“could you recommend some shirt styles that would flatter my bigger bust-size?”

dear apricot,

Overall I am pretty content with my body. I am slim (5′7″, 128 lbs) and I can basically wear anything I want. My only “problem” is my bigger bust-size which — in my honest opinion — always makes me look “bigger” than I actually am.

When I pick out clothes, I try to find pieces that don’t play up the bust-area too much. But with all the baby doll and empire-style shirts these days (which, I really adore), it’s almost impossible.

Also, when I try shirts on, it doesn’t look so bad in the mirror, but when I see myself in photos sometimes, I cringe because I look so much “bigger” than I actually am.
I am not sure if this is just my subjective perception, but in case it’s not, could you recommend some shirt-styles that would flatter me?

— San, from The In Between Is Mine.

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San,

You can look absolutely beautiful & put together with a larger bust line, without appearing sleazy or boxy. It is more than possible! Here are some tips I found for you:

Things to stay away from:

• Necklines that make your chest appear wider. Also, stay away from high-waisted pants; that will exaggerate the size of your bust.
• Shirts & jackets that make you look boxy. Avoid sleeves that start right where your bust line starts.
• Heavy, thick, stiff materials.
• Large patterns & pocket details on your shirts. Those things actually make your chest look much larger.

Things to make you look stunning:

• THE PERFECT BRA. I cannot stress this enough, not just with big breasted women, but for average breast sizes, too. Relying on the sizes they have at the shops are not enough. Get an actual fitting — if you haven’t already — to determine your true size.
• Sweetheart & v-neck necklines, in both dresses & t-shirts. These necklines appear to make your neck look much longer, which balances everything out perfectly.
• Find dresses, shirts, & jackets that cinch at the waist or right below your bust — be it with a belt, a sash, or interesting stitching detail.
• Strapless dresses are another great way to show off your neck & collarbone. Just make sure that the dress offers a decent amount of support so that The Girls will stay perky throughout the day or night.
• Lycra or other stretchy materials.

(for product information, click here.)

Things to remember:

• Make sure to find shirts that are well fitted to your body. Anything too tight or too loose will create a not-so-flattering silhouette for you. Look for shirts that have “darts” right underneath the bust line, which adds support.
• If you want a certain kind of print or pattern on your shirts, make sure that it’s small. Smaller prints & patterns minimize & distract from a large bust line.
• When trying on clothes of any kind, really try them on. Stretch, bend, kneel, squat, lean forward, touch your toes — really get an idea of how this fabric is going to be moving if you decide to buy it. If it doesn’t past those tests, by all means, don’t get it!
• If you want to have the absolute perfect fit for your clothes, go to a tailor. They’re not often as expensive as you think, & even so, it’s a good investment because you’ll be able to wear your favorite clothes comfortably & confidently.

If you’re looking for more information — perhaps the perfect swim-suit, lingerie, bra, or skirts for a bigger bust — I suggest going to this website. They offer some very helpful hints, & I just know that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for there!

Good luck!

— apricot.

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