The best dresses to conceal your tummy and how to feel confident in them, according to an expert

Yahoo

18-07-2025

While we're all about embracing our bodies and wearing whatever makes us happy, we understand that choosing outfits that flatter or even conceal certain areas can make all the difference in how you feel. For many women over 40, that's the tummy.
'After 40, many women struggle with their midsection or the 'mummy tummy,' and with that change, our confidence can take a hit. But that shouldn't stop you from looking and feeling your absolute best during the summer season,' says Tonya Jarad, Certified Image Consultant & Founder of Renaissance Woman of Style.
Fortunately, when it comes to dresses to conceal your tummy, there are plenty of options that are far from frumpy. Keep scrolling to shop the best dresses to flatter your tummy, whether a bloated belly, a mummy tummy or menopause-y midsection. Plus, see Jarad's favourite dress silhouettes and read her expert tips to boost your confidence so you feel as fabulous as you look.
Tonya's best dress style recommendations for disguising a tummy
1. The Fit-and-Flare Dress
The fit and flare dress silhouette is a style that features a fitted bodice and flares below a cinched waist. It's a summer staple that comes in different fabrics and price points and can be dressed up or down. And when it comes to concealing a tummy, this style does it with, well, style.
'This style of dress is perfect for camouflaging your midsection while also giving the appearance of a defined waist. Key to this look are impeccable princess seams or soft vertical darting that draw the eye upward, keeping the focus on you. A classic Marilyn Monroe silhouette,' says Jarad.
Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress
This budget-friendly bestseller is made from a cool linen blend and features flattering darting and a smocked elastic back panel, wide, bra-friendly straps and pockets! Everybody loves a pocket! It's available in a wide range of colours, patterns, fits and sizes.
$30 $50 at Old Navy
Floral V-Neck Dress
This button-front beauty comes in big and bold, as well as small and sweet floral prints, and features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V-neck, smocked elastic back and a hidden side zipper. It's available in regular, large and petite fits, with sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.
$102 $128 at Gap
2. The Classic Wrap Dress
The wrap dress has long been considered a go-to for its ability to flatter almost any body type — and it's one of Tonya's top recommendations when it comes to concealing a stubborn midsection.
'For this style of dress, I'd opt for softer, light-flowing fabric that gently glides across your midsection,' she says, pointing out that fabrics like silk, linen and cotton work best, and are also 'perfect for the summer season.'
Long Sleeve Classic Wrap Dress
If you're only going to own one LBD, then this is hands-down the one to buy. It's super affordable and oh-so-flattering thanks to the pleat detail at the waist that creates the most beautiful tummy-disguising drape. And there's no need to worry about any impromptu unwrapping: this dress features an adjustable wrap closure with a hidden button, ensuring it stays in place.
$46 at Amazon
Wrap Dress with Notch Collar
This printed mid-length wrap dress is cut to fit and flatter a plus-size figure. The comfortable woven fabric and fun neutral print make it perfect for dressing up with heels for work or dressing down with sandals or sneakers for downtime. It comes in sizes X to 4X (or 12 to 28).
$110 at Penningtons
3. The Draped Sheath Dress
The sheath dress is another classic that's versatile enough for work or an event, and certain details make it particularly flattering for those looking to minimize the appearance of their tummy.
'A classic sheath dress with soft draping or ruching details is a game-changer for women who are sensitive about their midsection," Jarad tells Yahoo Canada. "This style provides elegant structure while giving the illusion of a smoother silhouette. Draped sheath dresses look fabulous in solid colours, offering a polished, refined look."
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Puff Sleeve Sheath Dress
Beautifully designed as you'd expect from the Karl Lagerfeld brand, this fully-lined sheath dress conceals and flatters the midsection with beautiful side ruching and balances your frame with pretty puff sleeves. It comes in solids and florals and is available in sizes 0 to 16.
From $153 at Amazon
DKNY Open Sleeve Ruched Sheath Dress
If you thought the perfect work dress didn't exist, think again! This DKNY sheath dress has a ruched midsection and subtle puff sleeves with double button detail, and hits just below the knee.
From $127 at Amazon
4. The Elevated A-Line Dress
Some retailers seem to use the terms 'A-line' and 'fit-and-flare' interchangeably, but they're not the same. Unlike a fit-and-flare style, which has a fitted bodice and waist and flares out at the bottom, an A-line dress has a more gradual widening as it moves down over the belly and hips.
'A-line dresses are a perfect option because this is another style that flatters every body type,' says Jarad, who recommends opting for crisp fabrics like cotton poplin, crepe, or Tencel blends.
'A well-constructed A-line dress will provide a seamless silhouette that neatly conceals your midsection. For added elevation, experiment with a V-neck or defined, structured shoulders, which create the illusion of an elongated physique.'
Contrasting Piping Scoop-Neck Maxi Dress
The beautifully textured, ultra-stretch, heavyweight fabric glides over the midsection while the double-layered bust and contrasting seams help smooth and elongate your shape. Bonus: The straps are wide enough to cover bra straps.
$139 at Simons
H&M A-Line Dress
This sleeveless A-line dress from H&M is so affordable at under $40, but looks anything but, thanks to its delicately textured and heavyweight fabric, overlapped keyhole opening with button detail and gorgeous cut. It comes in 5 colours and in sizes XXS to 4XL.
$35 at H&M
Other styles to conceal a tummy
5. Printed dresses
Prints, like florals and other patterns, are a great way to disguise a tummy, but size matters when it comes to prints, according to Jarad, who recommends keeping them in proportion to your physique.
'For example, large, bold prints on a petite-sized woman will overpower her and draw unnecessary attention to her midsection, which defeats the purpose. So, the balance of print and fabric is key to stylishly camouflaging your midsection.'
Cotton Poplin Wrap Maxi Dress
A gorgeous print, fit-and-flare shape and a wrap dress to boot – this frock's a triple threat when it comes to concealing a tummy. And yes, it has pockets, too!
$260 at Banana Republic
H&M Long Cotton Floral Dress
A bold print with short balloon sleeves and a tiered bottom makes this one super affordable showstopper. The woven cotton is just lightweight enough to allow the full tiered skirt to flatter without being boxy.
$45 at H&M
6. Belted shirtdress
Belted shirtdresses are often recommended for those looking to conceal their midsection. Depending on the dress, you also gain the added versatility of being able to wear it with or without the belt and in either a buttoned-up or open style. Just keep in mind that the fabric and belt placement are key to making this style work for a larger tummy without looking boxy.
'Nothing too stiff or boxy looking. You want to ensure you're creating a vertical silhouette, meaning V-neck, button down,' explains Jarad.
She also recommends keeping the belt 'slightly above your natural waistline to avoid unsightly bulging or lumps around the midsection.'
Eleta Linen Maxi Dress
Soft organic linen and sweet gingham make this belted shirtdress a comfy classic you'll want to wear all summer long. The print is delicate enough not to overpower your frame while it camouflages your midsection. It also comes in other solid colours and prints.
$168 at Aritzia
BTFBM Button Down Ruched Shirtdress
An Amazon favourite with over 2,000 reviews singing the praises of this shirt dress's drapey ruching, which flatters and conceals the tummy area. It features a comfortable elastic waist that's cleverly hidden under a wide tie belt and comes in several colours.
From $45 at Amazon
Jarad's 3 best confidence-boosting tips
How we feel in our clothing has a direct impact on our confidence, so we asked Jarad to share her top three tips to help you feel more confident.
1. Prioritize fit over size
They say size is just a number, but many of us are guilty of getting hung up on that number when shopping for clothes, even letting it affect our self-esteem.
To look and feel good in your clothes, Jarad wants you to make fit, not size, the priority.
'Tailoring is everything. I often advise my clients that a well-fitted dress that sculpts your physique (not squeezes it) always looks more polished and elegant than something frumpy or too tight.'
2. Lean into colour and texture strategically
Choosing the right colours can make all the difference in creating a look that you'll love, from head to toe.
'One of my specialties is providing clients with colour analysis. Knowing your signature colour palette makes a huge difference in how you feel in the clothing, makeup and accessories you choose,' says Jarad.
3. Know your signature style personality
'Confidence skyrockets when you understand your style vibe,' says Jared.
'Are you a dramatic, romantic, or classic woman of style? When you dress in alignment with your true essence, you never second-guess how you show up.'