Recently I shared a photo of my post baby belly, and a bunch of you expressed surprise since it’s not noticeable in most of my outfit photos! As someone who’s dealt with bloating most of my life, I had a little experience on what types of clothing and silhouettes work to camouflage a tummy. So whether you’re postpartum, bloated, or just want to feel more confident around your midsection area, here’s a few dressing rules of thumb that may help!
Check my IG Reels for my corresponding styling video, and more videos on other styling tips!
1. When in doubt, go A-line with higher waistline (not empire style)
Right: Few Moda dress xs (same pattern & fully stocked), Castaner wedges 5, bag, earrings
Instead of tight styles like on the left hand side, the universally flattering silhouette on the right is my go-to! The higher waistline is elongating on a petite frame, and allows the A-line skirt to flow freely over the belly and hips area. It works on either dresses or peplum style tops, like this one I’ve been loving for summer. Empire waistlines (which hit right below the bust line) work too, but approach with caution since they can sometimes look too youthful or maternity-like.
Shift dresses that graze the figure are another great alternative, but I love the more defined waistline that A-line cuts give.
Side note: I have been obsessed with Few Moda dresses lately – after buying their quarterly membership I have found it to be very worth it even to buy just 1 item, since the price of a dress plus the membership is still less than comparable styles from other brands!
2. Play around with prints
Prints and patterns, especially colorful or larger scale ones can do wonders for camouflaging trouble areas!
3. Try a higher rise
What an improvement this simple swap makes in the above photo! Finding the most flattering rise for your body type may take some trial and error, but in general, I’ve found bottoms that hit at my navel to be the most tummy friendly and elongating on my petite frame.
4. Know when to size up
If you’re dealing with muffin tops at the waist area, the simplest fix is to try the next size up. When my weight fluctuated quite a bit postpartum, I bought a handful of my favorite bottoms in the next size up and it made such a difference! Wearing a size too small is also the usual culprit for back bulges.
5. Smooth with shaper shorts
Spanx or TC brand will have more serious control top shorts, but for everyday wear you guys know I love my lightweight Uniqlo shaper shorts (see a style tip with them in this post)! They add just a light level of smoothing and shaping and are comfortable for me to wear and sit in all day.
While pregnant, I also swore by my maternity shaper shorts which helped provide a little tummy and back support, and kept my belly button from showing through dresses!
Speaking of maternity, I received this super duper comfy bamboo blend dress in both sage green and black as a gift, and didn’t even realize it was labeled “maternity” until I went to link it! It’s made of a very stretchy ribbed material that’s cooling and comfy against the skin. Nothing is maternity-specific about it, so I’d definitely recommend for non-maternity wear too if you’re looking for a comfortable maxi tank dress!
I wear the black colored one all the time – sleek, flattering and easy to dress up or down. Size Small is a figure grazing fit on me (currently 5 ft, 95lb). There is a short slit in the back center, and the material is so stretchy I’m actually able to pull the neckline down to breastfeed in.
6. Knot a sweater or jacket around the waist
Or, look for pieces that have interesting gathering or wider ties at the center waist area!
Hi! Do you have the mini Polene bag or the full size? It’s so beautiful 🤩
Good catch! I have the mini but accidentally linked to the full size, will update that now!
For the Kindred Braverly dress, did you need to modify the length to make it fit?
No modifications! Since it is a size S though it may hang looser on someone who is typically xxs/xs but I found it to be a comfortable fit.
The color of the mini dress is so pretty, the top part is very nice but the bottom of it looks like that body con style which I don’t think looks good on anyone 🙂 Love how you have so many great tricks Jean!
Love this post, Jean! I personally love flowy dresses and super high-rise jeans (although they are always so hard to find where they hit in the right place on my ankles 🙁 xx
Angie x
Thank you Angie! With jeans don’t be afraid to cut the hems to a suitable length 🙂
Thank you for these tips Jean! I’m also 5’0″ and have bloating issues too. I find myself gravitating toward unflattering sweats and loose pants but definitely will look for more high/mid-rise jeans and A-line dresses for a more flattering look!
Love these helpful hints, Jean!
Happy to hear that! xx
With the uniqlo shaper shorts, how high is the rise? I’m 4-10 and short waisted, or maybe it’s just that I’m short. I wear the Vassarette slip shorts and find that they are a tad too high and roll over. For me it’s got to hit below my belly button. If the photo of the model shows below the belly button, then it’s probably right at my belly button.
Hi Rhonda, the rise is approximately 10”, but is hard to measure accurately because there’s no defined center crotch. I’m 5’ and these just about reach my belly button
Thank you so much. I had my baby around the same time as you had your son and its been helpful to normalize and stylize this new postpartum body of mine.
Hi Taylor, thank you for your note! It’s always an encouragement to hear this type of feedback from fellow mamas
I ordered the Open Edit dress & promptly returned it. Like you, it was not for me 😳
It had looked so cute on the model I was hopeful, but it’s just not the right style for my body!
Love those jeans! Perfect for petites
Thank you Jean. I bought the Uniqlo Shaper Shorts years ago because of you & it’s really amazing. It’s not overly tight, it gives me a great shape & it doesn’t ride up. I absolutely love it.
I’m so happy to hear this! They are absolutely and undergarment staple for me
You look beautiful! Thank you for sharing these tips and showing how different postpartum bodies can be. I’ve had a hard time accepting my belly after my pregnancies and your post helps so much! I’m also petite and when your belly stretches sooooo much to grow a beautiful baby, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t snap back right away. My issue was diastasis recti. PT helped a lot but I still need tips like these to feel more confident. I think peplum tops are flattering. Thank you again! Remember your body did such an amazing thing… twice!
You are so sweet, thank you for your kind note! And I agree that peplum tops can be a great flattering choice. Sending my best to you and your little ones!
Hi! Just saw your post about the few mods dress. Can I ask what bra you wear with that? I also have some material showing from
Mine in low
Square necks, so I’m curious what works for
You! Thank you
I wear just a regular bra, the Neiwai spaghetti strap bra I recently reviewed. But sometimes I wear this dress with no bra since the smocking and pattern helps conceal!
I’m definitely more conscious of my belly these days (5 weeks PP) and these tips are incredibly helpful! I love that you make fitted silhouettes look flattering. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing!
Would also love to see a full review on Few Moda with more of your pics – I’m intrigued!
Congratulations on your little one!! And thank you so much for your sweet words.
Regarding Few Moda, so far have been very happy with my experience! Shipping took a little longer on some items but I’ve been pleased with the quality and fit of the dresses I’ve gotten.
Such helpful tips, Jean! The Few Moda Dress is so pretty but sold out now. If anyone else is looking for the blue floral pattern, the kourt Calypso Maxi Dress on the same website linked under the first picture is similar.
Oh yes, I’ve tried that dress also and it’s super cute as well! Thanks for mentioning that one Betty!
Which bag do you have from Sea and Grass? I love it! Is it a small or medium?
Thank you! Mine is a mini but looks like it’s no longer available
Thank you for your honest posts and normalizing postpartum bellies! I’m starting to accept my new body and your posts definitely help me.
I’m so glad, mama! Postpartum bodies are all so personal and different, but are normal and beautiful! It can definitely take some time to get used to and embrace