While the weather doesn't always seem like it, summer is unofficially here – and the warmer weather can come with a sense of dread to pull out our more revealing, warm weather clothing.
However, we're all about feeling like our most confident selves in 2024, which is why finding a dress that will make you feel gorgeous without feeling the desire to cover up is a must.
There are so many dress styles around right now that are designed to flatter the tummy, and the key is often to add an element of distraction to the area, whether that's with ruching or a knot – and there are plenty of belted options too that bring in the waist to create an enhanced shape.
Celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson, who has worked with the likes of Fearne McCann and Kate Ferdinand, has given her top tips on the most flattering options for women, and I've hand picked the most stylish options around right now so that you don't have to…
How I chose
- Style: Whether you're searching for a wedding guest outfit, a special occasion look, or a staple dress that you can wear on repeat, I've chosen a range of styles in midi, maxi, and mini designs, so there should be something to suit everyone's taste.
- Inclusivity: I've tried to be as inclusive as possible with my choices, and plenty of the dresses in the list have extended sizes and plus-size options.
- Expert advice: I've selected styles based on expert knowledge, with wrap, knot, ruched, and belted designs.
Best wrap dresses
Wrap dresses are flattering on all body types as the cinched waist paired with the V-neck design enhances the hips and bust to give a slimming effect. Wrap dresses are a great staple for all year, but they are particularly popular during the spring and summer.
Ellis told us: "The wrap dress is an easy go-to. It works for all body types as the v-neck works for smaller and larger chests and can be tied to pull you in at the waist. Bring in a print to work this style into your trends."
Sizes: 8-26
Shipping: £2.95 or free with a £150 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
If you're searching for a tummy-flattering dress for a special occasion, Phase Eight's wrap dress is the perfect wedding guest option. The stunning magenta shade is ideal for spring, and the delicate pleating combined with the waist-shaping belt will help you to feel your best from every angle.
Sizes: 6-24
Colours: Available in blue and navy
Shipping: £3.99 or free with a £60 spend
Returns: Within 35 days
M&S's printed midi dress features a flattering V-neck with a wrap design that perfectly cinches the waist. The stretchy fit provides comfort for everyday wear, while the contrasting blue and white print makes the dress easy to elevate with accessories. Style the printed number with heeled boots and a leather jacket for a stylish day-to-night ensemble, or opt for ballet flats and a longline coat for an effortless work look.
Sizes: 6-22
Colour: Black/orange/green tropical
Shipping: £2.99 or free with a £50 spend
Retuns: Within 28 days
Looking for a breezy summer dress that's also a dopamine boost? New Look's tropical midi dress is the one. It has a feminine V-neck, and spaghetti straps, and a tummy-flattering faux wrap front, complete with an adjustable tie fastening. Pair the dress with trainers and a chunky cardigan for cooler summer days, and then switch to a pair of sandals for a gorgeous summer look.
Best knot dresses
Knot dresses not only bring you in at the waist, but when the knot design is placed at the front, it works to distract from any lumps and bumps that you may wish to hide. Mini dresses with knot detailing can also be extremely flattering on the figure, as they can enhance the appearance of an elongated leg.
Sizes: 10-32
Shipping: £4.50 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Simply Be's slinky maxi dress features rope plaited straps and a twist front design that's so flattering on the figure. Available in sizes 10-32, the sexy number will look great styled with gold accessories to unleash your inner goddess.
Sizes: 4-16
Colours: Available in black and beige
Shipping: £3.95 or free with a £30 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
For a shorter style, Mango's knot detail dress ticks all of the boxes. Made from a cotton and linen mix for maximum comfort, the shirt-style mini dress features a V-neck collar, long sleeves with a slit on the front, and a knot finish for a flattering effect. The mini can be styled in so many different ways, and I'd pair it with trainers and a denim jacket. Then, for hotter days, slip on a pair of strappy mules and team with a raffia and leather bag, and you're all set!
Sizes: XS-XL
Shipping: £3.95 or free with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
Mint Velvet's stylish grey midi dress features a loose fit with a V-neckline and long fluted sleeves, finished with a knot front that brings in the waist to enhance the shape. Both comfortable and chic, the textured number would look amazing with knee-high boots for an evening ensemble, or opt for ballet flats and a longline coat for a smart everyday look.
Sizes: 4-18
Shipping: £4.50 or free with a £40 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
A unique twist of the classic knot style, ASOS's red mini dress features twisted detailing across the body, while the elevated ruching adds to the flattering appearance. With its slash neck, relaxed skirt and subtle side split, the ASOS number is effortlessly stylish, and it would look incredible teamed with a pair of gold heels.
Best ruched dresses
There are so many ruched dress styles to choose from, but the trick is to find one that drapes in the areas that you feel least comfortable with. Whether the detailing is at the waist, bust, or hips, the timeless style is a great option for formal wear and smart daywear.
Sizes: 4-16
Colours: Six colours available
Shipping: £6 or free with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
Everything about Reformation's silk dress is flattering. The cowl neck, the ruching across the waist, the crossed open back - it's just incredible. Whether the special occasion is, this silk number will definitely have all eyes on you, and it's also available in red, blue, lilac and more.
Sizes: 6-18
Colours: Available in four colours
Shipping: £4 or free with a £50 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
The ruched detailing on River Island's bodycon dress sits across the stomach, bust, hips and back, so its guaranteed to flatter every figure. It features a midi length, a crew neckline and a split hem, finished with a pinstripe print for a sophisticated finish. Available in four colours, the midi can be worn for just about any occasion, and it looks so stylish paired with brown heeled boots.
Sizes: 4-18
Colours: Available in cream and khaki
Shipping: £5.95 for next day delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Could this be the ultimate springtime dress? Reiss's Lena midi dress gives a vintage-style feel with its semi-structured shape and rolled sleeves. Made from 100% cotton, the soft style is complete with side splits, pockets and delicate ruching across the waist. The black contrasting trim perfectly rounds off the classic look, and I'd recommend styling it with black sandals and a cream bag for an elegant finish.
Best belted dresses
Similarly to wrap dresses, belted dresses create an hourglass silhouette by highlighting the waist. Shirt dresses are a great option for combining comfort and style, and you can elevate your figure even further by teaming one with a pair of heels to elongate the legs.
Ellis revealed: "A belt can be your best accessory, whether you add to your shirt dress or opt for a dress that already has a belt."
Sizes: 6-24 UK
Colours: Blue
Shipping: £4.99 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Karen Millen is filled with luxe-looking fashion pieces that are elegant for both day and night wear, and this printed dress (which while not belted, has a similar waist-defining detail) is no exception. Made from soft cotton sateen fabric, the dress falls to a midi hemline, and features a flared A-line skirt. The gorgeous statement piece would look just as stylish teamed with strappy silver heels as it would ballet flats or trainers.
Sizes: 32-44 UK
Shipping: Free with a £80 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
A belted dress is a great option if you prefer a slightly looser fit, and they can feel comfortable while bringing you in a the waist to create shape. & Other Stories' tweed mini dress will exaggerate the leg when paired with boots or heels, and it would look look so chic styled with Chanel-style ballet flats, or loafers and an oversized leather jacket on cooler days.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: Available in Stripe or Cream/Grey patterned
Shipping: £3.99 or free with a £30 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
Whether you're wearing it to work or for date night, H&M's shirt dress is so versatile without compromising on style. Featuring a calf-length and a loose fit that is tied in by the detachable belt, the dress will be a staple in any wardrobe, while the puff sleeves give the classic stripes a modern feel.
Sizes: 4-22
Colours: Ivory and Multistripe
Shipping: £3.95 or free with a £50 spend
Returns: Within 90 days
Boden never disappoints when it comes to stylish printed pieces, and the Kate dress is a daywear go-to with an extra something. It has a swishy skirt, a calf-grazing hem, and a waist-defining belt, finished with a joyous multi-colour stripe that screams summer. Style it with sandals or flats for a fresh everyday ensemble.
