmer; November 2010
• WebMD: Flat Abs Slideshow: 9 Tips for Flat Abs
• "Good Housekeeping"; Stand Up Straight! Stop Slouching!; Dr. Nancy Snyderman