💁‍♀️16 Genius Ways to Instantly Hide Belly Fat (Without Shapewear!)

Let’s be honest — we all have those days when our belly feels a little more present than we’d like. Whether it’s bloat, hormones, or just life, it happens — and guess what? It’s completely normal.

But if you want to feel instantly more confident in your clothes without shapewear, this viral video by the amazing @DanaBerez just dropped 16 genius styling tips that are total game changers. And yes, I had to react.

Let’s break it all down — the Emilly way. 💅✨

👖 1. Go High-Waisted or Go Home

If you’re still hanging onto low-rise jeans... girl, let them go. Dana shows exactly why high-rise bottoms are more flattering: they draw attention to the narrowest part of your body — your waist — instead of cutting into the widest part (aka, your hips). Major upgrade.

💃 2. A Bra That Actually Fits = Instant Lift

This surprised me: your bra choice can impact how your waistline looks. A good-fitting, supportive bra (like Dana’s fave from EBY) lifts “the girls” and helps visually define your waistline. No wires. No pinching. Just sculpted, elevated confidence.

🧵 3. Choose Structured Fabrics (Not Stretchy Everything)

Jeans with more cotton and less stretch offer way more support around the stomach. Dana’s go-to brands like J.Crew and Spanx have that structured feel that smooths everything out and gives a more tailored silhouette.

👖 4. Straight or Wide-Leg Pants Are Your Best Friend

Skinny jeans? Out. At least if your goal is to downplay the belly area. A wide-leg or straight-leg pant creates balance by flowing with your body — not highlighting your tummy. Plus, they're incredibly flattering and modern.

🧥 5. Layer with Intention

Throwing on a blazer or lightweight cardigan is one of the easiest ways to add structure and draw the eye vertically. Skip bulky fabrics, though — they just add volume where you don’t want it. Thin, sleek layers = smart concealment.

👗 6. Define the Waist = Define the Silhouette

Belts, peplum tops, A-line dresses... anything that draws in at the waist and flows out below helps sculpt that classic hourglass illusion. Dana reminds us this trick works for all body types — especially on bloated days.

🌸 7. Wear Prints — Yes, Really!

Prints trick the eye. Dana shows how a printed swimsuit conceals more than a solid one. Florals, geometrics, and vertical patterns all create flow and movement — and they keep the eyes moving (instead of focusing on your midsection).

📏 8. Vertical Details Elongate

Whether it’s vertical stripes, buttons, or seams, details that run up and down help elongate your figure. The result? A longer, leaner appearance. It's an old-school tip — because it works.

🎨 9. Dark Colors Slim Down

No shocker here — dark tones visually slim. Dana rocks black and charcoal trousers from Quince that streamline everything. Darker bottoms paired with lighter tops? Chef’s kiss for balance.

🎨 10. Go Monochrome for a Chic Illusion

Wearing one color from head to toe is one of the smartest ways to elongate your entire silhouette. And it doesn’t have to be all black! Dana says go beige, gray, pink — whatever fits your vibe. Just keep the tones unified.

💎 11. Draw Attention Up with Accessories

Forget the belly — pull focus upward. Think: chunky earrings, bold necklaces, silk scarves, or even a patterned top. It’s the styling version of “look over here!” — and it works every time.

📏 12. Wear Your True Size (Not Bigger)

Oversized clothes can actually make you look larger — not smaller. Dana says the key is wearing clothes that fit properly, with the right amount of structure. Not too tight, not too loose. The Goldilocks zone of styling.

🔒 13. Shapewear (Optional, But Powerful)

While her tips don’t require shapewear, Dana still loves the Spanx shorts and high-rise underwear for that little extra smoothness. Great on special days when you just want everything locked in.

🚫 14. Be Cautious with Pleats

Pleats can work — but only if they’re subtle. Too much volume at the waistband? It adds puff where you don’t want it. Dana compares different pleated trousers and shows why less is more.

🌟 15. Avoid Shiny or Bulky Fabrics

Shiny satin? No thanks. Matte or flowy fabrics are more forgiving and don’t highlight every bump. Dana loves silk over satin — and says faux fur or heavy knits can accidentally add belly bulk. Choose fabrics that move with you.

❌ 16. Say Goodbye to Low Rise (Forever)

And finally… low-rise bottoms are not our friend. Dana tried pulling hers down to show the effect — and wow, it instantly widened her midsection. Trust her: high-rise everything is the way to go. Period.

💬 Final Thoughts from Emilly

This video didn’t just give me styling tips — it gave me confidence.
Dana’s approach is real, body-positive, and totally achievable. There’s no shame in wanting to feel your best — and these tips help you do just that, without changing your body.

So the next time you're getting dressed and want that little boost?
📌 Save this list. Print it. Live it.
Because dressing well isn’t about hiding — it’s about highlighting your beauty smartly.