How to dress to disguise your tummy and feel confident, according to an expert

Yahoo

23-05-2025

Every woman knows the feeling of standing in front of a full wardrobe, yet convinced there's nothing to wear. Style ruts are an all too common part of life and can take a surprising toll on your self-confidence. But you're not alone, and stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones's new book, Bolder Not Older, is here to help you reclaim your sartorial power - empowering you to feel confident both inside and out.
Nicky is a true expert when it comes to helping women transform their style. Many will recognise her from the hit 2000s TV makeover show, 10 Years Younger, and more recently from presenting Drop A Decade on This Morning. Now, the 54-year-old personal stylist has launched the ultimate accessible guide - an easy-to-follow 12-week program designed to help women rediscover and embrace their unique personal style.
Buy Bolder Not Older
'I didn't want the book to be centred around a list of do's and don'ts' she tells Yahoo UK. "People get so bogged down with rules and societal or media opinions that getting dressed stops being fun. So, this book is about stepping away from what other people think you should or shouldn't wear and giving yourself permission to wear what you want, when you want, whatever your age, budget or shape."
Having been on a style rediscovery journey herself over the past few years, Nicky says 'a big focus in the book is around invisibility as we get older and how what you wear can put you back in the centre of the room for all the right reasons.'
➡️ What's one common style mistake you wish women over 50 would avoid?
Expand
"I think the main mistake is not making enough mistakes. If you're not making mistakes, you're not being adventurous enough in what you wear. In my experience, as women get older, they become less adventurous and more limited in their style choices; they're so worried about getting it wrong that they stop trying at all. I'm here to tell you this is your licence to thrill. This is your chance to dress like every day's a special occasion. It's about feeling fabulous in your clothes and radiant in what you wear. And yes, it can still be practical, and no, it's not complicated but it does take a little know-how, a sprinkle of confidence and a big dose of courage but you'll never look back."
➡️ Why does style seem to become more challenging as we age?
"There are various issues as play. The first is time, the mid-life is a juggernaut of emotion with the menopause, caring for ageing relatives, bringing up teenagers or dealing with kids leaving home. There is so much going on and so little time for oneself.
The second is the menopause, hormonal fluctuations lead to weight gain and all sorts of mental health challenges. When you feel average, the last thing most people do is put on their best outfit, when in fact that's exactly what you should do. Thirdly, knowledge. Being led by what other people are wearing instead of focusing on what works for you, what look you'd like to achieve. Not knowing how to go about achieving this with the body shape changes that also go hand in hand with the menopause.
Lastly, comfort is a true style sucker. Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely important to feel comfortable in one's clothes but it's a common misconception that in order to look good you won't feel as comfortable. You most definitely will, but to achieve the right balance you need to invest in the right pieces in your wardrobe to do this. Get out of the habit of throwing anything on or thinking 'oh this will do' - no it won't, you deserve better."
➡️ What are the 3 things you'd recommend doing if you're feeling uninspired by your wardrobe?
As for where to start? 'The key to great style is enhancing your natural silhouette with confidence and creativity" Nicky explains in Bolder Not Older. Adding that no matter your size or shape, if you have the right clothes 'you have the power and ability to look amazing, to be bolder, no matter what.'
Now, we all know what often pops into our heads when we look at a large portion of our wardrobe on any given day - something along the lines of, 'No, I don't like how my [insert body part] looks in that,' whether it's our bust, arms, tummy, or thighs.
'Your clothes are your secret weapon to looking and feeling fabulous, to living a bolder life'.
However, as Nicky emphasises in her book, the key first step in your style journey is refusing to let the areas you feel most self-conscious about hold you back. That's why we've turned to the stylist to reveal her top tips from Bolder Not Older on how to style your tummy area with unstoppable confidence - along with her top high street picks you can shop now.
"Wearing the right shapewear can make all the difference...investing in a few pieces really helps to smoothen out your silhouette, especially the areas you are most self conscious about, works like a magic eraser" the style expert explains in her book. Nicky recommends a waisted brief with extra shaping across the font, revealing her go-to are these seamless design from Skims as they're "lightweight and comfortable to wear day to day."
The high-waisted Skims shapewear also smooths the tummy area, eliminating any break points or bulges that typically appear at the top of your regular underwear line.
This stretchy shapewear is high-waisted for a cinched waist, and features an interior underband with silicone to prevent it from rolling down.
"In my experience, nothing works as well as a bold print when it comes to camouflaging your midline" Nicky explains in Bolder Not Older.
She recommends choosing "a style of dress you like wearing but opt for a printed one instead of a block colour and watch your tummy disappear before your eyes."
Nicky's top pick is this budget-friendly Mango dress that can easily be dressed up with heels for a special occasion or down with trainers for a more laid-back look.
This pink and green floral print shirt dress can easily be dressed up or down.
"Tops or dresses with stretch and ruching across the stomach will not only disguise but also define a shape" explains Nicky.
She adds: "It's got to be seen to be believed, so many women are too scared to try something in fear of it not looking good, but just imagine if you face the fear and the result is amazing."
If you have an occasion coming up, this sequin number with ruched detailing is bound to turn heads for all the right reasons.
"Even if you have a large or broad waistline it's still important to define the waist, as it will help to balance your proportions" the stylist explains.
Expanding on this, Nicky told Yahoo UK: "A loose-cut dress with a line or seam across the midline is a very effective and flattering way to create the illusion of a waist without overly defining it. This is the perfect style for the summer months, when it's hot and you don't want to wear too much shapewear."
This bold dress features gathered tiers, creating a breathable, loose-fitting style that's perfect for summer.
Let's be honest - black is most people's go-to when they want to play it safe. But as Nicky points out, "When you feel self-conscious of your body especially your waistline, it's very easy to hide it (or think you're hiding it) under a black canvas."
And it isn't actually doing us any favours, as the stylist explains,"In reality, you're fooling no one and you're only making yourself feel worse. In fact, an all-black outfit can often make you look larger, not smaller."
"I find tailoring works like a dream when you're trying to disguise a tummy. Mid to high waist trousers will hold you in and a tailored blazer will instantly define your waist," Nicky says, adding, "A blazer is also a must-have layering piece in your wardrobe, as it's a fantastic way to slim and disguise a tummy."
High-waisted trousers are particularly flattering for the tummy area, as they avoid cutting across the midsection - a common cause of bulging over the waistband. Nicky recommends a pair from Mint Velvet, noting that the side button detail "also helps to draw the eye away from the tummy area."
Wearing a blazer open is another simple styling trick to create a more defined waist. As Nicky advises, "If tummy slimming is your main priority, I'd advise one that's tailored in the waist rather than an oversized or boyfriend style blazer." Her top pick? A great linen option available in a myriad of colours - perfect for summer.
These straight cropped chinos are the perfect addition to your spring and summer wardrobe.
This lightweight linen blend blazer is ideal for the warmer months and available in a variety of colours.
"Having transformed many men and women over the years, I have proved over and over again that bright colours lift moods and change lives," says Nicky. She adds, "A colourful outfit is your body's best disguise."
Wearing colour not only makes you feel great, but it also shifts the focus away from your curves. "If you want people to stop commenting on your weight, give them something else to talk about. If you don't want to be described as the large lady in the corner, let them talk about the gorgeous lady in green," Nicky explains.
'Style is not about fitting into a mould but embracing what makes you unique. Every body shape has its own beauty, and the key to great style is enhancing your natural silhouette with confidence and creativity."
This one simple trick could be your go-to style solution. "Wear colour on the area you like most, and a darker or more neutral shade on the part you want to hide," explains the stylist.
For example, you might choose a pop of colour for your trousers and pair them with a darker-hued top. As for her top tip? "I like to keep it tonal with the brighter and darker tone of the same colour mixed together for an effortless style."
Yes, you read that correctly. We know the urge is strong, but you need to stop leaving those unshapely tops and blouses untucked. As Nicky explains, "This may feel uncomfortable as a concept, but it really works."
Tucking in your shirt or blouse, either fully with a slight blouson effect or partially with a side tuck, creates a much more flattering silhouette - especially when working with a loose, unfitted top. Nicky says this style trick is "usually best with a high waisted skirt or trousers."
Nicky says, "If you take nothing else from this book, take the wrap," so this is one tip worth paying attention to.
The stylist explains, "The wrap belt enables you to cinch and define your waist at the narrowest point. It skims over a tummy without clinging," adding that the style is "especially flattering if you've got a good bust as well."
Nicky recommends something with an all-over print to get a "double whammy flatter factor," with her top pick being this gorgeous floral option from Aspiga.
This floral wrap dress has a great drape and comes in blue or pink.
Sometimes, when it comes to clothing, the smallest details can make all the difference - and one of those details is the placement of the zip. It might seem minor, but where a zip sits can completely change how flattering a garment looks.
The stylist explains, "Flat fronted trousers with a side zip help to smooth and flatten a tummy without adding the bulk of a button and zip in the middle, which just draws the eye to the centre point of a tummy."
"Now, if you're self-conscious about your tummy, the last thing you'd think of wearing is a belt. But actually, a belt can make all the difference. The key is to always go for a waisted belt" Nicky tells Yahoo UK.
"The width doesn't matter, but it must sit at the waist" she explains. "What this does is draw the eye to the belt and away from your tummy area and I urge you to try this if it's not something you already do. For example, if you have a dress with a matching fabric belt, swap it out for a waisted belt and see the effect. I love this belt from Reiss - it really elevates any outfit you style it with."
This is the perfect waist belt to finish any outfit, and it comes in a variety of colours.
Ready to revamp your wardrobe and boost your confidence? Nicky's latest book is your 12 week style journey to rediscovering your personal flair and owning it. Learn how to dress for your body, make bold fashion choices, and step out with confidence.