Lovelyish reader GuitarKat93 asks:
Somewhere between the ages of 15 and 18, clothes shopping has become increasingly difficult for me.
My mom took me and my sister to the store today to buy some clothes. I have absolutely no dresses anymore, so I was determined to find a nice dress. Easier said than done -I tried on 10 or so dresses, ranging in all different sizes.My dilemma is this: What fits my waist does NOT fit my chest/hips, and what fits my chest/hips does NOT fit my waist! It’s like clothing manufacturers think that all women either have A-cups or are pregnant. It’s quite frustrating. And it’s not like I have a lot of money to spend on tailored clothes.
So my question for you is: Do you know of any good, affordable places to find clothes for the…umm…”well endowed”?
I can definitely relate, and I’m sure there are plenty of reader who share our struggle. Dressing for the “well-endowed” is most difficult when it comes to dress, especially if your waist is so much smaller than your bust like you and I. What I tend to look for in a dress is a cut with a defined waist or — believe it or not — a very relaxed fit.
Silence&Noise Layered Tank Dress, $69.00 Urban Outfitters
I am the first to say that relaxed/loose fitting dresses on girls with a big chest and tiny waist is a no-no. Usually you end up looking much larger than you are and no one wants that. That being said, there are are some styles that will accentuate all features in the right way. The trick is to find one that have subtle structure in the bust. I absolutely love this dress (above) from Urban Outfitters.
Nine West Dress Skinny Belt Set, from Amazon
Another option would be to belt a dress. I know it can be annoying to have to belt everything you wear, but this way you can wear the dress you love in the store and actually look good in it. Believe me, you will not be the only one belting, just look at the Kardashians — they wear just about everything belted. Invest in a great patent leather black belt, as well as a neutral color one, and an animal print belt to add a little pizazz.
Cupcake Decorating Party Dress, $49.99 from ModCloth
Lastly, anything with a V-neck is going to be very flattering and allows for more room in the bust so you can usually fit into the size that fits your waist. I know it seems counterintuitive, but V-necks actually make a large bust look better than a high neck line which can make them appear even larger (not in a good way either, but in a “one giant boob” kinda way). Any of these styles would look great.
Sleeveless Double V Neck Solid Maxi Dress, $47.04 from Bloomingdale’s
ASOS Plain Drape Crop Top Dress, $34.14 from AsosWarning: Whatever style dress you go with stay away from tent dresses and empire waist! Hope this helps!
Do you Lovelies have any advice for dressing for a larger chest?
Do you need advice on something? What’s making your head spin? Relationships? Shoes? Waterproof mascara? Hit us up.
guest
I agree with belting dresses/tops that are too loose for the waist, and V-necks, but probably not a v-neck dress like the pink “cupcake” one. The frills and ruffles make the bust look bigger, as well. I would also suggest getting clothes tailored to fit your waist.
guest
Shirts/ dresses that have a tie at the waist also help, at least in my experience. Those kinds of things show off the figure while still allowing for comfort in the bust. I guess that’s the same reasoning as investing in a belt for your clothes, but I personally don’t like belts and would feel awkward with one around my waist rather than my hips.
I’m always a little jealous of my petite cousin, who can find clothes pretty much anywhere in the mall. I have the same problem as the girl who asked the question — shirts that accommodate my bust look like a trash bag on the rest of me, and if it’s more clingy my tits stretch it out. It’s very hard to find that happy medium.
sunflower / 416 posts
The only dresses that work for me (big bust, small waist) are ones that are not fitted. I can’t get into a fitted dress to save my life. I go for dresses that flow off of the body and ones that either have a v-neck or scoop neck. Dresses that cover up your girls completely will only make them look bigger. Might as well show ‘em off!
orchid / 211 posts
This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but you’ll probably have to get clothes tailored. I have the same problem, which makes no sense to me because I am NOT well-endowed (I guess people with my waist-size are supposed to be flat-chested, which i am also not). I usually buy good quality dresses that fit perfectly from where the bra band hits up. Then get the waist altered.
It’s cheaper if you can find a non-professional to do it for you, rather than going to a tailors. Lots of people advertise on craigslist for doing some seamstress work on the side. It’ll be much more affordable.
magnolia / 1369 posts
sometimes you just have to get a size bigger and get it tailored . i’ve recently done this with a few pieces in my wardrobe and it really has made a big difference and i thought it would be pricey but it really wasn’t .
guest
you say stay away from tent dress and empire waists, but 3 of the 4 dresses are of that nature.