The Tucked-In Trick
One of the best ways I’ve found to hide my growing belly was to wear a boxy button-down shirt and tuck the front into my pants or jeans. This particular trick was a lifesaver at work! The billowing of the shirt combined with the tucking-in creates an illusion that disguises any noticeable bump above your waistline. By 11 weeks, I was definitely struggling to button my normal work pants, so I ended up borrowing a slightly larger pair from my mom. She had the “Tia Pull On Pant” from Saba in a size 10, and the stretchy waistband allowed me to continue using this “tuck-in” technique for longer. Even if you’re not pregnant, I’d highly recommend those pants – they’re super comfortable and flattering.
Pattern Power
Patterns are your best friend when trying to conceal an unwanted bulge. I noticed my tummy looked much less obvious when I wore something patterned compared to solid block colors. The prints help distract the eye from any areas you’re self-conscious about. Darker colors also seem to do a better job of disguising a baby bump (or any other midsection concerns) than lighter shades. We all know darker hues are generally more slimming, but they also help hide the shadows created by a protruding belly. One of my colleagues even guessed I was pregnant because she could see the outline of my tummy through a thin white top – a darker color would have been far less revealing.
Peplum Perfection
Peplum tops with a little frill around the midsection were a lifesaver for me. These styles already have a naturally flattering, slightly “pregnant” look, so they’re brilliant at camouflaging an early bump. I actually wore a black peplum top over skinny jeans that I couldn’t fully button up to a party at 20 weeks! The key is to pair the peplum with more fitted bottoms so you don’t end up looking big all over. Genius, right?
Layer Up
In the first few weeks of my pregnancy, I found myself wanting to get as much wear as possible out of pieces I knew I’d soon outgrow. Things like my playsuits and more fitted tops. Obviously, these can draw attention to a budding belly, but you can easily distract from that by layering. Try a chambray shirt left open over a white playsuit, or a blazer over a t-shirt and jeans. Long scarves are great too, as they sit in front of your tummy and divert the eye. Jackets are another handy option.
Flared & Flattering
You know I love my fit-and-flare dresses, and they’re particularly great in the early stages of pregnancy. The volume around the midsection easily hides a little bump, while the cinched waist prevents you from looking big all over. As you grow, these styles won’t be as effective, but in the beginning, they’re brilliant for disguising an emerging belly. Plus, the comfort factor is key when you’re dealing with all those first-trimester symptoms!
Belted Brilliance
This trick is demonstrated better in the video, but basically, if you belt a boxy dress in just the right spot (not too high or too low), and then blouse the top part over, it can help balance everything out and make your tummy appear smaller. The extra volume up top counteracts the bump below. Even if the dress is loose and oversized, simply cinching it in the right place prevents the fabric from clinging in unflattering ways.
Overalls Advantage
Although these won’t be for everyone, overalls can be a surprisingly handy piece for concealing a growing belly. Since they already give some volume around the midsection, they help disguise any protrusion. Plus, the thick denim material can be quite effective at smoothing and cinching everything in, making the bump less obvious.
I hope these tips have given you some creative ideas for disguising an outdated or unwanted midsection, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just feeling a little self-conscious. Remember, Home Curtains Philadelphia is always here to help you feel your absolute best with our stunning custom window treatments. Happy styling!
