My tummy has miraculously expanded – help how do I cover it up without looking like a tent?

OK tummies, the bane of most women’s lives - our barometer of how many “treats” we have had! The trick to disguising a full tummy is to wear clothes that gently skim the area and draw the eye towards your assets. Wear clothes that are fitted else where, for example empire lines under the breast or slim trousers. Wearing big and loose clothing all over will hide any slim bits you do have but will have the tent effect that you wish to avoid, making you look bigger. Wrap tops and dresses are great as you can adjust them to skim your figure but also show off your curves at the same time.

Create uninterrupted vertical lines on your body using single breasted jackets and coats with a button slightly lower that usual, and if you have the length in your legs to take a longer jacket try this too. This will draw the eye up and down the body over any bulges. Wearing the same colour top and bottoms will also have the same effect.


Avoid any waist bands and belts that are going to cut into your stomach and cause it to spread out over the top, drawing attention to love handles! Trousers and skirts without waist bands are ideal. Dresses and long tunic tops are fantastic for avoiding waist bands altogether.

You can use jewellery, eye catching make up and beautiful big hair to draw the eye upwards away from the area. Avoid shoulder bags that might stop around your waist, this will add bulk to the area.