Style Tips For Busty Gals

Have you tried on something in a store dressing room and laughed so hard at your reflection, the salesperson came to check on you? I have.

Fashion is often designed for women who are built like boys, making finding clothes that fit us busty gals a real chore. Long tops made of stiff fabric can make us look as if we are wearing a tent. Crossbody bags are tricky. If we let the bag slip to the back of the hip so that the strap rests between the “girls,” they become the center of attention… like beacons in the night. Any embellishment or ruffles bring more attention and add more volume. Gathers and draping details at the neckline can make the bust look even more significant. Large stiff collars and waterfall lapels add more bulk to an area where we have enough already. The location of buttons and the unfortunate placement of prints can be amusing, which is never a look I aspire to achieve.

Structured jackets with thin or no lapels such as the quilted texture faux leather one I am wearing here are my best options. Soft, thin sweaters that do not add bulk, such as this cashmere one from Everlane, are the only type of sweater (jumper) I ever wear. The fit is also essential. Never wear items that are too large since extra fabric equals extra girth. Too small means I don’t leave the closet wearing it.

The jacket worn in this post is by Antonio Melani from Dillard’s last year. The black straight leg jeans are from Chico’s last year. The bag is several years old by Tahari via T.J.Maxx. The short boots were from The Frye Company last year.

Scarves can add volume where we don’t need it, but they can also balance and take the emphasis away from the bust. I always try to keep the knot and draping above my bustline but not too tight around my neck. A knot or drape that rests six inches from my chin is just right. The ends hanging straight down and loose creates vertical lines that minimize. Score! In the example shown, I folded a large square scarf on the bias into a triangle and tied the two ends into a knot, and moved it over to my shoulder with one end in front and one in back.

A strong foundation in good working order is more important than what you wear over it. Don’t expect the same bra to serve you well for a couple of years. Pay attention to support and fit. As soon as I realize a bra is no longer doing its job, out it goes.

Many people write to ask me which bras and undies I favor. The most comfortable smoothing and supportive bras I have ever worn are by Shapeez.com. The Ultimate style is a better choice under most tops other than those cut low in the back, shoulders, or shallow neckline. The Tankee does not offer complete back and under the arm smoothing because it has less coverage. These bras were designed by a woman who actually wears them, not a male engineer/designer who thinks he knows what will work for us. As for panties, I favor the Vanishing Edge High Leg Brief from Soma.com. Please note: I will not make any commissions for sharing this information with you. As always, I am just sharing what works so well for me.

This is an excellent time to share a funny story with you. One of my first retail jobs included creating all the displays and windows for Belk stores in my area. As I was walking through a store one day, a tiny, elegant woman stopped me to ask, “Where are the step-ins, dear?” I had never heard that term in my life, so I had to ask for more information to figure out precisely what step-in was so that I could take her over to the lingerie department and show her where the panties were.

I share my real personal experiences with you here and use myself as a model because other than Mr. Mickey, I haven’t found anyone else who will work for free. We hope you have a great weekend!