January often means resolution time, and most of you probably decided to take care of some fitness activity you've been procrastinating. I'm all for feeling good right now, so this week I'll show you some easy tricks for dressing around the belly you'd rather hide so you can look stylish and put together while you work towards your goals. Feeling stylish and attractive seems to help the process, I've discovered, and whether you've been enjoying too much chocolate in bed or recently given birth (congratulations!) these tips should help you get back into the groove. Happy new year!

Belly-Hiding Outfit Tips
Laurel Kinney
Fitted Jacket Magic
Probably the easiest, and most comfortable way to camouflage a tummy this time of year is by throwing on a fitted jacket. Look for one that has strong shoulders, arms that just skim yours, and can lay open in a straight or flatteringly angled way. An open jacket can create a fantastic shape down your torso, allowing you to wear a flowy blouse or loose dress without looking frumpy. Bonus if the jacket flatters your waistline. Try the a denim jacket with some spandex in the fabric, tailored moto-style jackets in soft sweatshirt or sweater fabrics, or a casual blazer.



Modern Sweats
Oh happy day, wearing sweatpants is totally stylish right now! I love the athletic style pants that are popping up everywhere and being paired with everything from dressy tops to slip-on sneakers. These pants are perfect for those of us who need a little extra room in the waist right now, and can be styled up by scrunching the tapered or cuffed ankles and worn with a dressier shoe. Try doing a little half-tuck with your easy-access slouchy sweater (great for breastfeeding) in the front so that your waist shows, and pair it with a long necklace to create shape and dress it up a tad. Bonus: these are so easy to care for, you can throw them in the wash every time your new baby makes a mess.



Show Off Your Legs
What's the best way to hide a tummy? Distract your onlookers by showing off your legs (or arms or giant scarf or necklace). Creating an outfit that draws the eye towards what you'd rather have noticed is all about balance. If you've got something less fitted on top, try some super tight pants or a short skirt or dress. I love these printed shift dresses that just float over the midsection or little leather skirts for you badasses. Wear em with tights and you'll look demure enough, and try some stain-hiding prints and you're all set to deal with whatever the baby might throw at you.


