How to Look Skinny in a Bodycon Dress

Wear a belt around your waist.

Bodycon dresses are already super form-fitting—a belt just takes the garment to the next level. Arrange and cinch the belt along the skinniest section of your waist to give your outfit an extra slimming, flattering touch.^{[1] X Research source}
Don’t finish off your outfit with any elastic or tight-fitting belts. Since bodycon dresses are already form-fitting, tight belts can create unwanted folds around your waist and stomach.

2

Guide the eye to your upper body.

These garments help draw the eye upward, focusing on your neck and shoulders instead of your lower body. To really make a statement, slip on a bold necklace or a stylish pair of earrings.^{[2] X Research source}

3

Slip into a long cover-up.

Simply shrug on your cover-up over your bodycon dress—it adds a nice, casual touch to your outfit, too!^{[3] X Research source}
Long-line cardigans go past your hips, with some trailing as far as mid-calf.

4

Layer shapewear beneath your dress.

Bodycon dresses are very skin-tight, which can make them a bit intimidating to wear. Shapewear is here to help! Slide on a pair of slimming boy shorts, briefs, camis, or full-body undergarments before slipping into your bodycon dress—this helps your dress look extra flattering and slimming.^{[4] X Research source}^{[5] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.}

You can find shapewear online, or at most clothing or department stores.

Keep in mind that shapewear won't help a dress fit better. You should always choose dresses that move with your body, and don't pull or pucker.^{[6] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.}

5

Slide into a black dress.

The dark color helps conceal any folds and creases, and creates a really slimming, flattering effect throughout your outfit.^{[7] X Research source}
Dresses with dark side panels, like black or navy blue, also create a slimming effect.^{[8] X Research source}

6

Gravitate toward thicker dress materials.

That’s where thick materials come in handy!^{[9] X Research source} Canvas, denim, corduroy, suede, and polyester fleece are some great examples of thick fabric.^{[10] X Research source}
Wool, tweed, and chenille fabrics are also good options.

7

Opt for a longer garment.

Shorter dresses can draw more emphasis to your thighs, and don’t offer a lot of wiggle room to work with. That’s okay—try on a longer dress for size and see how it fits.^{[11] X Research source}
This isn’t to say that short dresses are out of the question! At the end of day, pick out a garment that you feel most happy and confident in.

8

Pick out a comfortable bra.

Believe it or not, the majority of women wear bras that don’t fit correctly. Double-check your bra size and slip into an undergarment that fully supports your bust.^{[12] X Research source}
When your bust sags, your dress tends to look larger and less flattering.

9

Lengthen your frame with low-cut vamp heels.

This helps your legs look longer and slimmer, which, in turn, spreads to the rest of your outfit.^{[13] X Research source}
Low-vamp heels look especially great with shorts, skirts, cropped pants, and dresses.

10

Walk around with great posture.

Plus, walking and standing with good posture is also great for your health!^{[14] X Research source} Stand with your back tall and straight while sucking your stomach in. Then, center your balance along the balls of your feet, while keeping your head level.^{[15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source}