https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:10:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263831 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:06:56 +0000 catgirl 263831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm happy to discuss the reduction decision as well. Here, or privately... Mine was after having a child, and I am glad I waited because it was worth it to be able to nurse him. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263797 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:02:54 +0000 Steph 263797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty busty (I'm a 32DD, and that's after a breast reduction as well--I had mine done 14 years ago, when I was 19), and I do wear high necklines. I know I recently posted photos of me in several dresses, and almost everyone loved one that had a high neckline. Angie ended up nixing it because of my chest size, although she previously liked another high neckline on me. I think it kind of all depends on the dress--I'm able to pull off some higher necklines better than others, and I'm never sure why. It's kind of a "I know it when I see it" situation. </p> <p>I think that one way to break up a high neckline, however, is with necklaces. A dramatic statement necklace, a triple strand of pearls, or a bold y-shaped necklace can all really help. The key, I think, is breaking up what would otherwise seem like a large expanse of fabric between the neck and ribcage. </p> <p>(And I have made this offer before, but if my reduction is news to anyone, and anyone has interest/wants to discuss it, I'm happy to respond to a PM. I know it's a big decision, so I'm always happy to help.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263730 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:57:57 +0000 Tricia 263730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first and last are from Sally Jane Vintage (www.etsy.com/shop/SallyJaneVintage), and the middle one was just pulled from a random Google Image search. </p> <p>I've had my eye on that Hearts on Fire dress (the last one) for weeks - it's the only one with a V-neckline; the others I'm not sure I can wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263717 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:32:04 +0000 crwilson 263717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tricia - I am in love with every single one of those dresses, even with their short/sleeveless-ness. Where are those from? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263711 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:16:07 +0000 Tricia 263711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are some of the kind I was thinking of: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263697 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:32:27 +0000 crwilson 263697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Leah-Those are great guidelines. I'm a bit (well, a lot) bigger than you (32H when I was pregnant, but now I think I'm down to a 30F), but I think the same principles would still apply. I think the key point might be finding something that flares out right below the bust. I would love to see pictures when you get home - visual examples really help me see how things work (imagine that). Thank you!</p> <p>Una - I didn't realize that you'd had a reduction. I would LOVE to get one, but I have to wait until I'm done breastfeeding to see where I end up. Maybe it will be at a place that is tolerable to me, but somehow I doubt it. I do probably notice it more than other people do, though. We all tend to be more self-conscious of our own bodies, I suppose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263689 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:20:11 +0000 Reneeb 263689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am looking for a shift dress also. The sheath dress I have found are too form fitting for my shape. (Thick in the middle) I hope someone will post some examples. I have to have step by step guides lines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263680 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:01:50 +0000 LeahJanes 263680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty busty (D cup - not huge but on the larger end) and shifts are my favourite style of dress. I am pretty sure the right cut can work on anyone.</p> <p>You need to look for 1. An open neckline of some sort. I avoid anything that sits up around my neck. Bateaus are an exception if they are really wide, but I have to try those on. That Old Navy one Una linked is an example of what I look for in a shift neckline.<br /> 2. It needs to be darted generously at the bust, or have a fabric that really hugs on the top, like a heavy ponte knit.<br /> 3. It needs to have an A line that flares from just under the bust, so that you don't suffer under the illusion that your bust size is also the size of the rest of you.<br /> 4. It has to be above the knee to avoid looking like a tent of fabric.<br /> 5. Some people will disagree but I feel like some short or 3/4 sleeves help balance me out. YMMV.</p> <p>When I get home I can post some examples as I have quite a few shift dresses in my wardrobe, they're like jeans for me - a real workhorse. I'm also ordering that Old Navy dress, it's great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263679 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:00:49 +0000 catgirl 263679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also curious as to what we're defining as "full-busted", as Angie says. Going from my previous size to a C cup, it is sometimes hard to hear that I'm still "large", but that seems to be the concensus! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263676 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:59:28 +0000 catgirl 263676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahaha - I accept all blame! Although I have yet to find a sheath dress that works for me. By shift dress, do you mean "sheath" or just a more general silhouette? I think the ON dress would work because it looks forgiving, unless it runs tiny. </p> <p>I can't remember if people know I had a breast reduction five years ago - not enough to take me down to small-chested, which I would have loved, but a drastic change nonetheless. It was quite an adjustments shopping for a much smaller (although still full) bust. One thing I found out - people didn't notice my pre-surgery chest nearly as much as I did, because the rest of me is small. Instead, they thought I'd just lost weight after the surgery. I have also gotten a good feel for what will work even if it seems like it shouldn't - that ON dress, for example. The problem is FINDING those items when you are looking!</p> <p>What all that rambling meant to say is that I think you can probably wear more options than you think. I would try anything that appeals to you, and I have a feeling at least some of it will work.</p> <p>So sayeth the serial returner... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263674 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:54:33 +0000 Tricia 263674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know the answer, but as a fellow disproportionately large-busted person, I'm very interested. I keep seeing the cutest vintage 60s-style shifts and thinking they won't work on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-shift-dresses-ever-work-for-people-with-a-big-bust#post-263672 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:52:03 +0000 crwilson 263672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore shift dresses, and people (yes, you Una) keep posting lovely examples. The problem - I have a really large chest, particularly in proportion to the rest of my body. I know that larger chests are supposed to wear v-necks and scoops, and I know from dressing my own body that this really is more flattering to my figure. Is there any way, though, of making shift dresses work for a larger chest? If so, how?</p> <p>Here are a few examples of dresses, just for reference:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3152747?origin=category&#038;siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-E70N0KcPAkJwxBKoA7XO3g" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/31.....xBKoA7XO3g</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15292&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=792234&#038;scid=792234012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=792234012</a></p> <p>(Dress Una posted earlier). </p>