How To Hide A Larger Stomach - Do's & Don'ts. Apple Shape. With Personal Stylist Melissa Murrell 

As a bigger woman, you using the belly to show how things might actually look was done in the most respectful way possible. You didn't put it on and make jokes or giggle. You were completely professional. You came up as a recommended suggestion and this video has given you an instant follow from me! Excited to see what else you come out with xx ❤️

The extra mile that you did to help your bigger tummy audience is amazing. I feel so seen and heard. Big tummy issues aren't highlighted well in the fashion and styling categories. Thank you!! 🤗🤗💚

Just because I am 79 years old doesn’t mean I don’t want to look stylish and put together! I just found your videos, and have been binge watching. I’ve learned so much, and even though it means purging my closet of all the wrong things, like wrong length, wrong waistline, wrong leg width, etc. now I will go shopping with the right tools in my arsenal!! I was completely misunderstanding the concept of tucking!! Thank you for what you do, and sharing it with all of us. I’m going to check on your personal styling. Never to old to learn!!

Just found this today. I'm 52. My mother never taught me anything about clothing or makeup. I have secluded myself over the years and found more and more ways to avoid needing those skills. I've always secretly desired to be a casually elegant woman. This video answers so many questions. Thank you!!!

This is ACTUALLY life changing for me because I've been sitting here feeling so gross and just gave up on fashion because of my tummy and large bust. This gives me hope, I'm definitely going to try this and hope that I can feel better about how I look! 💗 Thank you for making this video for us mid size to bigger girls 💞 I hope maybe in the future you might consider making a video similar to this but for busty girls like myself who carry sizes DDD+

Please consider doing a part 2 on this subject! I'd love more outfit ideas and more details on what to look for when shopping. Thank you! Love your channel.

I was one of those that resisted tucking in my shirt because I felt it exposed my tummy too much but you have convinced me! It looks so much better with just that simple front tuck. I will always do this from now on!

You are really, really good at illustrating how to “do” the styling in a way that works along side a way that doesn’t. For those of us who need a 1-2-3 process, we can see 25 ways to tuck, and the first 10 look terrible. I enjoy your teaching so much!

Dear Melissa. I know it's more than a year after you posted this video but I just came across it today. Two words - GAME CHANGER! Finally someone understands and I can't thank you enough. Having you wear the "tummy" that comes all the way up to the bust is key! That is a true apple shape in my opinion. I, for one, am always trying to hide my barrel and never tuck in my shirts. But after watching this I am going to try it! Thank you for bringing humour and respect and talking about real life bodies. From my little corner in Canada - THANK YOU!

I am 73 years old and gravity has taken a toll. I also have a hernia, right in the middle of my belly, that is not suitable for surgery. Finding clothes that hide my belly has been a super challenge. Your video is absolutely terrific. Thank you!

And you win the award for the most helpful video in this category. So many talk about what to do but you really helped explain and visualise why I must tuck my tops in over my menopausal paunch and how a couple of quid on a pair of shoulder pads makes it possible for even an hourglass to style smock tops, a question I had been dying to ask anyone who might have an answer. All those pretty tops languishing in drawers because we know they are pretty but they make us look pretty awful if we don't utilise these game changing tips. I hope this video flies for you. One of my top ten fashion youtubes of all time now. xx

Thank you so much for this video. After you put the fake belly on, I felt like I was looking at myself in the mirror. I am very similar to you in frame, slim pretty much all over but due to gastrointestinal issues and allergies/intolerances I’ve been suffering from for years, I’ve got a constant bloated belly, people often think I’m pregnant and it makes it so hard to find the right clothes, that’ll still flatter but hide the belly. Thank you for all your tips. I really love watching your videos

I love that she provided ways to adjust the clothing you already own

This is literally the best video I’ve ever seen on how to hide the tummy. Wow! I’ve gained a lot of weight with baby and still have quite a large tummy one year postpartum - this was SO HELPFUL! I’m literally making all the mistakes 🤦🏽‍♀️ thank you very much for going the extra mile and putting on a tummy! That makes it so much more relatable!!! I hope this video goes viral! I’ve also shared! Thank you!!!!!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

After 25, I have never had a flat tummy. I have the barrel "pregnant" stomach and I've spent 20 years trying to figure out how to style myself better. I also happen to be 5 feet tall, so that makes things extra challenging for me. I really appreciate your styling advice. My outfits are starting to make a little more sense to me now. And you have convinced me to always tuck now!

I've literally been searching Google, youtube, everything... for this exact content. Thank you! This is exactly what I've been looking for. Please, do more just like this. Maybe swimsuits/shorts/summer ideas. ☀️

Thank you! You really go the extra mile to help us understand body shape. The side by side views of what to do and what to avoid is super helpful too. Perfect 🤩

#1 you transformed your shape to a realistic demonstration #2 You did this with respect #3 The side by side videos sold me everything that you were talking about Well done and thank you 👏👏👏

This is the best apple video I’ve ever seen. So thorough and respectful

Thank you for making the distinction between the barrel-type apple shape with the bulge that comes up high under the bust, vs. the poochy lower abdomen!! I have never heard anyone -- ever, anywhere -- discuss the former type! In my mid-40's, I began to notice that my rectangle shape was giving way to a more barrel-like rounded belly shape, which seems to be a universal characteristic of all the women on my father's side of my family. But, I felt so alone, because nobody discussed that type of shape at all when talking about how to dress the "apple" shape lady.

Hands down the best advice and demo I've ever seen/read on this topic. (And I've seen my share.) Explaining about the 2 different types of belly/paunch and going to the length of using a (fake) belly to demonstrate. Love it! Thank you!

Thank you for going the extra mile for us in this video! The tummy you added was extremely helpful to see a visual difference. Very well done with all the side by side shots.

Omg that was the best styling video ever!! I’m an inverted triangle with broad shoulders and a belly but skinny legs. So the tucking in tops examples were so helpful! I loved how you showed the split screen with the 2 versions of untucked and tucked in. My style is the last one with skinny jeans and a blazer. Also no shoulders pads needed for me and they’re broad enough! x

The way you dress and present the pieces are so stylish yet age appropriate! It makes you look very elegant! As a middle aged woman, myself, looking to "blend" her mid-section, you just gave me some wonderful ideas! Thanks for taking the time!

Thank you so much! This video was awesome. We see so many "hide your tummy" videos from people who don't really have a tummy. It was nice seeing the added belly to make it feel relatable. I went from a curvy hourglass figure to a barrel figure that gets emphasized even more because of IBS.

The tucking in tip is simply brilliant! What a difference it makes. Am going to rethink and revisit shirts and blouses I had given up on as they made me feel and look bigger.

Thank you for demonstrating each of the looks with and without touches that hide extra tummy. It makes it so much clearer how these adjustments work. I don’t know what shape I am anymore - I’m just out of shape! I’ll work on that but in the meantime, I’ll be able to look my best in my current body.

This is the best styling video ever! using the fake belly really helped visualize that the styling tips and tricks do work. This is a game changer for me. Thank you so much.

I’m back, with another thank you. I had to try few times before I was comfortable, but I am so glad you talk about the half tuck because I LOVE it. This has absolutely changed how I feel about how I look in clothes, finally! I’ve gained 5-10 pounds as I approach 50. You’ve saved me from frustration, expensive wardrobe replacements, and insecurity, if I’m being honest. I’m so grateful you share your expertise with us.

I’m 51 and had a flat stomach all my life but I’ve recently had major abdominal surgery and I now have a big round belly. I’m struggling to dress so thank you so much for your video. Best wishes.

Every woman that struggles with tummy weight should watch this video! This is Epic! Thank you so much. I have watched tons and tons of videos on how to disguise a big tummy and non compares to this one! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you 😊🥰

Oh! Thank you so much for taking on that shape for a bit to show us ladies how we CAN still have style! I've had this barrel shape all my life at all weights and I love how you have shown to style myself!

This is far and away the best take on how to dress for an apple shaped body that I have ever come across!! Great understanding, explanation and advice for those who with a barrelled torso, as well as those with a pooch or apron. But the best thing is that the focus is not just on disguising the tummy area, but also on balancing it with shoulders, bust and legs. Thank you so much! I am now going to lay out my wardrobe and get rid of anything that does me no favours, replacing with options you mention as I can afford to🙏😊

Thank you so much for this! I just hit menopause and dressing my belly was almost depressing. Now I'm armed with your tips and feel like I can be fashionable again ! ☺

This was very helpful. I've always had a big bust and now that I'm 52, I'm larger through the mid section - always have had a belly, so apple shaped I would say. I think the majority of the problem for those shaped like myself is the horrible way clothing is designed - just square and no sort of fit. For me, blouses are often too short and much more wider than they are long - this is a problem when you have large breasts that take up much of the front length of a blouse or dress. It's a design problem...everything is made one way - "cookie cutter" one size fits all.

Thank you! I've heard "tuck in" over and over again but now I understand what that actually does to give you shape and hide a tummy. The Santa tummy visual was brilliant!

I have been struggling with my weight for years now! I have a large upper stomach area and large chest area, I came across your video by chance tonight. I've never been confident in what to wear and wear well. This has really opened my eyes. I'm feeling so close to tears right now wondering why I haven't seen anything like this before. Thank you so much.

Thank you sooo much! This was the most relatable video I've seen. When you showed a larger tummy, it looked realistic rather than looking pregnant like other women try to show when making videos like this. I've learnt so much and I'm so grateful

Thank you so much for this. Seeing the do’s and dont’s is so important. I finally decided to buy clothes for the body I live in instead of living in two pairs of pants and three shirts until I lose weight. You made it clear to me that I can still look pretty and wear flattering things and not hate what I see in the mirror. Thank you again.

I truly appreciate your showing, not just telling us how to disguise our tummy pooches. I learned a lot. Thank you.

Just found you yesterday, watched the video and immediately went out and bought 2 pairs of wide leg trousers. Those and the Tshirt tuck-in trick were a total revelation! I'm 69, just lost over 4 stones so I'm down to a size 12/14, which is OK for 5ft 8in I think - but still have that big wobbly belly. So it's been a real help. No, I didn't find the false belly offensive in the slightest. I'd have found it offensive for someone slim and petite, with no apparent figure problem, to suggest solutions for a problem she doesn't have! So seeing all your tips work 'for real' has made all the difference. Needless to say, I've just subbed. Thanks so much!

I am an obese person and I am not offended at all! On the contrary, I am happy you are giving tricks to live elegantly with our bodies as they are. Thanks a lot :-)

Thank you for this wonderful video! Putting the fake belly on was a wonderful idea to show the reality of having a belly. No one should ever be offended by you adding extra padding to illustrate how to properly style clothes on our not so perfect bodies. Love your videos!! Watching from Orlando, Florida USA

Thank you so much for this. I have struggled with a tummy even when I was 127lbs and had a 26 inch waist! It's just my shape unfortunately. This was really encouraging!

Adding and the belly and the side by side are amazing. I can actually see what you’re talking about!! So much easier than trying to see it in the mirror (which is already terribly difficult for me). Thank you!!!

This is so helpful for my menopausal expanding waistline!! Great tips and tricks, thank you!

Much appreciation for all the effort you put into this video. From the similar colored clothes with side by side images to the incredible editing. Thank you!

I loved your simulation with the fake belly! Would love to see the same demo with a heavier, real person with this same bigger Apple shape. Like others have mentioned, major gastro issues and huge bloating really affects my overall shape. It makes me look like an overweight person who is about 8 -9 months pregnant. I also have a very large hernia just slightly off center that looks just like the baby’s head is sticking out when it’s doing a biiiiig stretch! I also have small boobs, short torso, short legs and I’m (almost) 5’4. I know you can’t do videos that are That specific, but all the normal helpful tips just don’t work. Maybe someday you could do one for the really heavier person? I really do love your channel and the very specific tips you give as you walk us through the demonstrations. Thank you so much. ❤️

I was in tears last week about my inability to style clothing for everyday and ways to do hide the tummy weight gain. I began searching for the topic and came across your channel. Glory hallelujah ❤❤ . You are the one I needed. I shared your name with my spiritual sister.😊 I told all my children. I just love all the tips and examples. I would also love to enroll in classes to become a personal styler.❤ I'm HOOKED😊

This is absolutely the best styling advice I have heard in a while. Thank you for the informative video.

Thank you so much for this, I haven't known how to dress myself for years. I was a nice hourglass in my younger days, but after two kids and weight gain of have a blend between a pear shape and a apple shape and it has been frustrating to know how to dress myself. This has been very helpful, and gives me stuff to look for and play with when shopping.

Excellent tips. I have the apple shape. I have been doing all the wrong things. I will implement some of your suggestions. Thank you very much.😍

THANK YOU so much for this. Because of age and medical issues, I've gained 40lbs almost all on my tummy and I just look fat no matter what I wear. (Thank goodness I rarely go out) now I'm going to use your tips with what I have in my wardrobe 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

I love that you used a tummy because it makes it more realistic to the struggles of having a belly. Thank you!

After years of being told tunic over leggings, this was life changing. Thank you so much.

This is very helpful. I've recently gained a lot of weight(mostly in my belly) due to thyroid issues and I cant tell you how many times I got asked how far along i am..... Thank you for the help!

What a great video! I have most definitely worn the no-no outfits the last five years because of tummy bulging thinking I’m hiding stomach. For 60 years I had no stomach but age has finally crept into my shape. So I will consciously use your advice about wardrobe adjustments and maybe I can feel a bit more confident about my style. Thank you for sharing such wonderful and helpful ideas about styling for us tummy gals. Your video is a gem.

Thank you for showing this with the "tummy" added in! So much easier to see the difference in the fit of the clothing. Very helpful!

I really appreciate how she shows, explains in detail, and doesn’t move too fast or wildly. I had seen other folks advise not to have stomach details, as that’d draw attention to the belly. But her saying that the knot (not a bow, I noticed) should cover the stomach and calling out the pleat made me realize she was the real deal and not just for views

I'm 35, just recently completed my family (2 kids) and still getting used to my new body caused by pregnancy and approaching middle age. This is SO helpful, thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

Another great video Melissa, I appreciate your work and the fact that you talk about very practical, real life things

Great video 🥰 thank you very much for demonstrating the do’s and don’t with the aid of the padding 😍 I also agree that the side by side views are very useful 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Thank you so much for this video!! I found it so so helpful! I would love a 2nd with more examples and suggestions! I won't lie I am scared to try the tuck in because I feel like it just shows my tummy more. But you have inspired me to give it a try!

Melissa, you are a God send! Somehow I managed to stumble upon you videos/website last week, and I started binge watching. (poor Netflix) I have been struggling with my body shape, am I an Apple, Rectangle, Hourglass, an Oval, Barrel, or just plain hopeless...until I start watching your Master Class 1 on Body Shapes!!! Being menopausal, having a sway back & bad posture, as well, hypothyroidism, having a kid almost at the age of 40, losing my husband unexpectedly(Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Dissection or AAA) without any warning, at the age of 54, 3 years ago, Covid, my father-in-law passing, and my father passing last year unexpectedly, then the economy, and mine and my son's grief of all the losses, I was beyond overjoyed to finally get out of my athletic/outdoor wear! Shapeless sports bras, consuming & oversized workout shirts to hide my belly, Prana "hiking" pants, and if not leaving home maybe leggings, or running shorts, and "NO" I do not run. Who knew that I was not allowed to wear "skinny" jeans/pants. I never felt just "right" in them...I looked more like a sausage and just felt even more "fat". Styling shorts, summer outfits, and workout/athletic clothes have always been a challenge. No matter how "cute" it maybe on the hanger or mannequins, I always end up looking like your "no-no's". I'm 5'3" and 160lbs. wear a 10/12 in shorts/pants and a medium in most tops, but a size 12/14 in fitted shirts. I have measured myself more times that I can count, however, until I watched your Master Class on body shapes, I was absolutely instilled with a new confidence!!! A lightbulb went off in my head. I know I'm pretty/attractive and been told I look like I'm in my early to mid-40's and I'm 56. (Now I want to cry.) I feel like I'm 40. But how you managed to convey what to do correctly when "dressing"/styling where no one else has ever been able to be "authentic", thank god you are a "real" woman who understands about menopause/body flaws and doesn't gloss over what can't be ignored. You are able to build someone up with your loveliness and you aren't a "buck-o-five" and plastic as a barbie doll. You and Ruth Crilly, of "A Model Recommends" blog, would be amazing working together. She is as authentic and lovely as you. Ruth is a model in England, yes, but she is not a "Barbie Doll". She is open, honest and real.She blogs about, make up and life, and the fact she is witty and smart, make me happy that I am curating the best of the best to make me feel and look confident when I don't feel like I am!!! Thank you for your beacon of hope in the darkness of bad shapewear and skinny jeans. P.S. Hoping for some future tutorials on how to master the "tuck"!!

It’s actually like a magic trick! The tummy miraculously disappears with the correct styling. Amazing advice, thanks so much. I’m going to binge watch your videos now. ❤️💐

Love these tips. I usually tuck one side in creating a diagonal line that also camouflages well and gives my 5' height a bit of lift.

Great styles! I've been working with a similar figure since puberty, when I started developing a belly on an otherwise slim frame. You learn quickly how to hide a feature like this as a teenager! Working with proportions like this for a lifetime is a challenge. I can share a hint about wearing babydoll dresses, which as you say, are too loose and undefined on their own, but they're so comfortable and versatile. They can be made to work very well if they're done in a specific way. Start by wearing only sleeveless babydoll dresses, either tank or cami style. This allows the bust to be better fitted in a flattering way, and shows an open, flattering neckline which draws the eye upward to the face, especially with the cami style. Then, pair the dress with a structured, nicely tailored short/cropped blazer or shirt over it, with the buttons open. This gives a nice curve to the back and sides, and a flounce of hem at the bottom, creating an illusion of a smaller waist and a flared, swirling hemline. The eye is drawn away from the tummy in both directions. Those who love their babydoll dresses might still be able to use them this way, by removing the sleeves, making sure the bust fits nicely, and pairing the dress with a structured, cropped jacket or open front top. Thank you for your great video! :)

So much content Melissa - thank you for the split screen demos …. Excellent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First time I have ever seen anyone address body issues when dressing correctly. Thank you

Can I just say how grateful I am to you for actually giving yourself a tummy - really helps

Thank you for doing this very informative video. But I hope you could do a part 2, focusing on what design would hide that big tummy when attending formal occassions such as weddings or events that require more formal dress. Thank you.

This is so interesting. Even at 57kg and 5 ft 4 I have a barrel shape and small bum. I have very slim very muscular legs as well. I feel seen 😂 These tips are great. It was a good explanation as to why certain things I've tried look really bad as well. Thanks!

Wow, this was so amazing. Thanks for the insights. This is literally wardrobe-changing!!!

When you kept saying, "it's the shirt sticking out, not your belly," I had an ah-ha moment. I'll be thinking tucking my shirts now. Thank you!

This is so helpful. Thank you. I have gained 25 pounds in the past 7 years and I am very uncomfortable. I have worked as a hospice nurse for the past 6 years. This involved hours in the car or at my kitchen table doing documentation of my patient visits. I comforted myself with carbohydrates during Covid and this is the result. I have my mother's body now.

Life affirming! Its nice to sea video that confirms what I've been doing to be correct as my body changes. The examples are terrific. Clear visual demonstrations and your practical experience. This video is well executed informative and speaks to women like you'd want a good and trusted friend to say. I've seen your videos in my feed from time to time, but today, I'm subscribing. Well done!

Hi Melissa. Thank you so much for your time and this video. I’ve been learning a lot from you and your videos. This video is not offensive at all, it is super useful for apple shape body type woman like myself. I really appreciate your help and time for showing me I’ve been doing wrong all these time. Xoxo🙏🙏🙏

Thank you ! I get bloating from certain foods so it’s great to k ow how I can hide my belly. Using your fake belly is really helpful as you can see exactly how it works. Shoulder pads on order 😁 ❤️

This is the best video on Apple shape dressing I’ve seen. High waist pants are NOT for everyone.

I love that you refer to those shapeless dresses apple belly women wear! I used to wear those all the time and about a year ago i decided no more!

Amazing. Was waiting for that a long time. Thank you Melissa for your effort in doing this for us.

Thank you very much for sharing this. We clearly see what a difference it makes when the top is tucked in. You gave us much to think about and re-think our strategies!

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Really an eye opener, can’t wait for the next one… thank you xxx

Best video ever for this topic! I always use the shoulder pads & I have attached them to a couple bras to help while dressing. Always go for a dolman type sleeve- they naturally add that fluffiness on the sides we need & shoulder pads work well with them ❤

I have a bigger stomach too that makes me not to even try to find new clothing. Your tips are so appreciated. Thank you very much.

GENIUS! You’ve addressed so many concerns I have about my petite (5’) otherwise thin frame with a bit too much belly. THANK YOU! New subscriber. 🥰

Brilliant. I have that barrel shape, and I’m a plus size so I find it to be a very challenging body type to dress. I also find the expectation is if you’re plus size you’re an hour glass, and that’s not always the case. I did like how you applied the tummy, so we could see your tips in action.

Awesome thank you

Omg you are a life saver. I have made all the mistakes you showed here. When I saw the first flowery dress, I cringed, because my closet is full of such dresses in an attempt to hide my tummy.😬 I can’t believe I took out all the shoulder pads from my clothes, when it would have worked so well to minimize my larger chest. I have 2 tops very similar to the ones you showed at the end that I have never worn because they make me look huge. I just tried them on with the technique you showed and they look so good. Thank you so much for not just talking, but proving to us what works. Just subscribed and so greatful for this content!

I appreciate the time you took to state that your intent is not to offend It felt slightly tone deaf to advertise how to lose weight in the same video Thank you for the continued pointers, they are quite helpful Please take my feedback as just honest feedback and not anything malicious

Thank you for these tips. I have been struggling with my belly for a while and what you showed us makes sense and looks great. You got a new subscriber 🥰.

Since watching the live stream I have started tucking in the front of my tops and letting it pouch over the waistband. It really does make such a difference. Thanks Melissa. P.S. Loved the live stream. It must have been really hard work with all those quick changes but I hope you'll do another one sometime. Maybe a dressmaker's dummy would be useful to show some of the outfits. Perhaps someone who lives near you could lend you one.

When someone has a big bust like me it always looks like a tent, a boat, whether you have a belly or not, because a bust constantly lifts the top of your clothes and lifts you away from your body, so it expands you.

Thank you so much. I have always weighed around 112 lbs hit my 50’s now 59 and weigh 132 all in lower belly. I feel so ugly. I don’t want to go anywhere, I cry because I don’t want my husband to see me naked. I am extremely depressed. You are so beautiful and I want to thank you for showing great ideas. Not much of a shopper but you gave me ideas. Thank you so much.👍🏻🇺🇸❤️

This is THE BEST VIDEO I've ever seen on styling clothes! I have had a barrel belly my whole life, even when I was a thin teenager. These ideas helped me so much! Please make another one for bigger bellies. A new happy subscriber!

Brilliant all round! Thank you for giving me my "shape" back ❤

Another great video. Obviously judging by all the comments you have a lot of us big belly ladies.

Great video and great tips! Love how you used the belly and explain everything so clearly! The tucking in does wonders! I tried it and my hips don't look as wide and my belly shows less. I never did this, just put on pants and a shirt. Did it with a skirt and sweater as well, tucked in the sweater in the high waist skirt and it looked so much better! Thanks :)

If I hadn't witnessed you tucking just the front edge of the shirt to make the tummy disappear, I honestly would have said you removed the pillow. Seriously. I kept thinking - no - she took the pillow out. (haha!) It looked that mind-blowingly different and better when you styled things. What a breath of fresh air your videos are! Just discovered you today. THANK YOU for not insisting on shaper garments - THANK YOU for being REAL - THANK YOU for wearing the pillow to prove the point! I sew many of my own clothes and am struggling deciding what to sew next as I want to be sure to put my hard-to-get time into things that are flattering. Your video is so very VERY helpful! (low belly / hormones & stress / otherwise short and petite) ONE TIP: I hate shaper garments, but a good slip made of silk or imitation silk (you can sew a slip even if you're not skilled. You could even sewn it hand. It doesn't matter if it looks poorly made as long as it functions. You'll get better with practise) goes a long way in helping clothes to glide and not stick - making the body look MUCH better.

Having been thin and currently as an apple-shaped person, I really love these tips! I find that the way you approach this was extremely kind and I do not feel disrespect for body shape in the slightest. Thank you!