Whether it’s due to having kids or menopause, or perhaps you never had a waistline - there are ways to make your outfit work for you so you stop feeling down about that pouch and start feeling excited and confident about your look.

Here are 6 ways to dress up your “disappearing” waistline:

1. Go for the garments which have the waistline built into them.

Some dresses/jackets/tops have a straight cut with the belt simply bringing the waist in - DON’T GO FOR THOSE. Instead look at the picture above and notice how each of these 3 garments have the seams within them to create that waistline for you. The first dress consists of a separate top and bottom half, connected with the seam at the waist. The second image is a jumpsuit with lots of seams to help you create the waistline. Plus notice how there is more volume around the sleeves and the hip area: this helps to create bigger volume visually at the top and the bottom, making the waist look smaller. The third image has short multiple vertical seams around the waist to help bring it in and create bigger volume at the top and the bottom, leaving the waistline more narrow.

2. Go for asymmetric elements within your outfit.

Those asymmetric lines will move the attention to a different place and will create an exciting unusual silhouette. The first image has a straight vertical line which is in itself helpful, but it also is asymmetric The second top has lots of asymmetric lines round the shoulder area and a diagonal slash across the body - again, all of these elements are diverting our attention. The dress on the third image has a diagonal slash line in the top half above the line and asymmetrical pleats at the bottom.

3. Go for A-line tops.

They can have a classic shoulder line if you don’t like oversized fit, yet, they widen up towards the hem - this will allow more room for your tummy.

4. Smart layering to create a long vertical line.

Go for a top layer which will help you create 2 vertical lines along your body, breaking it up into 3 sections vertically. It can be a blazer, a cardigan, and shirt dress, a kimono or a bomber jacket.

5. Shirt dress.

This will also create a long vertical line thanks to the long straight silhouette and the buttons in the middle. It’s also versatile as you can wear it as a layer - see the suggestion from #4. It will also help you hide that waist area. PRO TIP: This might not work if you’ve got a curvy frame, but will be great for a more angular figure.

6. Go for high-waisted jeans/trousers/skirts.

PRO TIP: If you’ve got a waistline but have a bump at the front which won't bulge and is bothering you, try high-waisted bottoms - they will help you keep that bump in, and will cinch you at the waist.

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Image at the top @ Getty Images