3 Chic Tops That Hide Your Belly
One of the questions I’m asked the most by women 40+ is “How do I hide my belly without looking frumpy?” My friends, throwing on a long t-shirt over leggings isn’t the answer. I started gaining weight in my midsection about ten years ago and have been experimenting with styles since then. Here’s what has worked and what hasn’t…
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Tops With Embellished Hems
One of the reasons a long t-shirt doesn’t work is that it makes your outfit look unfinished. It also looks circa 2016, when tunic tops with leggings were popular.
Instead of a t-shirt with a straight hem, try a top with an embellished hem. The embellished hem, whether it’s a border print, an embroidery, or an interesting shape, makes your styling choice intentional. Tops like these aren’t meant to be tucked in.
I’m wearing this Linen Shell with a scalloped hem. The S is just the right length (I’m just under 5’4″ with a shorter torso) to cover my belly. It also has a subtle swing (or A-line) shape to create a little space between the hem and my hips. It’s also the right length to create that 1/3-2/3 proportion, which looks much more flattering than cutting your figure in half with a longer top.
The tank top clings to my lower hips, cuts my figure in half, and has a straight hem that just looks it needs to be tucked.
Outfit Details: Linen Top / Shorts / Flip-Flops
This J.Jill Poplin Tank is similar to mine, but in white and with a larger scalloped hemline. It is available in navy and white, in Regular, Petite, and Tall sizes. If you prefer sleeves, take a look at this Floral Print A-line Top.
Drawstring Tops
For the past few years, there has been a huge emphasis on belts. While I love statement belts, there are days (months? years?) when I want to hide my belly, rather than highlight it. Drawstring tops, however, add subtle shape without calling too much attention to the midsection.
My Tie-Waist Tee is similar to my scalloped hem linen shell in that the hemline is designed to be left untucked, and the length just covers my belly.
Outfit Details: Striped Top / Shorts / Sandals / Water Bottle Crossbody
If you prefer a blouse to a t-shirt, take a look at this Voile Drawstring Top. It comes in black, red and a blue print.
Also consider a top with a drawstring at the waist, like this Short Sleeve Blouse. Just make sure that the blouse doesn’t have an exaggerated peplum, stiff or excess fabric may emphasize your belly shape.
Crisp/Structured Tops
Instead of a stretchy, clingy top (as comfortable as that might be) try a top in a crisp, structured fabric like 100% linen or cotton poplin. Blouses with puff sleeves, like my J.Crew Puff-Sleeve Shirt skims the belly and draws attention way with the decorative sleeve. Pair your structured top with slimmer pants to create a balanced look.
Also consider a top with a curved hem (which makes it intentional to leave it out) and draws the eyes away from your belly. This Linen Blend Blouse has a curved hem and is longer than the other tops I have featured. It’s perfect for those of us who like more coverage in the back too!
This Gauze Popover is another curved hem top – the fabric isn’t as crisp as a poplin but it does have some structure so it wont cling to your curves.
Tops To Avoid (Or At Least Consider Carefully)
First of all, I’m going to disagree with some popular opinions for tops that hide a belly: ruched tops, empire waist tops and peplums draw attention to your belly. They all have areas that are tight/clingy and then a bunch of loose fabric around the midsection. That contrast between tight and loose exaggerates your shape.
I recommend shapes that skim your body and balance your shape by adding a volume to your slimmer areas, and snugly covering your heavier areas for example a-line tops, boxy tops and corved-hem tops.
What To Wear With Your Chic Tops
The key to avoid looking frumpy in an untucked top is to wear slimmer bottoms. A pant or skirt that is fitted at the hips balances a loose or long top. A pant or skirt that is loose around the hips (for example a tiered maxi skirt) will add more volume to your hips and belly. They can be wide at the bottom (like wide leg pants or an a-line skirt) but not right at your belly.
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