This week I spent some time going through your responses to my survey and today marks the first day of my new and improved content! My aim is for Style Studs and Lace to become the place that you choose to visit to get simple, down to earth information on dressing to suit your shape and maximizing your closet, as well as finding the solutions to your everyday style problems. Some of this content is on the blog already but it’s not been very easy to find, so as well as introducing new content that’s more relevant to YOU, I will be tweaking the layout slightly to make it much easier for you to navigate and find what you’re looking for.
Some of you shared the issues you have with your style and shape, as well as the content you would like to see more of over here, and thing that cropped up again and again was dressing to suit different shapes, so from today, Fridays will be all about dressing to flatter different body shapes. And I thought I’d kick off by sharing the best tops to flatter a large bust.
FIRST OF ALL WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT BRAS
Before we go any further, it’s important to point out that you that the only way you’re going to get a really good fit, is if you’re wearing the right size bra. I wrote a series of articles a while ago that will help you to identify if you are indeed wearing the correct size, and if not, they will help you find the right size and fit. I highly recommend popping over and having a read!
THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU’LL COME ACROSS IF YOU HAVE A LARGE BUST
- Shirts often pull at the buttons
- Some tops make you feel mummsy
- Tops with an empire line, often ride up and sit across your bust
- Tops often pull across the bust
- And certain tops make you feel more busty
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU’RE CHOOSING TOPS
Check the sleeve length
Avoid sleeves that end in line with your bust as this is big reason why some tops make you feel mummsy, or make you look bigger than you are.
Look for necklines that draw the eye down and/or break up the line across the bust.
V necks, Sweetheart necklines, plunging necklines and scoop necklines are great. But in general, necklines that are low are a good place to start.
Tops that have some structure and shape to them are often a great choice
they will hug and highlight your curves rather than hiding them and making you look bigger than you are.
That said, it’s sometimes possible to go up a size to give yourself some extra room at the bust
But be careful! Make sure you play around with the styling to ensure you’re not totally swamped. A gentle tuck into the front of your waist band, or heavy pendent necklace can make all the difference. Check out my Pinterest board if you need some ideas on styling a shirt.
Batwing sleeves can be a little unflattering
As they can sometimes broaden an already large bust, but it really can depend on the fabric. A lightweight fabric will be more forgiving than a heavier, knitted fabric. It’s not always an issue but is definitely something to consider!
Light colors highlight and dark ones hide.
Use this to your advantage! Color blocking is brilliant and if the blocks of colour are in the right place they can make a higher neck top or boxy shape much more flattering.
Forget what anyone’s ever told you about avoiding stripes and embrace them.
This goes back to the point above. A light band just under the bust will highlight your narrowest point.
Polonecks and turtlenecks can be unkind to a large bust
But if you want to wear them (and they are a big trend this season so they may be hard to avoid), layer a sleeveless jacket or a vest over the top to lengthen your neck and break up the line across your bust. It works a treat!
Button ups and shirts can be hard to find in the perfect fit
So a good option is to undo the buttons across the bust and layer a very lightweight camisole underneath. Or look for styles that pull on over the head and zip at the side.
Try to avoid pockets, ruffles, pleats and bows that sit on your bust
These have a tendency to make you appear larger than you are. Tie neck-ties so they drape down over the bust rather than sit on top of it.
Accesories are your friend
A long pendent necklace (that hangs below your bust) or long skinny scarf is a great way to break up the line across the bust and are often a simple and inexpensive solution to an unflattering top.
HERE ARE SOME FANTASTIC FLATTERING STYLES
AVAILABLE IN THE UK
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| 1. NAVY FLORAL PRINT BLOUSE / 2. IVORY JERSEY SLEEVE SHIRT / 3. BODYSUIT WITH CROSS OVER NECKLINE / 4. ZIP FRONT CHECK TOP / 5. FLORAL WRAP TOP / 6. COLOUR BLOCK TOP / 7. COLOUR BLOCK TOP / 8. FLORAL V NECK TOP / 9. VELVET AND SHEER PANEL TOP |
AVAILABLE IN THE USA
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| 1. CUT OUT V NECK TOP / 2. RUFFLE TOP / 3. LONG SLEEVE WRAP BODY SUIT / 4. WRAP PLAID TOP / 5. WRAP TOP / 6. SHIRT / 7. COLOR BLOCK TOP / 8. SLEEVELESS BLOUSE / 9. VELVET AND SHEER PANEL TOP |
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