YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Best looks for bony chest?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Best looks for bony chest? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 16:15:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107661 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:45:46 +0000 PalmFronds 107661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mocachino, you gave me such a laugh and delight reading your post! Yes it was long, but dang, so useful.Thank you so much! I totally get what you are saying about the V-neck shape and depth.I would not have tried the "crazy" cowl you showed but now I might after all! And I am in-love with the AE tuxedo jacket, it may end up in my closet soon. San, I actually rally like my collar bones and that is what makes it tougher.I tend to go for those Jackie-O collars that Mocachino mentioned because i like my collar bones but then I end up showing that middle part of my chest which is bony and too "ribby" I think when I look at it.The more cut-in looks may be a good option although I feel like sometimes they make my shoulders look broader. Must try them all I guess. But I will definitely be weeding out the scoop necks in my closet unless I can layer stuff under them.Thankfully I love scarfs, so I'll be using them to their fullest capacity! Thanks ladies! Anonymous on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107647 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:12:50 +0000 Anonymous 107647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the look of collar bones on a womans chest. Are you talking about a much more bony chest than that, as in, a few ribs showing under the collar bone? All good advice above, but if it is just the collar bones, they're pretty to show off. Mochaccino on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107638 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:56:15 +0000 Mochaccino 107638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Holy crap, did I really write a post that long? I should probably stop typing now... Mochaccino on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107637 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:55:24 +0000 Mochaccino 107637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm late to this question but I couldn't resist answering. Thank God someone has the same weird problem! You just made my day PF I have a AA bust and a very large ribcage. Even when I was slightly chubby, and filled out on my lower half, you could still count every rib, especially near my sternum. Luckily I have loads of suggestions for you. First off, you're right about scoop necks, avoid them like the plague. Even if your chest were not bony, with a bust as small as yours, scoops necks are just not flattering. Wide -v necks, and even v-necks of average width, are also not the best choice, although they're not as terrible as scoop necks. What you need are narrow, "sharp" v-necks, or shallow v's that stop just below the collarbone. Here are 2 great examples - shallow v neck: <a href="http://www.tulle4us.com/tulle/sweaters/A1232/" rel="nofollow">http://www.tulle4us.com/tulle/sweaters/A1232/</a> extremely narrow v-neck: <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26499&vid=1&pid=671277" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=671277</a> You should also try high-neck tank tops with very "cut-in" shoulders, as oppose to the wide-set "Jackie O" shoulder line, typically seen on sheath dresses and knit "shells". Here's an example of a tank-top with a high neck and completely exposed shoulders: <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/index.cfm/fuseAction/products.detail/_/Lace-Benatar-Tank/productID/2f769b76-e35b-47c4-a525-8c429b882e61/categoryID/39d92b7b-9d89-4714-b9ba-1bf89d64f3e5/" rel="nofollow">http://www.freepeople.com/inde.....89d64f3e5/</a> Incidentally, this is probably the ideal neckline for a dress for you. Combined with a deep exposed back, and a knee length hem, there is probably no dress style more flattering for our body type. In fact, it's likely you won't need a push-up bra (or any bra, for that matter) to look great in it. Another thing you MUST own, is a thin knit sweater, with a high cowl neck. Just avoid cowl necks that are so high on the neck that they cross the line into turtle necks. However a massive, voluminous cowl that would look crazy with a capital C on anyone else, will be an arty, refined, statement piece on you. Here's a great example of a cowl neck sweater: <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=708472012&tid=plya1r&kwid=1&ap=7" rel="nofollow">http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....&ap=7</a> You can also wear puffy, furry, or otherwise 3 dimensional statement lapels if they end deep on the chest, rather than being wide and shallow. The jacket angie is wearing in this photo would be lovely on you, even though she has a decent size bust: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/20/loafers-that-pack-a-punch/#comments" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/...../#comments</a> The previous look is better for oudoor outerwear, although it can be done indoors if you have the chutzpah But for indoor jackets, I recommend a narrow neckline, and very thin, long lapels, combined with a one button closure. Here you go: <a href="http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat1410002&productId=0383_1359&WT.mc_id=K24679&&WT.mc_ev=click&mr:referralID=25315db9-d879-11de-9b2c-000423bb4e79" rel="nofollow">http://www.ae.com/web/browse/p.....0423bb4e79</a> I also like fitted jackets without lapels (hard to find, but well worth it): <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=17292806&parentid=W_APP_VESTS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=132&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=W_APP_VESTS&popId=WOMENS_APPAREL&prepushId=" rel="nofollow">http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....prepushId=</a> Last but not least, you should get yourself some highly embellished boleros or vests: <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Autumn-Cashmere-black-sequin-cashmere-puff-sleeve-bolero/cat170028/303762001/detail.fly?referer=ca_yahoo&cm_mmc=ca_yahoo-_-na-_-womens_sweaters-_-303762001&mr:referralID=9d8c3319-d879-11de-9b2c-000423bb4e79" rel="nofollow">http://www.bluefly.com/Autumn-.....0423bb4e79</a> Last one, I promise (this is a picture of a little girl, but you get the idea): <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/faux-fur-vest/productinfo/28872/?utm_source=YahooPS&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=products&id=YP" rel="nofollow">http://www.chasing-fireflies.c.....#038;id=YP</a> As for your other question, you can definitely wear open necklines and fill them in with chunky, v-shaped bib necklaces, or layered strands, but you still should not wear wide v's or, god forbid, scoop necks. Try subtle strapless sweetheart necklines instead. Hmmm, I hope that helped you, and that you actually managed to read the whole thing:) I doubt Angie will see this, but I'd be interested to know if she agrees with me, especially since these are the rules I live by when it comes to choosing tops. PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107536 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:31:58 +0000 PalmFronds 107536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all again for the suggestions ladies! I am making a list for next week's "running of the stores".I'll be sure to keep your recommendations in mind stringy on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107454 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:29:57 +0000 stringy 107454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If there's any tops you've already got that are good for you in other ways, except for the exposed chest, I'd definitely follow the suggestion above to fill in the gap with a necklace or scarf. That way you can get a bit more use out of the tops while you look for something better. Maya on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107419 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:05:24 +0000 Maya 107419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a bony chest but a huge bust, so if being bony was really a bad thing, it would be impossible for me to try and satisfy both requirements. Like Kyle, I never thought of it as a cause for cover-up. I actually like having a very distinguished collarbone. I think it would look a bit strange to be "filled in" in that area and not have any definition, though I guess I don't pay much attention to it. But, I hear you on cultural preferences. If it really bothers you, I would just fill in the space with a scarf or a large necklace when you're wearing a lower top. If you have broad shoulders, a scoop neck that is narrower (more of a u neck) or v neck would probably look better, as a scoopneck that widens out at the shoulders is probably just making you look broader. PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107415 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:13:49 +0000 PalmFronds 107415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, thanks so much for posting those links! I adore most of those and would wear them in an instant.Once this shopping ban is over next week I think I will order a few of those on sale at Nordstroms to try them out I 'll heed your advice on the sizing too and probably pop for the mediums. Kyle, it is indeed food for thought. Some of it is probably cultural I am sure. I am originally from the Caribbean where "meaty" women are the cultural standard of beauty.This usually means not too thin, with a chest, hips and butt. Interesting how cultural norms can stay with you even after you move away, and even when your new culture is quite different! Kyle on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107401 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:11:11 +0000 Kyle 107401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting question. I am bony up top, too, but I kind of like it and have never attempted or thought about covering it up. I would imagine most fashion models have the same "problem" and yet lots of women are aiming to look just like them. Food for thought. Anonymous on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107396 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:53:47 +0000 Anonymous 107396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't see any of the necklines in SweetPea at Nordies right now that I mentioned, but the styles constantly change. Unfortunately most are plus sizes and scoop necks right now. Btw, the nylon sleeves can be cut to the length you want without hemming because the nylon doesn't fray. Here are a couple: a boatneck I haven't tried: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3079950?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=sweet+pea+stacy+frati&origin=searchresults" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults</a> This is a plus size, but the neckline is an example of what might work for us: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3062216?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=sweet+pea+stacy+frati&origin=searchresults" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults</a> This neck works for me especially with the twist front: <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=442398&CategoryID=15598&PageID=15598*5*24*-1*-1*107&cm_mmc=ShopStyle-_-LINKSHARE-_-Crawl-_-Crawl&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-ZMdxrIprmbEAydPQdr_.5w" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....ydPQdr_.5w</a> Good looking tunic. I feel like swirly designs add curves: <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=340052&CategoryID=13862&PageID=13862*11*24*-1*-1*254&cm_mmc=ShopStyle-_-LINKSHARE-_-Crawl-_-Crawl&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-z7rvFfQHydDjBWZalU9q9g" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....BWZalU9q9g</a> This sleeveless one comes close to the neck at the top and looks pretty good on the boney chested model even w/o a cami: <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=433684&CategoryID=13862&PageID=13862*7*24*-1*-1*163&cm_mmc=ShopStyle-_-LINKSHARE-_-Crawl-_-Crawl&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-V7V4vH36lyrYNEMrAeHdhg" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....NEMrAeHdhg</a> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3033158?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=tops:women:blouse%2ftop&cm_ite=sweet_pea_by_stacy_frati_tie_neck_mesh_top:263641&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-FSVL3TGSUerTlYQCYBNjdw" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....lYQCYBNjdw</a> I love wearing this asymmetrical style: <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Sweet-Pea-black-floral-mesh-34-sleeve-wrap-top/sale-cat60002/300390501/detail.fly?cm_mmc=CJ-_-1909792-_-2178999-_-Sweet+Pea+black+floral+mesh+3%2F4+sleeve+wrap+top&referer=cjunction_2178999_10436858_117161032" rel="nofollow">http://www.bluefly.com/Sweet-P....._117161032</a> I didn't find the shawl collar which is a favorite, but if you see one, try it. They run small and differently in different styles. I usually wear small, but have mediums and larges, especially in the tee shirt style. They are very stretchy. RoseandJoan on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107385 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:32:40 +0000 RoseandJoan 107385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sorry PF, I'm very late to this thread. I also have a bony chest, in certain lights I can count the ribs, but I also have an average bust. I still wear a scoop neck but I do wear a statement necklace to fill in the space, I also try to wear a scoop which is not too low. If I don't follow these measures my breasts look like two bumps on an ironing board. On child free days I find my multi layered pearls work a treat <a href="http://www.inisonline.com/product/inis-editions/1300-multi-strand-pearls/" rel="nofollow">http://www.inisonline.com/prod.....nd-pearls/</a> PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107370 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:15:04 +0000 PalmFronds 107370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for the suggestions Ladies! It's funny you bring up Trinny, Anne and YB, because that triggered my writing this question.I had already been vexed by my having purchased some open neck tops and finding them terrible later on(must have had brain freeze during those shopping trips), but yesterday I picked up T & S first book "What not to wear".I had read the book many years ago but when I saw it at the library I figured why not have a refresher. Ofcourse the first page I turned to shows the "no" look as the scoop neck shirt with three quarter sleeves, which I also happened to be wearing yesterday(and was already annoyed by).Sigh. Overall my body type is quite similar to Trinny's except my shoulders are broader I think, so alot of her recommendations suit me perfectly. I have been on a month-long shopping ban and I think that has helped clear my head for seeing some no-no's in my closet. This chest issue is now at the forefront of closet restructuring.A couple of tops will be headed to Goodwill later this weekend... I love mandarin necklines and close-button top shirts, but I had too many of those alone and wanted some variety. I love boatnecks but never seem to be able to find them in the stores! I adore turtlenecks and live in them all winter. Stringy, I have tried v-necks(wearing one now in fact) with camis under and sometimes they are okay, but unless the cami comes up high I still end up with the bony chest showing.I like your idea of the sleeveless button shirts-- I did have a few but wore them out and never got around to replacing them :-) Joy, I'll check out those Sweet Pea tops you suggested for the warmer temperature.They sound perfect. Sounds like unless I WANT to show the bony chest, I should stick with generally close and high necklines, or try to fill them in with accessories. Ah well, not a bad lot to have Thanks everyone! yublocka on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107359 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:07:16 +0000 yublocka 107359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Reading this post bought visions of Trinny to my mind also. For warmer weather wear, from memory I think she wears a lot of higher neckline tops without sleeves, or in the racerback style to show off her back and shoulders. Hope that helps! Anonymous on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107324 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:20:27 +0000 Anonymous 107324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same problem and have learned here to keep the collar close to the sides of the neck at shoulder level, but it can then make a V or slit. My favorites have become mandarin collars with a slit in front and shawl collars. Buttondown shirts with some buttons left open work too, as do cowl necks. If the front ends too low, I just wear a cami under the top Boat necks seem to broaden my already broad shoulders when there's no collar to break up that horizontal line. For summer I've found some Sweet Pea brand tops with the mandarin-slit and the shawl collar that are cool mesh but cover. I also wear sleeveless buttondown shirts, often over a cami. The cami or tank alone is not flattering to the boney chest, but the shirt collar comes close to the neck and gives coverage in the right places. I hope this makes sense. When All else fails, I wear scarves or multi-strand necklaces to fill in. stringy on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107321 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:53 +0000 stringy 107321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to have a similar problem (have put on a bit more weight now!), and found that scoop necks are the worst. It's like they're designed to show off every bone while making my bust look even smaller. I avoid them like the plague. Boat necks work better for me, in that they show my collarbone looking all angular in a dramatic way without revealing my bony chest. Crew necks are ok for me, while turtlenecks aren't, but I've got a short neck and you've got a long one. Have you considered v-necks? They work for me I think because they cut through the area instead of leaving it exposed. anne on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107318 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:47:07 +0000 anne 107318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm Trinny of T & S has a bony chest and from memory, I think she mostly covers it up! Just wanted to say I am keen to read the comments here as I have some tendencies towards chest boniness too. As I have said before I think we are fairly similar in body type - I also have a strong shoulder line and a small bust. However I have a large ribcage (underbust is about 29in, bust about 33in). I am pretty sure Angie and Julie might have something to say on this issue! PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/best-looks-for-bony-chest#post-107310 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:42:44 +0000 PalmFronds 107310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi YLF family, I have a troublesome question for you all, especially the stylish ladies who may fall into this category.I don't mean small chested as in breast size, although I fall there too. But rather the chest wall itself. I have broad shoulders but a very small chest barrel frame(32 bra band), and a somewhat bony chest. During the winter there is no problem with dressing because it is cold anyway, but when it is warmer I seem to have trouble figuring out the most flattering options that won't always keep me covered up completely. Alot of books recommend sticking with high necklines which I actually love and work well with my long neck. Crew necks though I find flatten me out too much though so I avoid them.I think ballet and boat necks work best in knits, and closer fitting button downs are great. But when it is warm I have made the mistake(even today) of wearing scoop neck tops only to look at myself later in the mirror and grimace.Not a flattering look at all. Any other suggestions, or should I just stick with high necklines? Can I wear more open ones but then wear jewelry/scarfs to fill in the space? I had one saleslady try to convince me that bony chests were sexy but she was trying hard to sell me stuff ;-) Thanks a bunch ladies!