One of the repeat requests I’ve gotten is for work outfits that specifically don’t accentuate the belly. I’ll admit that pre-pregnancy, I almost always tucked my tops into high waisted bottoms (in order to highlight the waist), which may not always be comfortable or flattering. So whether you just want to cover up your midsection, or if you’re newly expecting and don’t want colleagues to know just yet, here are a few simple “camouflaging” tips!
WORK OUTFIT IDEAS THAT HIDE A BELLY
1. Basic Flattering Formula (business office-appropriate)
Cropped blazer + untucked, printed A-line blouse + elongating pants.
You’d be surprised at how much a drapey blouse in a large, bold print can camouflage! For reference, I’m over 5 months along in these snapshots. To add back some waist definition, I like shorter blazers like these that nip in at the front center, creating the slight illusion of a narrower waist.
For pants, I’d stick to a slim ankle silhouette (above) OR a floor-length boot cut trouser (below) to help lengthen the rest of your body. As mentioned in my recent reviews, I found LOFT maternity work pants in petite sizing to run a little small (especially at the belly band area) – I’m trying on 1 size up from my pre-pregnancy size in both pairs here.
2. Monochrome Layers
This won’t work wonders if you’re further along, but pairing a jacket over a blouse of the same color will add some layered dimension and take some attention away from the belly.
3. Tummy-forgiving Tops
A. Hip length drapey tunic + statement neck accessory (scarf, necklace)
I first featured this tunic in my Seattle post, and swear I still look exactly the same in it despite week after week of belly growth! It’s cut generously in a very lightweight / non-clingy maternity, which is key for the blouse to skim over your stomach. If you are not pregnant, size down if possible otherwise this might be too big.
B. Dark, longer tee with eye-catching neckline detail
Even though this is a semi-fitted tee, black + a longer length can be magic. I also like the general theme of interesting accessories or details (like this wide scalloped neckline!) that draw the eyes upward.
C. Tucked with a twist
So this is not for work, but this was one of my favorite tops (so soft & comfy!) from pre-pregnancy that’s still getting good wear! You might think the detailing would accentuate the belly, but all the twists and drapes camouflage that area rather well. Note it runs pretty short, so if you’re petite and buying it while expecting, I’d suggest trying regular sizing or one size up in petite for a little longer length. On a baby bump, I think it looks best when the twist knot detail fully falls below the belly.
