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

The sun is out and as we all know too well, the warmer weather can come with a sense of dread as we're compelled 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…

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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 Nelly Wrap Pleated Midi Dress

© Phase Eight

If you're searching for a tummy-flattering dress for a special occasion, Phase Eight's Nelly wrap dress is the perfect option. Inspired by the landscapes of Tuscany, the hand-painted print is lovely to look at and thanks to the waist-shaping belt, it will help you feel your best from every angle.

M&S Printed V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress

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.

New Look Red Floral Print Wrap Midi Dress

© New Look

Looking for a breezy summer dress that's also a dopamine boost? New Look's red and white midi dress is the one. It has a feminine V-neck and a tummy-flattering wrap front, complete with an adjustable tie fastening. Pair the dress with trainers for cooler summer days, and then switch to a pair of sandals for a dressier 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. 

Scamp & Dude Purple with Pink and Black Snow Leopard Maxi Dress

© Scamp & Dude

£115 AT SCAMP & DUDE

Scamp & Dude's dresses are so flattering on the figure and we love how they model them using women of all shapes and sizes. Available in sizes 6 - 22, the fun number will look great styled with trainers by day or with heels if you want to to unleash your inner wild side. 

Mint Velvet Leopard Print Ruffle Mini Dress

© Mint Velvet

For a shorter style, Mint Velvet's tummy skimming animal print dress ticks all of the boxes. The mini dress features a V-neck collar, long sleeves and ruffles for a flattering effect. The mini can be styled in so many different ways, and I'd pair it with chunky sandals and a raffia bag. 

Rixo Kristen Tiered Midi Dress

© Rixo

For those of you who don't know, Rixo now stocks extended sizes online. This dress is truly stunning and is such an easy, wear-everywhere style. This version is printed with ditsy 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." 

River Island Shirt Dress

© River Island

Everything about River Island's green and white dress is flattering. The midi length, the button-up front, the relaxed belt situation - it's just incredible. Whether the special occasion is, this number will definitely have all eyes on you. 

H&M Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

© H&M

£21.99 at H&M

The red and white floral print H&M dress is guaranteed to flatter every figure. It goes up to a 4XL and it features a midi length, a button-up front and short raglan sleeves. This dress can be worn for just about any occasion, and it looks so stylish paired with mesh ballet flats.

Boden Marcia Jersey Midi Shirt Dress

© Boden

£98 at Boden

Could this be the ultimate flattering dress? There’s something magical about an adjustable waist. You can go from a freeing, flowy fit to a cinched shape as, and when, you please.