When I was pregnant with toddler T, I was keeping the baby bump hidden until after 20 weeks, once we had shared with our families and friends over Christmas and I had returned to the office from extended leave and told my boss. With my most recent pregnancy, I wanted to participate in the Frocktober fundraising challenge which meant I couldn't hide the bump for quite as long. My limited wardrobe (a different dress every day for 31 days) wasn't most conductive to hiding a bump, unlike when I was pregnant with toddler T and could select from my entire wardrobe.
Top three tips for hiding a baby bump:
- Continue to wear your regular pants/skirts for as long as possible. Use the hair tie trick, or invest in a belly band for clothes without elastic waists. Some skirts with elastic waists can be worn a little higher over the baby belly if it doesn't make them too short.
- Favour clothes that skim over any emerging baby bump. Think empire waists, trapeze tops, skater skirts and fit and flare dresses. Anything that flows rather than clings.
- Accessorise! Use scarves to hide bumps, and prints and layers to distract attention from your belly.
As well as following the pointers above, there are a few things you can do if you're a personal style/fashion blogger and you just want to hide the bump in photos. Be aware that while these tricks do work well in photos, they won't always hide the baby belly in person.
Hiding a baby bump in photos:
- Pick your angle. Facing straight on to the camera is the best way to reduce or disguise the size of a baby bump.
- Take photos as early in the day as possible. The more you eat, the bigger your belly gets, especially in the early stages.
- Accessorise. Same as above, you can hide a bump with clever layering, a scarf, or even just hiding behind a handbag!
- Never tuck any tops in. A half tuck hides a little bump quite well, but firmly tucking a top into a skirt or pair of pants just highlights a baby belly.
- Avoid clingy fabrics. You want things that skim over your bump.
- If you have a photographer, get their feedback. If you have a professional photographer, or just someone helping you with photos, ask them for the best angles / views to disguise a baby belly as they are shooting.
- Change your pose. It feels extremely silly, but I found this works well if you're standing straight on to the camera. Not so much if you're standing at an angle! Stand up straight, and push your butt back a bit, letting anything you're wearing fall in a straighter line over the baby belly. Perfect if you're wearing looser clothing, it will skim rather than hug your frame.
- Sit down. It's much easier to hide a bump when you're sitting instead of standing.
- Practice. Take a few more photos than you usually would to make sure you're getting the photos you want, showcasing your great outfit and not the baby belly you aren't ready to spill the beans about yet!
Hiding a Baby Bump in the office:
I shot this video in the second trimester that might be helpful for anyone wanting to keep a pregnancy secret for a little while longer in the office. 8 different outfits you can wear at work to hide an early bump.
I hope you found this guide helpful! Feel free to pin or share. You can check out more pregnancy outfit inspiration here too.
Linking up with Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Weekend Linkup.
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I was very lucky that we have to wear special clothes at work that are incredibly loose fitting (they look like oversized pajamas, to be honest), so I could go unnoticed for a very long time. And as a beauty blogger, the blog wasn't really an issue. My face didn't show the weight for a long time.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Lucky! :) I found it easier to hide first time as I had my whole wardrobe to pick from, much harder the second time with just 31 dresses to wear. Plus my face shows it really early, haha. Mainly the constant "I'm gonna vomit" expression that is the first trimester!
Deletewhoa--you definitely did a great job hiding it in pics!! fab tips that will help other bloggers out!
ReplyDeleteYou're a pro - I couldn't even tell you were pregnant in some of these photos!
ReplyDeletexo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
You always looked so stylish when you were pregnant! I love seeing the comparison photos and how angles really can hide a baby bump.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Mica!
It's always good to illustrate with a photo I think :)
DeleteI totally remember your last post on this AND that video! You really are the baby bump hiding master! Although I guess your pregnancy from a photo you posted last July, and really just didnt say anything besides noting it to my fiance, I too was surprised when you made the announcement! I have a sixth sense I guess. haha You totally had a glow in your IG photo. (;
ReplyDeleteI do think that I was so excited my first pregnancy and told everyone way too early. I mean, anything can happen. I do think come baby No. 2, I'll try to keep things to just the three of us for a while. (;
haha definitely a sixth sense, as we didn't even know at that stage! :) I think it's fun telling people, but it's nice to keep the secret too. As once you start to show, everyone has something to say, and it's not always said particularly nicely, haha!
DeleteOh wow, it's amazing what a different angle or a strategically placed accessory will do! I'm always amazed when a blogger says she's pregnant (and it's already close to 20 weeks or so) and she's been able to hide it so well. Impressive :)
ReplyDeleteEasy to do with a little practice! ;)
DeleteThese are great tips. Perhaps I can also use them since I gained some winter weight. :P
ReplyDelete// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
You are the Queen of Hiding the bump! Stripes really help eh?
ReplyDeletePrints of all types really help! :)
DeleteThese are such great tips! The angle makes a ton of difference!
ReplyDeleteBecky
www.bybmgblog.com
This is a great post! I know I employed some of these techniques while I was at work in the first trimester, but I never really thought about how posing could make a difference in the blog photos!
ReplyDeleteI think photos are easier than hiding it in person to be honest! In person there are so many angles to think about...
DeleteOh my! The difference between one pose and the other is crazy!!! You definitely master the art of hiding a tiny baby bump.I can see wearing prints helps a lot! I've never seen a post about this particual issue so well done, I'm sure many ladies will find it helpful!! :)
ReplyDeletexx
www.stylebydeb.com
Yes I thought it would be a helpful guide! :)
DeleteI loved the comparison photos - what a versatile wardrobe you have! And I loved the video too - it was nice to hear your voice!
ReplyDeleteYes my wardrobe was really conductive to hiding a bump - lots of great loose items!
DeleteFabulous tips! I found it very tricky to hide the bump early on with number 2. And the post baby bump too ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I love the difference just by adjusting the angle..
ReplyDeletewww.luv4beautyblog.com
Great tips dear! You look gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
XO Pisa ❤
www.inlovewithmyclothes.com
You did a great job at hiding your bump! Clearly those profile picks need to be avoided at all costs, haha.
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Wow, you did a fab job at hiding the baby bump! It's crazy how much an outfit can change. :) I'm not planning on getting pregnant anytime soon hopefully, but I'm so glad you decided to share this post - I'm sure there are many ladies who will find it incredibly useful, so thank you. :) <3 Kisses. x x
ReplyDeleteKay
http://shoesandglitter.com/
This is so genius. What a difference angles make!
ReplyDeletehttps://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Wow, these are really great tips. Seeing the side by side photos with your bump hidden vs exposed really shows the difference. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
I hope you have success this IVF cycle and will be putting these tips to use soon! :)
DeleteOh you sneaky thing, now we know what to look out for when you're about to announce baby number 3 ;)
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
haha, you'll be waiting a while for that! So in love with the 3 boys I already have. 4 if you count hubby ;)
DeleteI had no idea!! It's very impressive!
ReplyDeleteAdi xx
www.fancycorrectitude.com
My favourite part about being pregnant was showing off my bump. I often wore tight clothes as it is the only time in your life where you can proudly let it all hang out.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely fun to show off the baby bump after you've announced the pregnancy :)
DeleteGreat tips! I didn't announce at work until I was 13 weeks, and by then I had a decent-sized bump.
ReplyDeleteTif
www.brightonabudget.com
Yep it's nice to wait until you have a bit of a bump to show off :)
DeleteOhh, that was nice! The angle is a great factor to hide baby bumps in pictures! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
SHAIRA // New Post- Lighthouse
I love this post Mica! Such great tips for when you're not ready to announce just yet x
ReplyDeleteMargarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO
I am seriously impressed, I've always wondered how the likes of celebrities can hide their little bumps and you've made everything clear! It's like magic! Who knew, eh?
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
I'm sure the celebs have even more tips and tricks! :)
DeleteSo clever! These are handy tips which obviously worked, from your pictures I had no idea until the big reveal! If/when the time comes I will definitely be referring back heavily to this post...!
ReplyDeletewow this is awesome!
ReplyDeletedon't hide it tho!
looks so cute!
xoxo
Patinka
www.patinkasworld.com
Definitely wasn't hiding it after we had told all the important people :)
DeleteGreat tips -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteLatest Post: Coachella Inspired Outfit + Makeup
I loved looking at all of the side by side pics here where one was less obvious that you were pregnant over the other! You're really good at this so it's good your wrote a post! XO
ReplyDeleteLauren-Blair
www.prefertobedemure.com
I thought the side by side pics would be helpful, glad you thought so :)
DeleteYou are excellent as disguise... just wow!
ReplyDelete♥
Amber
All the Cute 🎀
Such a cute post! Ill have to keep these in mind!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
You did such a great job, I was so surprised when you announced your pregnancy! Tricky tricky!! I think I told you that when I was bump disguising, it was winter so I could do long scarves and cardis until announcement time!
ReplyDeleteWinter does make it easier with the extra layers! I added a cardi over most of my outfits in the office too. Mostly because it's so cold I always do anyway haha.
DeleteVery beautifull Denim jacket.
ReplyDeleteI love how the orange bag pops! beautifull color.
www.rshanphonsi.com
Wonderful tips and great pictures. I am back! I was traveling a lot and didn't have enough time to check my favorite blogs which yours is one of them.
ReplyDeleteHope everything is fine Mica :)
Regards,
www.agirlinafrica.com
Diana
Loved seeing your outfits recapped here - so many cute ones!!!
ReplyDeleteLaura
www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com
Prints really do a great job in hiding a baby bump Mica! I would've never known! You live & learn. HAHAHA
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Prints are so helpful at disguising!
DeleteGreat tips for someone who wants to hide her baby bump. You look so cute in these outfits.
ReplyDeleteNina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
You look SO stylish with you beautiful bump.. I had awful maternity style, but you look truly wonderful!XX
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you looked beautiful! :)
DeleteWow, these are some really great tips, Mica! This is so helpful as a blogger, if you want to hold off before making your big announcement! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you're having a great start to your week so far!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
These are some amazing tips to hide a baby bump. I'm actually planning on having a baby soon, and will be using these tips! Thanks so much for this great post.
ReplyDelete-Lily from With Love Lily Rose
Oh, so exciting! Good luck :) Glad the post can be helpful for you!
DeleteI will keep these in mind when I get pregnant, you did a great job hiding the baby bump:) Even these tips can be good for hiding the extra weight ha ha :)
ReplyDeleteEla BellaWorld
haha, yes, multi-use tips! :)
DeleteThis is so cool.
ReplyDeleteXo, Christianne
Http://simplychristianne.com
Great tips! Angles in photos make all the difference!!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
You look beautiful with the bump!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely glowing! Looking forward to seeing how you style your bump as your grow! xo, Pam
ReplyDeletehttp://thegirlfrompanama.com/
Thanks! You can check out my archives, as baby has arrived now :)
Deletegreat tips Mica, but why someone would like to hied a baby bump? I definitely will be the first announcing it when I get pregnant.
ReplyDeletex,Abril
The Color Palette
I mentioned a few reasons in the post :) It's good to tell the important people before announcing it online.
DeleteGreat tips!
ReplyDeletehttp://chicglamstyle.com
Great tips dear.
ReplyDeleteI always love to wear loose top and of course the angle of the shoots being taken.
I always love backside and front side but of course if you do side ways, it will look very obvious.
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
Great tips and video, Gemma x
ReplyDeletewww.jacquardflower.uk
these are great tips Mica! I love the trick of hiding behind a handbag, that's always a winner even when you only have a food belly haha. Empire dresses and flowy tops/bottoms are a really great idea too! :)
ReplyDeleteMetallic Paws
Haha yes, good for a food baby or a real baby!
DeleteSuch great tips!! I shall use them when I get pregnant
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday! Kisses,
BLOG | Taislany
Ahh these two look can def hide the baby bump! I think one girl who could hide baby bump in style is Rachel Zoe! Love her so much!
ReplyDeletecute post! I am pinning this for future reference!
ReplyDeletekelseybang.com
These are such great tips! And what a difference in photos! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteReally cool tips! You look great in those pictures x
ReplyDeleteLina / lina-khalifa.blogspot.com
These tips are so fabulous Mica! The empire line dresses completely hide the baby bump
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Great tips! It's amazing how accessories can hide a bump! I can't wait to have a bump of my own-- only I think I'd be the one to just flaunt it everywhere! LOL!
ReplyDeleteConnie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy
It's definitely fun to flaunt, once you've had the joy of surprising friends/family.
DeleteThis post amazed me! I want to save it for when I have the kids down the road! I couldn't tell in any of the left pictures that there was a baby bump at all! Such great tips.:)
ReplyDeleteEmily
Darling, Dearest
Wow, so impressed Mica! What great tips to hide a baby bump. It's amazing how big of a difference lighting, angle, and the right clothing make.
ReplyDeleteNice tips lovely!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those tips are amazing! all these tips work with a food belly too!
ReplyDeletehaha they certainly would!
DeleteFab ideas! I looked super pregnant right from the start thanks to my super swollen ovaries from IVF. I had a double placenta too, so I was showing from about 8 weeks.
ReplyDeleteI could have really done with some of these tips at the office!
You look adorable x
Some people just naturally show earlier too :) Good to hide it if you can until you've surprised everyone :)
DeleteThis is so cool! It's amazing how standing at a different angle or the way you style or wear clothes really makes a difference in whether you show or not. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteDi from Max The Unicorn
Yes the little things can really make a difference!
DeletePrints are fabulous for hiding baby bumps and after kiddo bumps too:) I think these are great angles for fashion bloggers as well to hide imperfections too!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely more than one use for these tips!
DeleteThank you all for your lovely comments, glad you found it useful.
ReplyDelete