Fashion blogger's belt trick instantly makes you look slimmer and taller no matter your size

People looking to achieve a slimmer and taller appearance, with the added bonus of seemingly longer legs, have been given a simple yet effective tip that only involves a belt.

A fashion blogger has left many impressed by sharing a 'trick of the eye' hack that can instantly create the illusion of a 'smaller waist', no matter your size. Andrea, known as Andreasfashiongalaxy to her online followers on TikTok, shared the 'magic' method in one of her videos.

The technique is also a clever way to hide a bloated stomach. "Sometimes we gain weight, and sometimes we lose weight," Andrea explains to her viewers.

"But of course our favourite dress doesn't fluctuate with us - not good! So what do we do? Let me show you."

Sporting a long-sleeved pink dress, Andrea says: "This is one of my favourite dresses. Now what do we do when we gain weight? Easy! We transform our waist to an empire waist."

The fashion term 'empire waist' refers to raising your waistline. It is a style that became popular during Napoleon Bonaparte's time in the 1800s.

Characterised by its A-line silhouette, it creates the effect of a cinched-in waist. The trick involves positioning a belt just under your bust, rather than at your usual waistline.

Andrea demonstrates this by taking a belt and hoisting it slightly higher. "This way, you can have a tummy, but no one will be able to tell," she claims.

The fashion blogger suggests this trick not only offers better support for your bust due to the higher waistline, but also creates the illusion of longer legs, making them look "a mile long". In her post, Andrea wrote: "Gained weight but need to fit into that dress?

"You asked me to show you how I'd hide my tummy if I were to gain weight - here's how." She further commented: "Please note - you don't have to hide your belly! But you asked so there we go."

The video has exploded online, racking up over five million views as fans express their gratitude in the comments section for Andrea's clever tip. One viewer praised the advice as "the Lord's work."

Ann was thrilled, commenting: "THIS IS ACTUALLY SO HELPFUL." Evan expressed his admiration, stating: "THIS IS SO SMART." Will conveyed his relief, posting: "I can finally wear dresses without feeling like my stomach is ruining my outfit."

Pat revealed a new perspective: "I've never even considered empire waist dresses." Ezra thanked Andrea, saying: "Thank you, actually just spent a full hour sobbing because I gained weight and look fat in dresses. Best hack."

Patricia added a word of encouragement: "'Sometimes we gain weight, and sometimes we lose weight'. This motto will help me this summer."

How to choose the right empire waist-line for your body:

Clothing that features an empire waist seam cuts high and sits just below the bust. This makes it a flattering choice for various body shapes as it doesn't rely on a defined natural waist to look good.

It's great for petites because it lifts the waistline, drawing the eye upward and creating the illusion of height. For people with an athletic body shape, try clothes with a gathered or pleated design to create extra curve.

If you have a pear-shaped body, opt for dresses with an A-line shape to complement your curves. A wider waistband will help accentuate your shapely figure and tiny waist. For hourglass figures, try a straight skirt version as opposed to flared.

Empire waist-lines are perfect for those with top-heavy or apple-shaped bodies as they highlight the smallest part of your torso, just below your bust. This draws the focus away from your natural waist and up towards your face, creating a flattering silhouette. For pregnant women, it is sure to be a winner as it is comfortable and seamless around the stomach.