15+ Best Party Dresses That Hide Belly Bulge
If you're looking for a party dress to conceal a bit of extra fat around the tummy area, this guide may help. I've curated some classic and flattering styles to make you feel stunning at every event.
In this article:
- Do We Really Have to Hide the Tummy?
Do We Really Have to Hide the Tummy?
Society has spent decades telling us our bodies need fixing, tucking, and disguising. But honestly? Screw that noise.
Your tummy isn't something shameful that needs hiding. Maybe you've had kids. Maybe you haven't. Maybe you love pasta a little too much (same, girl). Whatever the reason, you deserve to feel gorgeous at every party you attend.
When I talk about "flattering" dresses, I'm not saying anything's wrong with your natural shape. I'm talking about finding clothes that make YOU feel like the star of the show. Some days that's a bodycon dress. Other days it's something flowy. Both are perfect.
Remember, body positivity is a way of life.
15+ Party Dress Styles That Hide Belly Bulge
The Wrap Dress
Why do wrap styles work so well? You control everything - where it sits, how tight, how the neckline looks. It's like having a dress custom-made for your exact mood that day. Faux wrap dresses also work great.
Roman Black Sequin Embellished Chiffon Wrap Maxi
Ever Pretty SYREN Long Sleeve Asymmetrical Hem Sequin Dress
Empire Waist (But Make It Chic)
Modern empire waists are sophisticated and incredibly flattering. The waistline sits right under your bust, then flows down in a way that's elegant, not frumpy.
Ever Pretty DAHLIA Empire Waist Applique Chiffon Midi
A-Line with Personality
The classic A-line will never go out of style because it just works. Fitted through the bodice, then flows out from your hips. But nowadays, you can find A-lines with interesting details - cutout shoulders, unexpected sleeves, fun textures.
Ever Pretty SIMONE Dusty Blue Leaf Sequin Midi
Ever Pretty Dark Green Striped Velvet Midi
Peplum Magic
Remember when peplums were everywhere? Turns out, there was a reason. That little flare at your hip does something incredible - it creates curves in all the right places while giving your torso this sleek, defined look.
The trick? Don't go too poufy. You want structure, not a tutu.
Self Portrait Pink Lace Peplum Midi Dress
Karen Millen Lisa Tan Structured Satin Pleated Peplum Midi
Strategic Draping and Ruching
Here's where most people get it wrong – they think ruching anywhere is good ruching. The sweet spot? Ruching that starts at your hip bone and flows down, or diagonal draping across the torso.
River Island Blue Asymmetric Draped Wrap Midi
Ever Pretty NOIRE Teal Front Knot Glitter Maxi with Slit
The Right Neckline for Your Body
This is crucial but often overlooked. The wrong neckline can throw off your entire silhouette:
- V-necks: Elongate your torso and draw eyes upward
- Scoop necks: Create horizontal lines that can emphasize width
- Off-shoulder: Perfect for drawing attention to your décolletage
Ever Pretty Gold Sequin Ruffle Sleeve Evening Dress
Tiered Dresses (When Done Right)
The key with tiers is placement. You want that first tier to hit right below your bust, creating that empire waist effect. Then let the other tiers add movement and fun without adding bulk.
Phase Eight Black Otto One Shoulder Fringe Maxi Dress
Ever Pretty Burnt Orange Backless Chiffon Tiered Maxi
Avoid tiers that hit at your natural waist or the widest part of your hips. That's where things go wrong.
The Strategic Print Game
Not all patterns are created equal. I've seen women avoid prints completely, thinking they're "too much." But the right print can actually be incredibly flattering.
Go for diagonal stripes (never horizontal - trust me on this), small florals on darker backgrounds, or abstract patterns that don't follow your body's natural lines. These create visual interest while being forgiving.
Clubllondon Zebra Print Plunge-Neck Maxi Dress
Ever Pretty FLORENCIA Plus Size Chiffon Midi
The Shift Dress Revolution
A well-cut shift dress with vertical design elements can be incredibly chic. Think princess seaming, vertical colour blocking, or strategically placed embellishments that create long, lean lines.
Roman Natural Sequin Embellished Sheer Shift Dress
More Styles to Try:
- The Maxi Dress Revolution
Who decided maxi dresses weren't party-appropriate? A well-cut maxi in the right fabric can be your most elegant option. That long, unbroken line from chest to floor? It's like magic for your silhouette.
Monsoon Blue Skyla Floral Print Embellished Maxi
- Babydoll Dresses
River Island Coral Premium 3D Babydoll Mini Dress
What Colours to Wear to Hide the Belly?
Here's the truth about colour and your midsection:
The Dark Colour Champions Yes, darker colours do recede visually, making areas appear smaller. But you don't have to live in basic black:
- Navy blue is incredibly slimming while feeling more festive than black
- Deep emerald creates richness and sophistication
- Burgundy or wine adds warmth while being incredibly flattering
- Charcoal gray offers versatility and elegance
- Deep purple (think eggplant) is unexpectedly slimming and luxurious
More Tips to Hiding the Belly Under a Dress
Get the Right Undergarments I cannot stress this enough - proper undergarments can make a £30 dress look like designer. Get professionally fitted for a bra (most of us are wearing the wrong size), and invest in good shapewear if that's your thing.
But here's my rule: if it's so tight you can't breathe or sit comfortably, size up. Comfort is sexy.
Master Strategic Layering This isn't about adding bulk - it's about creating smooth lines. A well-fitted camisole or seamless slip underneath can eliminate fabric clinging. Look for pieces that won't create additional lines or bumps.
Choose Your Shapewear Wisely If you go the shapewear route, here's what actually works:
- High-waisted pieces that extend above your natural waistline
- Seamless construction (visible lines are the enemy)
- The right compression - firm enough to smooth, gentle enough to move in
Pro tip: Choose shapewear one size larger than you think you need. Too tight creates bulges above and below.
Strategic Accessories Want to draw attention up? Bold earrings or a statement necklace. Want to create visual interest? A great clutch or interesting shoes. Accessories are your secret weapon for directing where people look.
The Belt Placement Trick If your dress has a belt or sash, don't automatically put it at your natural waist. Try positioning it just below your bust (empire style) or at your hip bone. This can completely change your proportions.
The Right Fabric Matters Cheap, clingy fabrics are nobody's friend. Look for materials with some structure - ponte, crepe, quality jersey blends. They skim your body without clinging to every curve.
Avoid thin modal or jersey that shows every line. You want fabrics that have some body and return to their original shape.
Consider Professional Tailoring Even an inexpensive dress can look amazing with proper alterations. A good tailor can adjust the waistline to your most flattering point, remove excess fabric, or add subtle darts for a custom fit.
