It is a truth universally acknowledged that at some point, all of us will start to notice that we’ve got a little extra around the middle. For many of us, this Mama Roll comes after the arrival of the baby, but for some it appears right around age 40. Either way, even the slimmest of Mamas are most likely struggling to hide the muffin top.

Rest easy, I am here to help.

It’s tempting to rest your Mama Roll on a low-rise waistband, but rather than hiding that little extra around the middle, the low-rise waist actually highlights whatever you’ve got there. A very low waistband creates a shelf for your middle to sit on, leaving everything out on display, which makes that roll look even bigger.

Not the look ANY of us is going for.

Chose trousers and jeans and capris with a sightly higher rise, one that hits no lower than two fingers below the belly button. You don’t need pants that stop just short of your bra, but a waistband that falls close to your actual WAIST will help contain your middle and give you a smoother line.

Buy ONLY pants that actually FIT through the mid-section, without any tugging or squashing. If you put on a pair of pants and can SEE the wee roll rolling over the top, they are too small or too low; take them off and try again. And again and again, if need be.

Look for a wider waistband, which also creates a smooth line across the middle. Avoid slash pockets, which will make your hips look wider. Run run run from anything with pleats.

J. Jill Hannah shirt, $69.00

Pair your mid-rise, flat-front, wide-waistband trousers with slightly longer tops, that hit at the high hip (about four inches past the top of your waistband). Look for tops with a slight A-line shape, or an empire waist, or a wrap shape; the first two styles will skim over your Mama Roll while the wrap will create a waistline and give you curves. Avoid anything that is too baby doll or billowy, unless you are prepared to repeatedly explain that no, the baby is three and you’re not having another, thanks!

Look for tops with an interesting neckline, to draw the eye up away from your middle to your pretty face; put on a funky necklace or some cool earrings or a bright scarf.