Stylish dresses to hide a tummy - plus top tips from our fashion experts (2024)

The shops are full of stylish dresses to hide a tummy, for those who are self-conscious about their stomach. Many people find it hard to shift weight from around their middle and if you're looking to discreetly skim over your midriff, it's good to learn what to look for when shopping.

Whatever your body type, we can all have moments of self-consciousness and if you're struggling to feel good while dressing for your shape, learning some styling tricks will help you feel better in your clothes.

Feeling self-conscious is enough to put you off shopping so we've packed this feature full of expert's top tips for how to pick the best dresses to hide a tummy so that you can get dressed with confidence. Rather than just focusing on disguising or 'hiding' your stomach, consider how to draw attention to your best assets. Apple body shapes tend to have a generous bust, a small bottom, and slender arms and legs. So far, so gorgeous. In fact, the only difference between apples and the much-coveted hourglass body shape is a less defined waist, and we have plenty of ideas to help with that.

But most importantly, remember, a stubborn midsection (or any other body hang-up for that matter) shouldn’t affect your style - get dressed for you and most importantly learn to enjoy your wardrobe, accept your body, and celebrate yourself. Keeping that in mind will improve your confidence.

The best styles of dresses to hide a tummy

• Wrap: Flattering on all body shapes, a wrap dress is a capsule wardrobe staple, not to mention a shape Kate Middleton turns to on the regular. A well-cut one will fit and flatter up top, before skimming over your middle. The deep V neckline makes them well suited to larger busts, but they'll provide a boost to smaller cup sizes too. For added coverage, look for wrap dresses with a soft ruffle across the front or some soft draping detailing.
• Empire line: When it comes to hiding your stomach, empire line styles are always a good bet. Drawing the eye to the smallest part of your torso by nipping you in directly under the bust, they give the illusion of a higher waistline. The rest of the dress should have a flared or A-line fit that floats over the stomach.
• Trapeze: Don't be put off by the name, trapeze dresses don't have to be tent-like. Opt for a style that flutes out once it has past your armpit (so you get a little bit of bustline definition before it fills out. This shape is a good dress silhouette to hide a tummy because it doesn't cling to your shape, making it a particularly comfortable one too. For petite frames, opt for a shorter style, no longer than knee length, while taller shoppers can afford to go for a midi trapeze dress. Length is important in this style so that you don't end up overwhelmed.
• Ruching: Ruched details and gathering swooping across a midsection of a dress is an ingenious way to hide a tummy. Subtle puckering and soft drapery is a really flattering way to disguise your middle and when it starts from the side of the waist it can also help to create the illusion of a narrower waistline.
• Printed: Don’t shy away from patterns and prints. A busy print acts as sartorial camouflage and helps to hide a multitude of insecurities, including helping to disguise a tummy. Wearing print is also an easy way to inject vibrant colors into your wardrobe.
• Illusion paneling: Illusion dresses are a super sleek way to not only hide a tummy but also create hourglass curves. Using block coloring, illusion dresses revolve around having a central panel through the front center (and sometimes also back center) of the dress. Cutting through you vertically, the center block panel creates the illusion of a narrower silhouette and more slender waistline, adding curves and disguising a tummy in the process.
• Higher waistlines: It can be tempting to opt for dresses that have little shape in a bid to hide your stomach, but actually when it comes to dressing to hide a tummy, having an element of shaping and tailoring is really important. While you should avoid horizontal detailing right across your stomach, do invest in tailored dresses, including shift dresses that have a slightly higher waistline. This again narrows you at a smaller part of your frame and a well-tailored dress will still skim the areas that make you feel self-conscious.

Gorgeous dresses to hide a tummy, chosen by our fashion experts

Marks and Spencer's is a one-stop-shop for fashion, homeware and food. With something for everyone (whatever your age), it's no surprise it also has stylish dresses to hide a tummy.

With a relaxed smock silhouette, this dress is ideal for a boho capsule wardrobe, with the summer floral print adding a romantic edge to the dress. The A-line shape and smocked style frony will naturally skim the midriff area, while the midi length draws the eye down the body. Ideal for what to wear to a wedding this summer, paired with espadrilles, later switching to white sneakers to wear this casually at the weekend.

H&M is one of the best Scandinavian clothing brands, and covers a huge range of categories both online and instore. A brilliant option for all occasions this season, from plus size wedding guest dresses, to everyday styles, you'll be spoil the choice.

This repeat pattern printed dress is ideal for a more relaxed summer day or evening. A shorter hemline, lengthen legs by adding heels, or wear this for a weekend date with a pair of white trainers.

Available up to a 4XL this is a size inclusive dress that's flattering across body types. The empire line cut and V-neckline will help to elongate your silhouette, while the creation of a higher up waistline, narrows you at your smallest part and flares out into an A-line skirt, skimming over a midriff.

This beautiful sequin maxi dress is a sure-fire hit for special occasions this summer. Whether you're looking for one of the best wedding guest dresses for a black tie event, or are already thinking about this year's holiday parties, this floor sweeping gown is one that will turn heads. In a statement blue sequin fabric, this occasionwear dress has a curve-loving fit. The V-neck and faux wrap front draws the eye down the body, lengthening your frame in the process.

The asymmetrical hemline is shorter at the front, waterfalling into a train at the back. This helps to lengthen your legs, but does mean that this dress is best paired with some kind of heel. With a short fluted sleeve, you'll get the benefit of light upper arm coverage and the ability to wear your best bra.

Knots, twists, ruching and folds are secret weapons when it comes to stylish dresses to hide a tummy, as is gathering or angled drapery across the midriff as these will skim your belly and glide over the areas you're most self-conscious about.

While wrap dresses and side ruching is fairly common place, we're loving the knot detailing used here to both hide a tummy and add detail to the dress. The gorgeous bold leaf print adds eye catching detail, taking eyes away from your middle, while the V-neck line and empire cut elongates your figure.

The reason we love dresses is because there are one and done styling solution. With no need to team up separates, a dress adds instant polish and guarantees you'll look and feel put together on any given day. This gorgeous black and white striped midi dress is a fantastic investment piece. The coloring and styling makes it a great piece to add to your capsule wardrobe, wearable right through summer and early fall too.

With a V-notched neckline and empire line cut, this dress automatically skims over midriffs and hips thanks to the A-line shape that begins from under the bust. The vertical stripe helps to elongate the upper torso for a figure lengthening finish. An elegant style. the short sleeves add generous upper arm coverage without compromising on breathability.

If you're looking for the best plus size dresses this season then check out Karen Millen's extensive range of directional styles. Thanks to some of the best fashion bloggers, there is a lot of great curve inspiration around and brands have risen to the challenge of delivering more fashion-forward styles to match.

This tailored dress is ideal for work or play and the structured and shapely bust panelling, mimicking the best shapewear, coupled with the high cut waist line will help to lengthen and contour your silhouette. Wearable for your 9-5 it would also make an excellent black wedding guest dress this summer.

An embroidered dress with a bibbed panel is a great choice when it comes to stylish dresses to hide a tummy. Answering the question of what is boho style, this relaxed fit dress offers a gorgeous texture and tassel detailing that will work all year through. Featuring a V-neck and short stand up collar, this dress should sit across the upper chest and shoulder before taking on an A-line silhouette from the bibbed panel. The tiered skirt helps to further enhance the fuller silhouette and will glide over your shape.

Wear now with your best white trainers for a relaxed look, and come the latest shoe trends nail how to style knee-high boots, by pairing your favorite leather boots with this versatile frock for a spring outfit idea.

The magenta hue is also one of the hottest fashion color trends, taking the crown as the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, making this a dress you can wear all year.

This beautiful midi dress is from LK Bennett, one of our favorite British clothing brands. Excelling at classic elegance, this is one dress you can reach for time and time again.

In a timely lilac hue, reflecting some of this season's hottest color trends, we love the addition of green leopard print for a directional feel.

The curved empire line is an elegant silhouette for those looking for stylish dresses to hide a tummy, as it creates a high, nipped in waistline, sculpting you at your smallest part, before gently A-lining over the rest of your frame.

A navy dress is always a good idea and a cotton jersey iteration can be worn all year long. A simple, ankle-skimming silhouette, the dress features a figure-lengthening V-neckline and a gentle gathering detail at the waistline. The fuller skirt will ensure this dress skims across your lower torso, for a relaxed finish.

The shorter sleeve means this dress can be worn throughout spring and summer months, however for fall, team this maxi dress with a chunky cardigan and ballet pumps for a relaxed weekend ensemble.

Keep it simple this summer in a black t-shirt dress with a twist, literally. This midi length design is an ideal casual piece but with added detail. The front twist works in a similar way to gathering, or ruching, by creating a puckering effect that will skim your middle. The central knot detail also cleverly draws the eye in, narrowing your waist line, while the fabric will keep you cool and comfy all season long.

This cotton jersey t-shirt dress comes in 3 classic block colors and a paisley print for a capsule wardrobe basic that you'll wonder how you lived without. Crafted from cotton and tencel, the soft stretchy fabric is supremely comfortable and this classic round neck and short sleeved design can be easily dressed up or down dependent on occasion. Wear casually with your best denim jacket for a spring weekend look, or add a tailored blazer for everyday smart-casual attire. The built in, side tie detail creates a gentle drape that will softly skim across a midriff for a supremely flattering fit.

J.Crew has a great selection of dresses for work, evening or casual weekends. While the brand often give nods to current trends through color or print, the silhouettes remain relatively classic, ensuring that these investment buys can be loved for years to come.

With a modern prairie feel, this dress delivers on boho style. The floral print in this season's must-have pink hue works well with this curve-loving silhouette. Ruched high on the waist, before skimming into an A-line skirt shape, this dress takes inspiration from empire line styles to highlight the bust area while delicately skirting past a middle. The micro floral is bang on-trend and the midi length hem adds an elegance to the look.

Eloquii, an American clothing brand, is one of the few brands like Zara - in terms of fashionability, that is actually aimed at plus size women. Loved by fashion bloggers, it make some of the best plus size dresses, so Eloquii understand how to flatter curvy figures. Whether you're looking for great occasionwear, summer workwear or need to know what to wear on a first date, we highly recommend stopping by this online retailer for pieces that translate the trends into styles you will want to show off.

This pretty navy blue dress with a knotted front and draped skirt is ideal for those who want a stylish dress to hide a tummy. The knot acts as a central narrowing point, drawing the eye in and down the body, elongating your frame. Creating an empire line under the bust, the skirt pleats start higher up, skimming your middle and lengthening your legs, no heels required.

Simply Be is a great place to shop for plus size clothing that follows the trends, and this emerald dress with foil detailing is ideal for summer occasions and beyond. The empire line silhouette is a flattering shape for hiding a tummy, with the front V-neckline drawing the eye down, elongating your torso.The floaty sleeve adds a light level of upper arm coverage that keeps it breezy and feminine. Thanks to the jewel hue you can certainly wear this dress year through.

This pretty bloom print dress is the piece to invest in to get you ready for the new season. The button-up front gives this shirt dress a more tailored fit, while the drawcord will help to cinch you in at the waist. Cut with an A-line silhouette, the dress will effortless skim over stomachs and hips.

With a mid length hem line you can team this dress with all shoes, from the best Chelsea boots to a pair of trainers. The rust base to the floral print automatically renders this dress an all-ear wear. To finish this look, sling on your best leather jacket and you're good to go.

Gathering detail is fashion's secret weapon when it comes to stylish dresses to hide a tummy. This dress, by Spanish clothing brand Zara, combines a directional color with stylish drapery at the neckline, flowing freely into an A-line dress, before gently skimming over your stomach.

Whether you're looking for day dresses or need something you can dress up for the evening, we can't recommend this throw-on-and-go frock highly enough. The bright yellow hue makes it appropriate for evening wear, but it will also work for holiday ensembles, or casual weekend outfits, slipped under a denim jacket and paired with sandals.

Wrap dresses are some of the most universally flattering and this DKNY design is one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy that we have seen. The navy colorway is one that will work for all seasons, while the floatier fabric makes this a smart option for a co*cktail dress. The ruffled front, that cascades down the front of the body will help to lengthen your frame and by adding detail lengthways, the waterfall front will easily skim a midriff.

To make this dress office appropriate, try slipping on your best blazer, preferable in a neutral hue, to add a sharpness to this otherwise floaty frock. You can wear this dress with heels or ballet pumps, or try knee high boots for a cozier look.

If you're looking for brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti is part of the same family of brands but with a more grown up and sophisticated feel. Concentrating on good-quality and timeless pieces, its an ideal place for more formal attire.

This elegant piece is the perfect stylish dress to hide a tummy. With a wrap dress-like silhouette, this midi dress is an elegant buy for day to evening wear, particularly thanks to the dopamine dressing hue. With a lovely handle, the V-neckline helps to lengthen your silhouette, but the real magic is in the knot design detail. Tied at the side, the knot detailing creates a soft drape across the middle of the dress which gently skims over tummies for a smoothing effect.

Another dress that smartly utilizes wrap belts and knot detailing for a tummy skimming finish, this cotton dress is perfect for summer outfits for work. Crafted from breathable fabric, it's an office-appropriate knee length silhouette, with short sleeves to keep you comfortable all day.

Available in several trending hues, we love this 'Peppery Vermillion' for its bold finish. The wrap belt helps to create puckering detail that's ideal for a dress to hide a tummy, as it skims past a midriff and helps to create an hourglass shape.

A red dress is a classic and a piece, like a black dress that will never truly go out of style. This jacquard iteration from fashion brand Rixo utilizes a empire line to create a dress will elongate your torso and skim over your silhouette with ease. The V-neckline creates a flattering finish across the bust, while the empire cut creates the illusion of a higher and narrower waistline, for a gentle finish.

In a silky look fabric, this dress can easily be dressed up for spring and summer event season, pairing beautifully with new season heels. Or it can be dressed down with directional chunky trainers and a leather jacket for a night out with friends.

One of our favorite dress brands, Farm Rio's frock collection is a huge dose of dopamine dressing with plenty of color and bright, happy prints. The silhouettes are incredibly flattering too, with lots of full A-line skirts, empire line cuts, and floaty shapes that will skim your shape, while still feeling fresh and feminine.

Made from 60% organic cotton, this printed dress has a bust-flattering sweetheart neckline and empire cut, creating an hourglass silhouette. Ruched over the bust, the skirt then fills to an A-line skimming over hips and thighs with ease. Elegant and pretty for summer parties and occasions, the dress has a cut-out back detail making it a stylish option for the warmest of days.