How to Make Your Stomach Look Flat in Clothes – Tips & Tricks + Outfit Ideas
Have you ever flipped through fashion magazines and felt like the models on the pages possess magical smoothing devices hidden beneath their clothes?
“Well, the secret isn’t magic, it’s knowing how to dress for your body type! This guide will be your compass, navigating you through the world of silhouettes, strategic colors, and the power of a perfect fit.”
From wardrobe staples to outfit ideas, we’ll unveil the secrets to creating a smooth, confident, and utterly fabulous you. So, ditch the frustration and embrace the art of dressing to flatter your figure!
The Power of High Waists
High-waisted pants, jeans, and skirts are your best friends. They sit right above your natural waistline, providing a gentle compression that smooths your stomach and creates a sleek foundation. This helps to elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette.
Line Magic
The A-line cut is a universally flattering style. It gently skims your curves without clinging, creating a balanced look that flatters your figure.
The fitted bodice at the top creates a defined waistline, while the skirt flows out from there, offering a comfortable fit and disguising any midsection concerns.
Empire Waistline Elegance
The empire waistline is another silhouette that can work wonders. This style sits just below your bustline, creating a high-waisted illusion that elongates your torso and draws the eye upwards.
This can help to minimize the appearance of your stomach and flatter your bust. Empire waistlines are perfect for flowy dresses, tops, or blouses.
Flowy Freedom
Don’t underestimate the power of flowy fabrics!
Drapey materials like chiffon, crepe, or jersey can disguise any bumps or bulges in your midsection while still offering a stylish and comfortable look.
Flowy tops or dresses can add a touch of movement and elegance to your outfit.
7 Outfit Ideas to Create a Smooth Silhouette
Here are seven outfit ideas to inspire you, using a combination of the tips and tricks we’ve covered.
The Elevated Everyday
High-waisted jeans are your secret weapon. They sit right above your natural waistline, smoothing your stomach and creating a polished base.
Pair them with a crisp, tucked-in blouse in a lightweight fabric. To further elongate your silhouette, choose a blouse with a slight v-neck or sweetheart neckline.
This outfit is perfect for work, brunch, or a casual date night!
Effortless Elegance
The A-line dress is a timeless wardrobe staple for a reason. It skims your curves in a way that flatters your figure without clinging.
The fitted bodice and gently flared skirt create a balanced silhouette that draws the eye upwards, minimizing the appearance of your stomach.
For a smooth drape, look for dresses in materials with a bit of structure, like ponte knit or crepe.
The Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are universally flattering because they cinch at the waist, creating an hourglass figure.
This emphasizes your curves in all the right places and minimizes the appearance of your stomach. Opt for a wrap dress with a v-neckline and a slightly longer skirt for added leg-lengthening power.
This dress is perfect for work events, weddings, or a night out on the town!
The Comfort Chic Combo
Empire waist tops are designed to sit just below your bust, creating a high waist illusion that elongates your torso and draws the eye upwards.
Pair this with flowy, wide-leg pants that balance out the proportions and add a touch of effortless cool.
This combination is perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or a casual work environment!
The One-Piece Wonder
A jumpsuit in one solid color creates a long, lean line that visually slims your entire silhouette. Choose a jumpsuit with a fitted bodice and a slightly wider leg for a flattering shape.
This is a complete outfit in one, perfect for busy days when you want to look put-together with minimal effort!
The Classic with a Twist
Dark-wash skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple for a reason. The darker wash creates a slimming effect, and the fitted style smooths your curves.
Layer on a long cardigan that reaches past your hips. This helps to camouflage any midsection concerns while still adding a touch of style.
This outfit is perfect for running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, or a casual evening out!
The Summer Staple
A flowy top made from a lightweight fabric with a slight drape is perfect for hot weather. It camouflages any unwanted bulk in your midsection while keeping you cool.
Pair it with high-waisted shorts that sit just above your belly button. High-waisted styles provide structure and smooth your stomach. Choose shorts made from a fabric with a bit of weight to avoid clinging.
This outfit screams summer and is perfect for a stroll in the park, a poolside hangout, or a casual dinner date!
Clever Color Play
Color is another powerful tool in your fashion arsenal. By using color strategically, you can create a slimming effect and draw attention to your most flattering features. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Monochromatic Marvel
Embrace the power of one color! Opting for an outfit in a single color head-to-toe creates a long, lean line that visually slims your entire silhouette. This can be particularly effective in darker colors like black, navy, or charcoal.
Dark Denim Delight
Dark-wash denim is a classic for a reason. The darker color naturally creates a slimming effect, and the fitted style of most jeans smooths your curves.
Pair dark-wash denim with a lighter-colored top to create a balanced look that draws the eye upwards.
Play with Prints
While large, bold prints might draw attention to certain areas, strategically placed smaller prints or patterns can actually be flattering. Here’s how to choose prints that work for you.
The Magic of Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes are your best friend when it comes to creating a slimming effect. The elongated lines draw the eye up and down your body, making you appear taller and leaner.
Look for tops, dresses, or pants with thin or medium-width vertical stripes. Thicker stripes can still be flattering, but opt for them on flowy fabrics like chiffon or crepe that drape rather than cling.
Imagine vertical stripes as arrows pointing down your body, creating a streamlined silhouette.
The Power of Small All-Over Prints
Busy, all-over prints with a small scale can help to camouflage any unwanted bulges in your midsection. Opt for prints with a variety of colors and patterns that don’t have a strong visual focus point. Here are some specific print ideas that work well:
- Floral Prints: Instead of a dress covered in large sunflowers, choose a scattered design with a mix of smaller wildflowers in various colors. This creates a more balanced look and avoids adding bulk to your stomach area.
- Polka Dots: Small polka dots in a variety of colors on a dark background can add a fun and flirty touch while still being slimming. Think about a navy blouse with a mix of white, red, and yellow polka dots.
- Geometric Prints: Geometric patterns like a small scattered paisley or a mosaic design can add visual interest without adding bulk. Look for prints with a variety of geometric shapes in muted or cool colors. For example, a black and white geometric print with squares, triangles, and circles can be very flattering.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating the tips and tricks we’ve explored, you can create a flattering silhouette that makes you feel your best. The most important factor is to embrace your body and dress in a way that makes you feel confident and empowered. Fashion should be fun and expressive, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. With these tools, you can confidently rock any outfit and let your personal style shine through.