Many women after 40 experience weight gain on their bellies, especially those going into perimenopause or menopause. Your waist may disappear and you will start to develop more characteristics of the apple body shape. Luckily there are many things you can hide that belly, so that it doesn’t come in your way of looking fabulously stylish! Here are some of my tips.
How to hide your belly – my 10 tips
1. Don’t wear tight garments over your belly
If you want to look stylish and highlight your strenghts, it is best not to wear tight tops. They will accentuate every fat bubble you have and draw attention away from you and your fabulous clothes.
2. Leggings with wide tops
Leggings can be your best friend. They will fit comfortably around your belly and tuck it in a bit. Also, with so many wonderful tunics and long tops to choose from, you will look fabulous. Noone will notice your belly!
3. Opt for layers with long cardigans or wear jackets
If you wear several layers or add a nice modern jacket, emphasising a vertical line your belly will not be noticed at all.
4. Don’t emphasise your tummy by adding accessories like belts
No need to draw attention to your midlife tummy and belts will do just that.
5.Dresses or tops with an empire waist line can be your best friend
These tops highlight the the thinnest part of your top body, which you gives you a great silhouette.
6. Wear tops over your skirts and pants and don’t tuck them
Tucking draws attention to your (non-existing waist again) so better to avoid that.
7. Get knitted tops that have some ruching or draping element on the belly
This will disguise and hide your belly. Patterns (not too big) will work too.
8. Don’t wear garments that are bulky around the tummy area
You don’t want to make that area even bigger with pockets or other embelishments.
9. Wear garments with vertical lines
These are always more flattering and disguise any fatter areas. Vertical lines will lenghten you and make you slimmer. A open cardigan adds a nice vertical line, as do garments with vertical prints.
10 Wear shape wear
I could have put this on top of the list, but for day to day dressing I think most women would prefer just to wear their clothes without this. But shape wear can really flatten or hide your belly in many cases. Have a look at some of the tips given in my article on shape wear for some wonderful tips from other women over 40. Shape wear can really have a place in your dressing, but it’s important that you still remain comfortable in it!
Here are some tops that are available in shops right now.
Anything that I forgot? What are you sure-fire tips for hiding that belly?
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Great tips! Thankfully my waist is still pretty slender, but it probably won’t be that way forever. Better wear my belts now!
Yes! I too am going to do my best not to lose my waist but when (peri)menopause sets in, you don’t know what’s going to happen….
Excellent tips! The tummy area is no problem for me so far, but I guess at some point it might be. My butt and thighs, on the other hand…..several of your clothing tips work wonders for that, too:)
Yes those too are my ‘problem’ areas as well. Should write an article on that….
I love the long olive/camel cardigan. Where’d that come from? I might need one!
Being at the perimenopause/menopause stage in life, I find this article very useful, and helps me to confirm that I am on the right track in avoiding clothes that are too clingy and tight, not tucking in my tops etc.
Love your website! Thanks for sharing
Hi Erin, Thanks for your feedback! Also thanks for linking up to my site and your kind words. Really appreciate it!
Depending on the outfit that i’m wearing! The tummy area can be a problem! I’ve already incorporated some of your tips in my everyday life style.. But with certain outfits! Shapewear seems to work the best for me. Providing that your comfortable,shapewear can be a great addition to your wardrobe…
Great to read that some of my tips have been helpful to you. What I love about shape wear is that you can still wear some outfits (like tight dresses) that would not have looked good otherwise. Great for special occasions!
Just make an effort to stay away from foods high in sugar and processed foods.
Very true, but with hormone imbalance and all kinds of other things, I know that many women over 40 find it difficult not to accumulate fat around the belly. But yes, I would say eat less and eat healthy and hopefully that will keep the belly fat off!
Trust me I am no stranger to the difficulties with hormone imbalance, extra belly weight! Like so many of us the hormone imbalance affects our mood which for me results in emotional eating. My weakness is chocolate and rich desserts. I have yo yo most of my life.. But I found myself the happiest when I let go of the refined sugars and processed foods. My waist line improves, my skin glows and my mood improved immensely. You know I have a cousin a few year younger than me. She claims that I refuse to get old or I am not acting my age. She believes being over 40 is an excuse for letting yourself go. I believe to the contrary. Do we have to put a little more efforts? Yes, we do but at the end of the day it’s all worth it. Poor Madonna is getting so much flack for being fabulous at 50, she is 10 years my senior and boy I sure wish I could move like her. She’s my hero!!
It is definitely something I need to do as well. I have heard from so many women that refined sugars make them ill and I also find that I would be healthier without them. So thanks for reminding me that it really makes a difference! I also agree that you should work harder to stay healthy and in top shape after 40 and I’m a big Madonna admirer! I will write about this in the future, I’m sure.
Your comment inspired a new blogpost from me. Did you read it? http://40plusstyle.com/madonna-how-are-we-supposed-to-age/
I seem to have a figure of a pot bellied man! My problem is wide shoulders,
small bust, large stomach, slim bottom and legs.
5ft 9in tall. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
It sounds like some belly hiding tops will come in handy for you. Since you have nice legs you will want to put your attention there. Get well fitted straight or slightly flared pants and combine with a belly hiding top. Empire wast tops would work well for you. Combine with an A-line jacket to balance out your shoulders and give you more of an hourglass shape. You will also look good with a slight A-line skirt. As will an empire waist a-line dress that highlights your legs. Good luck! and if you need more help you can always post more questions in the style forum.
Thanks for the tips. One peeve of mine; I don’t understand how all the belly-hiding tips I read talk about tops flowing from empire waists. They make me look like I am pregnant! I get asked when the baby’s due!
Yes, all tips do certainly not work for everyone. These tips are just guidelines. Our bodies are all slightly different, so play around a bit with the advuce and see what works best for you.
My only issue is the shape wear. I have Gird. My stomach area has chronic swelling and shape wear makes that issue worse.
Yes it’s not for everyone. I seldom wear it as I find it too uncomfortable. The right underwear like good camisoles can already make a big difference…
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