How to Dress with Confidence (and Gently Conceal the Tummy)

As a stylist with over five years of experience dressing women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles, there's one recurring insecurity that comes up time and time again: the midsection.

And I’ll be honest—most of the time, I genuinely couldn’t see what my clients were referring to. We are far more critical of ourselves than anyone else ever is. But what I’ve learned is this: confidence plays the biggest role in how we show up in the world.

It doesn’t matter if someone is wearing the most stunning outfit—if they feel like their belly is visible (even if no one else notices it), they won’t feel their best. That’s where I come in. As a stylist, my job is to help women find pieces that don’t just look beautiful—but make them feel beautiful.

So today, I want to share my tried-and-true tips to help you dress in a way that lifts your confidence, flatters your shape, and gives you that little extra boost—especially if you're someone who’s conscious of your tummy area.

I can't stress this enough: the right lingerie can completely transform the way clothes sit on your body.

Let’s start with the bra. If you’re wearing one that doesn’t fit well—and deep down, you know it—your posture naturally shifts. You slouch, you round your shoulders, and suddenly your whole outfit loses its magic. It’s like what we did as teenagers, trying to hide as we adjusted to our changing bodies.

I still remember my mammy gently reminding me to stand tall, shoulders back, and lead with confidence—and I’m so grateful she did. Because no matter our age, our bodies keep changing. Sometimes we embrace it, sometimes we struggle. But the right bra can make a world of difference: it supports, uplifts (literally and emotionally!), and improves posture so your clothes fall more smoothly.

Another optional—but often helpful—layer is a sculpting underpiece . Especially when wearing more fitted dresses, many women tell me it helps them feel more secure and confident. It’s not about hiding—it’s about supporting and enhancing your natural shape. Think of it like a soft, supportive hug that smooths things out and helps highlight the waist, if that’s what you want.

This is, hands down, one of the simplest and most effective ways to gently conceal the tummy area—without overthinking it. In fact, many of my customers already do this instinctively, even before they come to me for styling advice. There’s something naturally comfortable and flattering about soft, flowing fabrics that skim over the midsection instead of clinging to it.

Think blouses, tunics, wrap tops, and A-line dresses made from breathable, fluid materials like chiffon, crepe, or viscose. These pieces move with you, allow room to breathe, and offer that light, effortless feel where you’re not adjusting your clothes every five minutes or worrying about how you look when you sit down.

That said, when you’re using this technique, it’s important to consider your body shape—especially with flowy fabrics. If the cut isn’t quite right for your proportions, the effect can go from easy and elegant to bulky or shapeless.

For example, if you have an apple-shaped figure , I always recommend pairing a flowy top with a more open neckline , ideally a V-neck. This helps to elongate the neck, draw attention upwards, and balance the overall silhouette. A closed-up or high neckline combined with looser fabric can sometimes make the upper body feel too “covered,” which creates a heavier look.

So the key here is balance :
Let the fabric do its soft-skimming magic over the tummy, but create structure and shape elsewhere—whether it’s through the neckline, a cinched sleeve, or a statement necklace that adds focus.

Now, onto one of the more challenging areas for many of our customers— trousers . This is where we often see the most frustration: finding a pair that doesn’t cling in the wrong places, feels comfortable around the belly, and still looks elegant and polished.

Truthfully, this part usually takes a little trial and error. You may need to try on several pairs before finding the one that really works for you—and that’s completely normal. But once you do? It’s a game-changer.

If your main concern is your midsection , a great rule of thumb is to go for high-waisted trousers or jeans . Why? Because a higher waistline sits at the narrowest part of your torso, helps hold everything in place, and allows your tummy to rest more comfortably without feeling squeezed or exposed.

The magic really lies in the structure and tailoring . The right trousers will gently smooth and support your shape—giving you that "held-in" feeling without restriction. You're not just looking for stretch—you want thoughtful construction: a firm waistband, good-quality fabric, and darts or pleats in the right places.

But here’s the key: the leg shape also matters, and this should be chosen based on your overall body shape.

• Apple shapes may prefer a straighter or slightly tapered leg to balance proportions.

• Pear shapes might go for a wider-leg or bootcut to complement their curves.

• Petite frames often benefit from a slim, cropped fit to elongate the legs.

• Curvier figures may find magic in a structured wide-leg trouser that drapes from the waist down.

Getting the waist right is the start—but don’t forget the rest of the silhouette. The goal is a pair of trousers that works with your shape, not against it.

Our customers love a good layering piece—and for good reason! When styled right, layering is one of the easiest and most effective ways to camouflage a fuller midsection while still looking effortlessly put-together.

Longer cardigans and structured blazers help create a clean vertical line down the body, which naturally elongates your frame and provides gentle coverage over the tummy area. It’s subtle but incredibly effective.

A little tip: opt for a single-button blazer over a double-breasted one. When you're looking to soften or disguise the midsection, extra fabric at the front isn’t your friend. A single-button closure gives you that streamlined silhouette without any bulk.

When it comes to cardigans, medium-weight fabrics are your best friend. You want something that drapes well without clinging. Too thin and it hugs everything; too thick and it can look bulky. The sweet spot is a piece that moves with you and glides over the body.

Stylist bonus points? Wear a column of one colour underneath your layer—it elongates the body and creates a chic, uninterrupted line from top to toe.

Also, steer clear of anything too boxy. Look for blazers with soft tailoring—things like princess seams, subtle darts, or a gentle peplum detail. These give you shape and structure while still offering comfort and coverage.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in hiding the parts of ourselves we feel insecure about, that we forget to celebrate the parts we love. But this might just be the most important tip of all —focus on what makes you feel amazing, and let that be the centre of attention.

Maybe you have beautiful eyes—why not wear a statement earring in a pop of colour, or a flattering neckline that draws attention to your face? If you love your legs, don’t be afraid to show them off with a shorter hemline, or try a pair of fabulous trousers that highlight your shape.

Confidence comes from shifting the focus . Instead of dressing to hide, start dressing to highlight. What you love about yourself deserves just as much attention—if not more—than the parts you're still learning to accept.

Because at the end of the day, style isn't just about clothes. It's about joy, self-expression, and feeling proud to show up as you.

very woman deserves to feel confident in her clothes—whether she’s dressing for a big event, a day at work, or simply popping to the shops. The right outfit can completely shift your energy, especially when it helps you feel secure, seen, and like yourself.

At Aines Boutique , we’re passionate about helping real women feel their absolute best—no matter their shape, age, or stage in life. Whether you're looking for the perfect layering piece, a flattering dress, or just need a little guidance, we're here to support you with honest advice and pieces that work for your body, not against it.

Pop in-store for a personal styling session or browse our handpicked collection online. You deserve to feel fabulous—belly and all 💖