How to Fake a Waist (If You Don't Have One)

Tip 1: Color Block the Bulge

Color blocking is a long-standing fashion technique that uses blocks of color to create visual effects. For example, when darker color side panels contrast with a lighter color middle panel, you get the visual illusion of a sculpted waist.

Geometric blocks of color, when strategically placed, can reduce the appearance of certain parts of your body especially when lighter colors are featured on smaller parts and darker colors are present on larger parts.

Tip 2: Let the Fabric do the Work

Ruching, darting, and smocking - specifically targeted at the waistline - are three practical fabric techniques that help fake a waistline.

Pro tip #1: Create a ruching effect on any loose top or dress by gathering a small amount of fabric and adding a rubber band to the inside.

Pro tip #2: When a blouse employs fabric techniques that gather or dart, best to let it hang outside your pants or skirt then tuck it in.

Tip 3: Camouflage with Patterns

Small scale patterns – florals, geometrics, plaids – is another visual illusion trick that lets you play hide and seek with a bit of a bulge. The smaller the print, the more minimizing the effect of the fabric.

Pro tip: Wear a good lifting bra to create more space between the bust and the waist.

Tip 4: Add Hidden Control

Shapewear and built-in tummy control are a modern gal’s best friend. Dresses, jeans, and  swimsuits were ahead of the curve, and now designers across the board are leaning into waist-shaping materials and panels in shirts and base layers to slightly cinch the middle. The trick here is to make sure you wear the proper size. Too small can create unwanted lumps and bumps.

Pro tip: Layer a base layer shirt with high-waisted jeans which will extend over your entire midsection, creating a smooth silhouette.

Tip 5: Layer Up

No matter your top or dress of choice, use a “third piece” (a top layer) to visually slim your body through the middle. We love everything from blazers to vests to hip-length leather jackets, as the coverage you get from the topper on each side of your body will minimize the body in the center.

Pro tip: Kimono-style robes are having a moment of late, and can be found at many price points. It’s a great third piece as it’s often in a print (camouflaging), in vibrant color (uplifting), and in a flowing fabric (feminine).

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Limited Sizing, Final Sale

While hunting, we found some gems that we couldn’t let go unnoticed! For the adventurous ones amongst us, we hope you enjoy these limited sizing and final sale pieces selected with you in mind.