Moving on from booties, this week it’s all about bellies.  Below is everything I learned about dressing and looking awesome even if one does have a bit more tummy than maybe she’d choose.

Tip #1:

Don’t wear belly-baring clothing, like low-rise jeans and short tops.   Always put a long tank top under tops the length is iffy or won’t stay tucked in.

This one is for everyone, belly or not.  You’d thing that would be a given, but crop tops are back and low rise jeans are still around, and seeing ensembles like this on the pages of high end catalogues as well as the sidewalks around town, I just want to throw out there that some parts of even a perfect body should not be displayed, ever, except when in a bikini. An exposed midriff isn’t appropriate on anyone of any age. Just saying.

Ok, enough soapbox!  Here’s the latest and greatest of dressing that cute little belly:

First, they all said it – embrace shape wear:  bike shorts, one-piece body shapers, footless hose and opaque stockings.  I guess like a dynamite bra that makes the girls look bigger, smaller, fuller, cleavage, whatever – shape wear can change your shape instantly, smoothing away a pooch or muffin and giving you support – you’ll love the way you look so much you’ll never go back to your stretched out old bra and panties again.  Plus, there are a lot of good brands making supportive under garments.  Think about it, give it a try and let us know what you think.

From there, (with or without shape wear)

Go for dresses with a higher waistline, like an empire, that is slightly fuller on top and nice and slim on bottom.

Wrap dresses are great because you can tie the tie around the slimmest part of your waist.

Dresses that have structure like a-lines and straight shifts provide a nice shape, as opposed to something flimsy and floaty which offer no support.

Color blocked dresses that are dark below the boobs and down the front slim the middle.

Relaxed fit t-shirts and blouses in soft fabrics will drape smoothly.  Avoid anything that clings.

Make sure that tops hang over the tummy rather than go underneath it.

Tops with draping, crossover details, ruching, wrap, tiers or shirring are terrific details that camouflage tummies.  Empire line tops and scoop and v-necks are great too.

Loosely belt a long thin sweater with a slim belt, or belt a top or dress under an open cardigan for subtle waist definition.

A single-breasted coat or jacket, or one with princess seaming or a peplum style will create or highlight your nipped in waist.

Leave a dark jacket open over a light colored top to create a slimming vertical line down your center.

Say no to bathrobe style coats, jackets and sweaters as well as short Bolero or other above the waist styles.

Choose straight leg style pants and jeans instead of leggings, skinny and tapered jeans, or drawstring pants.

Wear pants and jeans that will lie flat across your tummy, which will appear more polished and just better (and be more comfortable) than something that digs in.  Who cares about the size?  Wear what looks best.

Next week we’ll deal with dressing a big bust.  See ya!