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Flattering tummy dresses© Supplied

9 stylish tummy flattering dresses: Expert stylist advice & tips on the best styles to wear

From occasionwear to everyday styles, we've found the best dresses to flatter the tummy 

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Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: 4 days ago
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We're all about feeling like our most confident selves as we go into spring, 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. 

Wrap style 

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."

Phase Eight Violet Floral Dress

Phase Eight Violet Floral Dress© Phase Eight

Editor's Note:

If you're searching for a tummy-flattering dress for a special occasion, Phase Eight's Violet floral wrap dress is the perfect option. It is the perfect feminine style to pair with gold (or pink!) accessories for your next occasion.

Live Unlimited Animal Print V-Neck Midaxi Shirred Wrap Dress

Marks and Spencer wrap dress© Live Unlimited

Editor's Note:

M&S stocks a brand called Live Unlimited London and this dress is perfect for a party. Featuring a burnout zebra print, the dress is cut to a regular fit, with a wrap-style v-neck that creates a flattering silhouette.

New Look Burgundy Midi Dress

New Look burgundy wrap dress© New Look

Editor's Note:

Looking for a chic dress in the colour of the season? New Look's burgundy wrap dress is the one. It has a feminine V-neck and a tummy-flattering wrap front. Pair the dress with stylish strappy sandals for a modern look.


 Tummy skimming

Tummy skimming dresses are a popular choice when you're conscious of your tummy. The smock works to distract from any lumps and bumps that you may wish to hide but they can also be a bit shapeless. If you're going to opt for a smock, be sure to have some fun with it with bright colour or loud prints and don't go too oversized. 

Mint Velvet Blue Floral Print Ruched Midi Dress

Mint Velvet Blue Floral Print Ruched Midi Dress© Mint Velvet

Editor's Note:

Mint Velvet's new floral dress is a must for a special occasion in 2025. Available in sizes 6 - 18, the chic number will look great styled with boots or heels.

Cos Tie Detail White Dress

white tummy flattering dress© Cos

Editor's Note:

If you're shopping for your warmer weather wardrobe, this tummy skimming white tie detail dress ticks all of the boxes. The midi dress can be styled in so many different ways. 

Rixo Marigold Silk Midi Dress

Rixo tummy flattering dress© Rixo

Editor's Note:

For those of you who don't know, Rixo stocks extended sizes online. This dress is truly stunning and is such an easy, wear-everywhere style. This version is printed with polka dots - the print works for so many occasions and is subtle enough for every day. This would look amazing whatever footwear you choose.

Belted shirt dresses

There are so many shirt dress styles to choose from, but the trick is to find one that drapes in the areas that you feel least comfortable with. It's a timeless style and it's ideal for formal wear and smart daywear. Belted dresses create an hourglass silhouette by highlighting the waist and are a great option for combining comfort and style, 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." 

Boden Mia Tiered Shirt Dress

Boden shirt dress© Boden

Editor's Note:

Could this be the ultimate flattering dress? Made from 100% cotton, this dress is all about a freeing, flowy fit to a cinched shape as, and when, you please.

Wyse London Dee Dee Shirt Dress

Wyse London flattering on the tummy leopard print dress© Wyse London

Editor's Note:

Everything about Wyse London's Annie dress is flattering. The midi length, the button-up front, the relaxed belt situation - it's just incredible. This will look wonderful with brown suede knee-high boots now, and with sandals in the summer. 

Hush Black Martina Midi Shirt Dress

Hush dress© Hush

Editor's Note:

The Hush 'Martina' dress is guaranteed to flatter every figure. It goes up to a size 18 and it features a midi length, a button-up front and breathable airflow fabric which means it never feels bulky.

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