Five easy ways to hide a tummy
Written By Wendy Mak
Ah yes. It's the day after Easter. And if the bunny came to visit your home (possibly multiple times), you'll appreciate this post.
My problem area is my tummy. Sure I don't have an a typical oval bodyshape (see my post on dressing oval body shapes here), but it is still my main area of concern. Not as tight as it used to be, I have come to rely on a lot of shape wear (who can forget my infamous shape wear road test last year????) to keep things looking flat.
But you don't always need shape wear to camouflage a little tummy.
1. Pull up pants
Hell yes, I said pull up pants. You know the ones, with the fold-over waist band. And before you get all "pooh-pooh" on me, your mum WAS on to something when she started wearing them. Pull up pants in a firm fabric like ponte or bengaline (feels like a thick cotton), will actually help skim over the problem areas and more importantly, reduce the risk of muffin tops.
Hell yes, I said pull up pants. You know the ones, with the fold-over waist band. And before you get all "pooh-pooh" on me, your mum WAS on to something when she started wearing them. Pull up pants in a firm fabric like ponte or bengaline (feels like a thick cotton), will actually help skim over the problem areas and more importantly, reduce the risk of muffin tops.
To be clear - this is not the same as an elasticised waist as an elastic waist can still pinch in and create a muffin top. This pant creates a nice clean line. Make sure you do wear a long blouse over it to cover the bum / waistband.
13 04 01 Hiding a tummy Pull up pants
2. Peplum
While this trend is still around, I say mine it for all it's worth. Because a nice, flat peplum is every tummy's best friend. Contrary to what you might think, it doesn't add volume (that's the BAD peplum that kicks out from the waist that has too much fabric), it actually adds a comforting layer that your tum can hide under, so you can eat desert. Or another chocolate egg.
13 04 01 Hiding a tummy Peplum Top
Peplum top from Basque in Myer
3. Pintucked blouses
Pintucks are like pleats, but they have been stitched down flat to hold them in place. Why is this good? Because it gives weight to the fabric, and as we know, the heavier (or more "structured" a fabric), the better it skims over any lumps and bumps. Pintucks that are stitched vertically have the added bonus of keeping the blouse nice and flat over a tum, plus creating a long, lean look.
13 04 01 Hiding a tum Pintucked blouse
Blouse from Sportscraft
4. Throw on a vest
In fur, leather or denim, a vest will add that extra layer to hide a tummy. I love the faux fur though, because it's warm and cosy for winter, looks fab-ulous with jeans and if it's soft enough and not too thick, you can even pop a little belt on to help define the waist.
13 04 01 Hiding a tum fur vest
Faux fur vest from Forever New
5. A heavy skirt
Whaaat??? I hear you say.... How is THIS skirt going to hide my tummy?It's got a horizontal pattern, it's shiny and it's short. How in the name of fashion heaven is this going to work??
Well my friend, the answer is in the WEIGHT of the skirt. True this skirt isn't the best choice for anyone with a real oval body shape, but if you have just a slight tum, the sequins adds a nice heaviness to the skirt and when you wear it, it acts like its own shape wear and skirt built in to one. But again, if you do carry the bulk of your weight in your tummy area then avoid this particular skirt because of the pattern.
13 04 01 Hiding a tum Sequinned skirt
Skirt from Sass in Myer
So there you have it! Five easy ways to hide a tummy without having to wear shape wear!!! I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below especially if you have any tips to share, or if you have found yourself using any of these tips!
PS. Don't forget to also check out my latest video blog on Having Fun (when you need to say no) - it's a bit different but I hope you like it!
Until next time, stay stylish, savvy & successful! xx