Body image concerns vary among individuals, but as a personal stylist, the most common area of their bodies I see women struggle with is their tummy area. Around the world lots of women of different cultures celebrate and love their bellies, but if you are a woman that struggles with feeling self-conscious of your stomach, then read on for my tips on disguising this area.

Opt for the right fitting clothes and choose the right silhouette for your body shape

Opting for the right fitting clothes and choosing the right silhouette for your body shape can make a significant difference in achieving a confident look that can help disguise your stomach. One of the key aspects to consider is finding clothes that fit well. Choosing clothes that are too tight may emphasize areas you wish to downplay, while oversized clothing can create a shapeless appearance. By understanding your body shape, whether it's an hourglass, pear-shaped, apple-shaped, or any other type, you can choose silhouettes that accentuate your best features. For instance, a tailored blazer can create a defined waist for an hourglass figure, while A-line skirts can beautifully balance a pear-shaped body. Understanding your body and selecting clothes that highlight your assets will not only enhance your appearance, but also instill a sense of confidence and empowerment.

Highlighting other body parts to divert attention

Another excellent strategy to take attention away from the stomach area is to highlight other body parts. By drawing attention to other parts of the body, you can create a balanced appearance. For example, statement jewelry, bold makeup, or stylish shoes can all draw attention away from the tummy. By selecting clothes that highlight your best features, you can create a focal point and create a visual distraction from the area you wish to downplay. This approach can leave you feeling confident and stylish, without feeling self-conscious about your body.

Selecting fabrics for a slimming effect

Selecting the right fabrics is another effective way to create a slimming effect. Structured and heavyweight fabrics can create a streamlined appearance. Fabrics such as cotton, denim, and thick knits are excellent choices for creating a sleek look, while stretchy or silky fabrics may emphasize bulges and curves. Additionally, black or dark-coloured fabrics often have a slimming effect, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to create a more slender silhouette. By choosing the right fabrics that suit your personal style, you can create a balanced and confident appearance.

The Power of Prints and Colours

The power of prints and colours should not be underestimated when it comes to hiding the tummy area. Opting for strategic prints can help divert attention away from the midsection, creating a visual distraction. Vertical stripes, for example, can create the illusion of elongation and a slimmer silhouette. Similarly, prints with intricate patterns or designs can draw the eye away from the tummy area. When it comes to colours, darker shades tend to have a slimming effect, making them a go-to choice for individuals looking to camouflage their stomachs. However, experimenting with different shades and patterns that suit your personal style and skin tone is crucial. Ultimately, using prints and colours wisely can help create a look that empowers you to feel confident and stylish.

Playing with vertical lines to elongate the body

Playing with vertical lines is a fantastic technique to elongate the body and create a more visually slimming effect. Whether it's vertical pinstripes, panelling, or even seams, these lines have the remarkable ability to draw the eye up and down, creating the illusion of length. Vertical lines create a sense of continuity and flow, making the body appear longer and leaner. This effect can be achieved through various clothing items like trousers, skirts, dresses, or even through layering techniques. By incorporating clothing pieces with vertical lines into your wardrobe, you can effortlessly elongate your body.

Incorporating high-waisted bottoms 

Incorporating high-waisted bottoms is an effective way to create a complimentary waistline and cover the tummy area. High-waisted bottoms, whether it's trousers, skirts, or jeans, sit above the natural waistline, drawing attention to the smallest part of the waist and creating an hourglass shape. This style elongates the legs and creates a streamlined silhouette, covering any bulges or “imperfections” around the tummy area. High-waisted clothing items can also provide additional support and subtle compression to the midsection, giving the body a smoother and more toned look. By incorporating high-waisted bottoms into your wardrobe, you can achieve a comfortable style that boosts your confidence and empowers you to look and feel your best.

Choosing patterns and prints strategically

Choosing patterns and prints strategically is key when it comes to hiding the tummy. Large and bold patterns or prints can often make the tummy area more noticeable, drawing unwanted attention. This is why it is essential to choose smaller and more intricate patterns and prints, such as diagonal lines, tiny flowers, small polka dots, or animal prints. These patterns draw attention away from the middle and create an optical illusion of slimness. Additionally, dark colours in prints can be even more helpful for concealing the tummy area, especially when paired with accessories like belts or jackets to highlight other areas of the body.

Overall, these are my best tips for concealing a tummy area, but my number one tip is to try and embrace the body you have and learn to love it. We only get one life, so why waste it by spending too much time fixating on your body. 

I hope my tips were helpful. 

Saasha xx