If you’re subscribed to my monthly newsletter, you might have participated in my reader’s survey where one of the questions asked was about what you like to play up or minimize on your body. The response was almost unanimous! Most readers said stomach, and while I covered this topic briefly before, I wanted to expand upon the topic in a blog post.

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing.

Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Things to Avoid

• Clingy or thin materials. Just don’t do it. If you prefer to wear something fitted, choose a thicker, more structured fabric.
• Pleated skirts. The largest part of my body other than my chest is my midsection. For this reason, I tend to avoid wearing skirts altogether. I can’t stand to have the pressure around my waist. If you like skirts, pick up one that is smooth in material, since pleats can add volume around your middle.
• Low rise pants or jeans. You don’t want them sitting under your tummy or cut across it. It’s really uncomfortable and not very flattering.

Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Best Practices

• Good posture. My photographer always tells me to stand up straight and to think tall! It sounds funny, but it’s true. Take a picture of yourself slouching and then one with great posture and you’ll look like you dropped 10 pounds. I’m serious, try it!
• Watch your proportions. Wearing oversized anything can make or break you. This is why I like to opt for a petite tunic versus a regular one. Another trick is to size down if you can or wear a belt around your waist to create a feminine silhouette.

Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Good Clothing Options

• I absolutely love these tummy control workout pants that I found at Nordstrom Rack. Seriously life changing! Working out is tough enough, why put yourself through more stress when you don’t have to? These pants make you feel slim and pulled in, plus when you’re twisting and moving you don’t have to worry about exposing your belly.
• Ruched tops and dresses do wonders for your midsection. I love the Zella workout tees for this very reason. I have them in a handful of colors and even wear them as a nightshirt. Another great workout tee is this one from the Gap.
• Vest, jackets and long cardigans are your friend. Think of these as your security blanket. Not only do they provide a lean side profile, but they also add a touch of chicness to your look. Add these pieces to tops, blouses, dresses, and even skirts.
• Have a variety of chiffon, silk, and even polyester in your closet. Be sure that the fabric is not too billowy otherwise it will just make you appear larger. Tops and dresses that have some form of draping at the front will also look great.
• Dresses also help minimize the midsection. Of course, not all dresses are created equal, so try on different styles to see what works best on your frame. Take note of the silhouette and then look for variations of it. If you’re not sure, take a selfie and then assess your options.
• High-waisted denim, pants, or skirts can really help flatter the tummy and elongate your frame. Plus they’re more comfortable than low rise styles.

What tips do you have for minimizing the midsection? Please share in the comments.

Jacket: Nordstrom (similar) | Top: Who What Wear (similar) | Necklace: Ann Taylor (also cute) | Earrings: J.Crew (cute and affordable) |Denim: Banana Republic (similar) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (old) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (another cute option) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

When you’re petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you’re not short, that doesn’t mean that you’re not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. I am just shy of 5’4 and have a larger upper body (broad shoulders, large chest, and belly). My torso is short and I have trouble finding tops that aren’t overly long. I have the same problem with dresses and skirts because I have a short waist. My lower half is narrow, and I often go for pants that are ankle length, cropped, or skinny (worn cuffed) to avoid hemming.

Petite Misconceptions

This adorable top by Pleione is a Petite large. I tried a regular size large and it was too billowy and long. As mentioned before, you don’t have to be small all over to be considered petite. Being petite can be chalked up to a few things: length of limbs, shoulder width, bust size, and length of waist.

I styled this cute top with my favorite skinny jeans, sandals, and adorable cat purse (available in several colors). The bracelets and earrings are perfect for everyday since they are so easy to wear.

Tip for Shopping Petite

Shopping petite can be tricky depending on the retailer. When shopping at Loft I usually wear a size 4 or 6 in their pants. If I go for the petite option, I go up a size. For example, if the regular size 6 fits, I would be a size 8 p. More often than not, the petite option is small all over not just in length so that’s why it helps to size up. A lot of petite clothing is like this. I am narrow through the hips but that doesn’t mean that my calves and thighs are petite.

If you’re small all over, check out the the kids section. Depending on where you shop, you can sometimes get the same brands sold in the women’s department, but for a fraction of the price. Usually, sizes 12-16 will fit quite well; I used to do this all the time when I was a smaller size. The kid’s section is also a great alternative if your feet are small.

Petite Brands I love

Petite clothing has come a long way, and there is more available. If not in-store, then definitely online.

• Gibson
• Halogen
• Caslon
• Pleione

Retailers that sell Petite

• Nordstrom
• Anthropologie
• Banana Republic
• J.Crew
• J.Crew Factory
• Asos
• Ann Taylor
• Loft
• Macy’s
• Petite Studio New York
• Top Shop

No matter your size, you’re fabulous! For more body positivity, check out my feature on the Stitch Fix blog for their My Body My Style campaign.

Shop the post:

Top: Pleione (sold out/another cute option) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Purse: Ted Baker | Sandals: Josef Seibel (no longer available) | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick  (Pink Power) c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits