Ask Angie: Spring on the Way - YouLookFab Forum

Dear Angie et al.,

As a member of team modest encumbered by a disproportionately large bosom (28G or so), I truly struggle to find blouses that do not either look frumpy (huge and boxy in an unflattering way), cling and shred (t-shirts), or amplify the problem (patch pockets!). In the Fall and Winter, I skirt the issue by layering a Second Base cami (still too low-cut for my comfort) under the common fare blouses issued by Banana Republic and the like, but I do get so tired of the constant layering, concealing scarves, etc. My cumbersome layering trick doesn't work at all in the summer months here, as temperatures soar well into the hundreds Farenheit.

I can't stand wearing sleeves tops or the tops with the little fluttery bit on the shoulders and the exposed armpit area - not a comfortable sillhoutte for me. I prefer wovens to short-lived knits, too.

All this to say, where is the modest but full-busted girl to look? I'd love my tops to span dressiness levels from casual to work-worthy, but that may be too much to ask!

Thanks to you and anyone with advice.
Becky

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Becky, what do you mean here:

" I can't stand wearing sleeves tops or the tops with the little fluttery bit on the shoulders and the exposed armpit area - not a comfortable sillhoutte for me".

Do you mean that you don't like wearing sleeveless tops? Perhaps you could link to examples?

Suz

Veteran

Dear Becky, I have no good advice as I am very small in that department but I certainly feel your pain and would find this very difficult.

cobaltblue

Oops Angie, yes I meant sleeveless tops. (iPhone typo). I do not wear sleeveless or near-sleeveless tops

Thanks, Suz. We all have our own issues!

Kate

Becky, I'm wondering whether something like a short sleeved, boxy top--no layering required!--might fit the bill for you. Here's an example from Asos:

http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos......clr=Orange

I'm broad shouldered with a small bust, but this style has a lot of appeal for me. In fact, I ordered this top, as well as the boxy black & white plaid top that was part of an outfit (with the red midi pencil skirt) Angie recently posted on how to take the bombshell out of pencil skirts.

Amy

I see that you spin and knit, so that makes me wonder if you've ever tried sewing. I have some tricky fit problems too and several years ago starting sewing to fill problem gaps in my wardrobe. If you learned a few sewing basics, plus how to do a full bust adjustment, I think you'd be amazed at how that paid off for you.

Still, learning something like that requires a huge investment of time, which may not be doable for you. I stumbled across this website, which reviews brands of clothing made for curvier women.

Thanks Kate. Perhaps I can find a top like the ASOS one in a store near me - I have never tried that style and perhaps should.

Amy, I suspect that you are correct. I do like sewing, but I have never made much adult clothing. I have been considering taking some specialized fitting classes - maybe it really is time to do so. I read up on the full bust adjustment sounds wonderful.

I would still like some ideas for styles that might be flattering so that when I shop or look through patterns I can sift through with an eye to what is likely to work. I need to accept, I think, that sillhouettes I admire on others may not flatter me.

Thanks again,
Becky

Sveta

Like Suz I don't have an advice have some hugs for you! I feel your pain bu in the different area - in the pants department!

Thank you, Sveta, pants are hard too, aren't they? I have very little rear end, so Pants that otherwise fit sag and bag below my behind!

Becky, why won't you wear sleeveless tops?

Angie, I think sleeveless tops are lovely on others, but when I wear them, I feel exposed and uncomfortable. Having my shoulders exposed feels like having my cleavage exposed. I sweat when I feel nervous like that, and then I feel even more self-conscious. This problem defeats the purpose of wearing cool and breezy sleeveless tops!

Becky

Oh! That's such a shame, Becky. You have fab shoulders and arms - AND exposing them is the best way to keep cool. I know you look great in sleeveless tops - but you have to *feel* fab in them too.

You are after breezy tops with a short sleeve.

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