Stylish & Affordable Formal Dresses that Hide Your Belly

Looking for formal dresses to hide your belly? Here’s a list of dresses for both average and plus size women that does just that.

When searching for the perfect formal dress to wear as a wedding guest or for any other special occasion it may feel as if all the best dresses available are for women with a perfect waist. The truth is there are plenty of both stylish and affordable dresses that will have you feeling just as beautiful while hiding your dreaded belly fat.

Scroll down to view the complete list of formal dresses to hide belly:

Wrap Dresses to Hide Belly

Wrap dresses bring all of the focus to your waistline while removing attention away from a stubborn belly. The extra fabric afforded by a wrap dress helps to conceal your tummy and accentuate your waist creating the illusion of a slimmer tummy area. Of course, a great tummy support garment underneath gives extra help to keep things smooth and flat.

Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, $88, Lulus

*5 other colors available*
Size XS-3X

Loose Sleeve Maxi Plus Dress, $~~139~~ $83, City Chic

*Sizes 12-24, also available in 4 other colors.

Tie Waist Dresses

A tie waist dress is a great option for disguising an unwanted belly as the tie helps to bring the eye to the smallest part of your waist.

Sequin Tie Waist Dress, ~~$109~~, $27 ASOS

*Sizes 0-14*

Batwing Tie Waist Dress, ~~$100~~, $80, Asos

Off The Shoulder Plus Size Dress, ~~$65~~ $30, BooHoo

*Also available in 2 other colors*
Sizes 16-24

Empire Waist Dresses

The empire waist dress is perfect for disguising an unwanted belly as it drapes right below the bust line giving the illusion of a longer waist while hiding your belly.

Thoughts of Hue Dress, $98, Lulus

*Sizes XS-3X – Available in 6 other colors*

Black Plus Size Dress, $~~179~~ $107, City Chic

Dresses that Hide Tummy & Arms

It’s not uncommon to want a dress that hides both your tummy and arms as these two body areas are often a point of discomfort for a lot of women. Below are some great options that pack enough style no one will even notice you are trying to hide your tummy and arms.

Grey Long Sleeve Dress, $89, Lulus

*Sizes XS-XL – Available in 3 other colors.*

Gold Sequin Plus Size Dress, $64, Shein

Ruched Dresses

The ruched dress is the ultimate illusionist when trying to hide your imperfect waistline. It makes wearing formal dresses that are fitted to the body a lot more comfortable to wear as the ruching helps to hide your stomach pooch.

Cowl Neck Ruched Dress, $36, Amazon

*Size XS-XL – Available in a variety of colors.*

Sheer Sleeves Ruched Dress, $28, Amazon

*Size Large Plus-5X Plus*

Ruched Bustier Dress, ~~$149~~, $79, Avenue

*Sizes 14-24*

Draped Dresses to Hide Belly

Draped dresses are totally on-trend now and perfect for hiding your unwanted belly. The draped fabric around the waist area helps to hide a protruding stomach making you feel much more confident in wearing one to your next special occasion

Red Draped One Shoulder Dress, $95, ASOS

*Sizes 0-14*

Sassy Draped Dress, $~~119~~ $74, City Chic

*Sizes 12-24 *

Dresses with Prints

Prints are perfect for distracting the eyes away from the belly area and more on the actual print of the dress. A printed dress works best when combined with a loose fit or draped dress to help keep that tummy hidden.