https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:22:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1770305 Fri, 20 Jan 2017 08:29:59 +0000 Archer 1770305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even slim women have can have that under arm vulva look - reserved for art of another period - but certainly acknowledged in different cultures.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1770304 Fri, 20 Jan 2017 08:28:16 +0000 Archer 1770304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It takes a pretty flawless torso and shoulders to pull off a strapless. Who are they designed for really? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1770296 Fri, 20 Jan 2017 06:44:24 +0000 gradfashionista 1770296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1770247 Fri, 20 Jan 2017 01:43:33 +0000 AM 1770247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, my profile pic was my elopement pic. I'm short waisted with boobs - and I like my shoulders -- and I'm 5'4". I need simple lines as my figure is easily overwhelmed. Strapless give me a band around my short-waisted/breast/mid-section -- and then I can get an elongated line for the leg. And being on the shorter side, I need the eye to go to a longer leg to elongate my silhouette , and then maybe to my boobs (haha). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1770244 Fri, 20 Jan 2017 01:31:47 +0000 Echo 1770244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've worn strapless dresses. I wore one to prom (many years ago), at which time I needed no bra. The boning of the dress kept it upright, and I never felt uncomfortable in the least about it slipping. I've also worn them since - again braless, though I am not as small any longer) - and had no trouble with them shifting. The only problem I've ever had has been casual, unstructured, strapless summer dresses. Because they are so flimsy, I wear them with a strapless bra and then tuck the edges into the bra under my arms, ensuring that the dress never falls down.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also agree with Janet that strapless dresses are NOT universally flattering. I am also shocked that wedding dresses are so often strapless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1643182 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:21:21 +0000 Anonymous 1643182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I need to chime in with some love for the strapless...</p> <p>I haven't worn a strapless since college formal (23 years ago?) and figured since I'm several pounds and a couple of cup sizes beyond where I was then that the style was out of my reach now. Not to mention that I've yet to find a strapless bra that really suits me.</p> <p>But when I came upon this dress at WHBM, I just couldn't resist the simplicity of it and had to try it out.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/strapless-overlaydetail-dress/570170000?color=001&amp;catId=&amp;fromSearch=true&amp;scPos=1-1-1127">https://www.whitehouseblackmar.....0?color=00</a></p> <p>It. Is. Fabulous. Fits like a glove. I've raised my arms overhead, bent forward, jumped up and down, and it's like it was made for me (I'm 5'6", take a 12 in WHBM dresses, and my girls are DD). Disclaimer: I have not worn it for an extended period of time, yet. So that remains to be seen. But I feel so fabulous in it I'm just not worried about it.</p> <p>I had taken a risk in that I didn't have a great bra, but the stars aligned and I found one in the VS "simply strapless" bra. Minimally lined, it stays put, supports, and is very comfortable. I had to size up (my usual Body by Victoria bra size is 34DD, and the 36DD in this one is perfect). I wouldn't want to wear it under thinner fabric on a cold day, if you know what I mean, but it's more than adequate for what I need it for.</p> <p>My inspiration was this pic of Charlize Theron, since my hair is about that short, and I love that this look is so minimally styled. I'll be wearing my dress with simple but sparkly earrings, no necklace, and a cuff bracelet (and some lovely strappy heels). Can't wait! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1643034 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:04:37 +0000 Ginger 1643034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fan is right. Longline strapless, or even better, a "merry widow." I've made do with some strapless bras in the past, but a few years ago I stumbled on a vintage merry widow in my size. Now I can't stand the look of any regular strapless bras. Even if they stay put, they do no lifting whatsoever.&nbsp; The merry widow provides support up-from-under and doesn't budge.</p> <p>I tend to agree with April about bridal gowns, too. The true strapless gown first appeared in the 1950s, and it's a revelation to look at how they were designed. The single biggest difference is the prevalence of the sweetheart shape. Most gowns now are straight across from armpit to armpit, which (in my highly opinionated mind) creates a host of issues. Totally aside from the individual's arms and shoulders:<br />* At least some of the staying power is in the tightness of the top edge. Tightness at the top of the bust flattens and distorts the shape, and can create so-called back fat where there really is nothing.<br />* Turns the torso into a block. Large busted figures look bulky, small-busted figures look flat, and medium-busted figures somehow look both. Very little waist definition.<br />* Crazy cleavage if the bra actually does provide support.</p> <p>I do think that a well-fitted strapless dress <i>can </i>be flattering on any figure. But getting a good fit is very individual, and should start with a good foundation - which is difficult to find for many women, simply because of physics.</p> <p>I'm convinced that the ubiquity of the style is for ease of fitting and minimal altering. When a bodice is cut off at the armpits, there's no bothering with good patternmaking and fit for things like shoulders and arms.&nbsp; Yay! So easy for the manufacturers!</p> <p>[end rant ] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1643002 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:07:48 +0000 April 1643002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I see bridal photos in the newspaper, it seems like 3/4 of brides over the past five years or so are going for a strapless look. &nbsp;<br />If I may say, it's not a flattering look on most of them. &nbsp;(Now, of course brides are under no obligation to wear something flattering, but when paired with what appears to be professional makeup and glamorous hair, flattery seems to be the goal of most traditional brides.)</p> <p>Strapless reveals an awful lot. &nbsp;If you're carrying extra weight on top, it's not the most flattering look, and if you're very bony on top, it's not the most flattering look. &nbsp;</p> <p>If flattery is what you're after, I would skip strapless unless you're extremely well-proportioned. &nbsp;And even in that case, use plenty of fashion tape! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1643000 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 10:31:41 +0000 lyn67 1643000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never wore one, never will. I'm on the other end of the spectrum, with a large bust, wide shoulders, and not so trimmed upper arms, so that's it. But I have seen so many young, slim and beautiful &nbsp;folks to wear one and still looking embarrassed of fearing to loose the dress, or showing like they are not wearing their best strapless bra to it (to say at least...:-)) so then why bothering??? &nbsp;<br />Including DD has had a not completely 100% happy experience with her strapless waltz dress. It &nbsp;had some laced up shirring from waist to décolletage on the back, but &nbsp;as parents wouldn't be allowed in their changing &nbsp;room(soo wrong!!), so they have had to &nbsp;tie it by theirselves...:-((<br />Let me just say, it should have been tied much tighter at the back for keeping up her smile till end of performance, but it had&nbsp;unfortunately&nbsp;&nbsp;dissappeared at half...and I knew something went &nbsp;wrong-guess what....-((.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories/page/2#post-1642810 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:08:25 +0000 Style Fan 1642810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worn several strapless dresses in my life.&nbsp; Boning and a good strapless bra with boning is the key.&nbsp; Every time I have worn one I swore I would never wear one again.&nbsp; But I loved the way they looked.&nbsp; I had (note had) nice shoulders, clavicles, arms, upper chest (before the sun damage hit) and a bust.&nbsp; Both of my weddings dresses were strapless and&nbsp;several cocktail dresses that I wore to award dinners and weddings.<br />Nothing exciting happened.&nbsp; No wardrobe malfunctions.&nbsp; Everything stayed in place.<br />The bra need to be full length.&nbsp; All the way to your waist.&nbsp; Lots of bones.&nbsp; And very tight.&nbsp; Doesn't that sound comfy?&nbsp; Looks nice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642707 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 17:25:48 +0000 Anonymous 1642707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Someone stepped on my sister's wedding dress and ripped it like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642695 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 16:44:10 +0000 April 1642695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Off-topic wedding wardrobe malfunction story: one of my sisters-in-law wore her mother's wedding gown for her own wedding. &nbsp;The gown was was not strapless (that's the off-topic part.) &nbsp;</p> <p>But at the reception, someone stepped on the hem and the entire bodice detached from the full skirt, owing to thread that had deteriorated in the 30 years between her mother's wedding and her own.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642538 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 06:57:42 +0000 rachylou 1642538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gradfashionista, that is a fab story lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642519 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 06:22:47 +0000 Gigi 1642519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to wear a strapless dress for my brother's wedding, as a bridesmaid. I was supposed to wear a strapless bra under it, but the gal from the wedding dress place mixed things up and delivered a C-cup strapless bra for me (I was an A cup). Well, that clearly wasn't going to work. So I had to ditch the bra (which made me feel very self-conscious, seeing as it was a church wedding) and wear the dress by itself. The dress was never in danger of slipping down, but I remember that it was so tight after the alterations that I could hardly breathe. I literally could not expand my rib cage all the way. So that would be my suggestion if you want to wear a strapless gown that will not fall off--make sure it's so tight that you can't take a full breath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642502 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 05:13:01 +0000 deb 1642502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love all these stories. Thanks all!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642494 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 04:25:27 +0000 Anonymous 1642494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sister is an assistant for a priest who refuses to do a wedding where bride or bridesmaids have strapless dresses after an unfortunate incident in which someone stepped on a dress hem and everything came falling down.<br /> This is in a resort area and there are many requests for weddings. She has started off by telling whoever calls that Father does not allow strapless dresses and has had the phone call ended abruptly many times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642459 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 02:52:16 +0000 Jaime 1642459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not since my high school prom and no intention to find the miracle bra that would make it even possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642457 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 02:48:02 +0000 kerlyn 1642457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore strapless gowns for proms and as a bridesmaid, and they were all fine without a bra due to the boning and rather substantial material. &nbsp;I found them to be fairly comfortable, &nbsp;but I do remember feeling the need to "hike" them up throughout the evening!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642452 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 02:12:02 +0000 April 1642452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure I've ever worn a strapless dress, but I can tell you my observations from my son's pre-prom photo session. &nbsp;His date wore an extremely elegant, crystal-studded strapless floor-length gown, and it clearly kept feeling like it was about to fall off, because she kept surreptitiously snatching at the top of it, in a gesture that would be recognizable to any woman who's ever worn strapless.</p> <p>She looked gorgeous, but I did wonder how much fun it would be to spend the evening tugging in the hope of not having a wardrobe malfunction. &nbsp;</p> <p>My advice: fashion tape, and plenty of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642408 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:50:32 +0000 DonnaF 1642408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once when I wore a tube top in the early '80s, it flipped down as I walked.&nbsp; Maybe I was swinging my arms?&nbsp; Luckily, I was wearing a shirt or something on top.&nbsp; No bra underneath.&nbsp; That was my last time for wearing a tube top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642379 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 23:48:19 +0000 Anonymous 1642379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i>I never had 'belly protrusions' as Isabel did, but I *did* have "quad boob".</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642308 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 21:02:11 +0000 plonkee 1642308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worn heavily boned strapless tops in my 20s and they looked great. But when I was a bridesmaid in my early 30s I elected to wear the removable spaghetti straps. They added about 10% support, but that little extra made the dress work from 1pm to 2am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642299 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 20:50:35 +0000 gradfashionista 1642299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost owned one once, but reconsidered when I lifted my arms to adjust my hair and the dress slipped to my navel. I've never found one that didn't slip down precariously the moment I threatened to lift my arms. Also, I recently noticed that strapless tops/dress make my chest look *very* low, even with a strapless or built-in bra. It's quite disconcerting. Perhaps my chest has fallen without my notice, or the strapless aspect draws attention to my relatively short arms (meaning that my chest hits closer to my elbow than to the top of my upper arm), or that the added muscle on my traps lengthens the distance from my neckline to the my chest line. In any event, the look makes me feel insecure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642175 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 17:08:25 +0000 Anonymous 1642175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only strapless thing I ever wore was a tube top, I'm embarrassed to say, but hey, I was young and foolish.&nbsp; It was a short phase, thank goodness.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642166 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 16:47:48 +0000 rachylou 1642166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't understand strapless wedding gowns. I'd get so cold. I also remember when my best girlfriend was getting married and was considering doing so in temple...the rabbi told her no showing your shoulders to god there... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642117 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:01:05 +0000 JAileen 1642117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like the strapless bridal gown trend. I used to watch that show on tv about wedding dresses and 99 percent of the brides chose a strapless dress, regardless of their their size. And they were all sizes. Do they think they have to choose that style?</p> <p>I got married in winter and wore a long sleeve dress. It was actually two dresses: the outer dress with long sleeves and kind of a crew neck, and the inner dress which was a slip dress. It sounds very Victorian, but I think it was more 20s inspired. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642116 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:59:17 +0000 Anonymous 1642116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't do strapless anything. Too much effort to keep it up, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642105 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:42:18 +0000 Janet 1642105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, why do brides foist a style onto bridesmaids that is not flattering to them? I'll never understand that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hi five, Elisabeth. I'm glad I'm not the only one. It's almost a poison eye for me. And yes, the monoboob look! *groan*</p> <p>I have a swim coverup that is strapless (one of those can be worn as a skirt or a dress kind of thing), but because it always goes over my swimsuit, it always has the appearance of shoulder straps or a halter top, depending on the suit. That is the extent of my investment in strapless. :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642010 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:14:21 +0000 Staysfit 1642010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never tried one. My DD did, but she has a larger chest than me. We had to have a tailor take it in and add some padding to help keep it from slipping but it worked.</p> <p>It was a lot of work! I would say go with a one shoulder bare look as a compromise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/strapless-dresses---your-stories#post-1642007 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:07:37 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1642007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first time I wore a strapless dress I had be choice in the matter because I was a bridesmaid. It was nerve racking because I wear a 38G and didn't have much experience buying a strapless bra. I ended up buying a heavy corset bra but the material of the dress was too flimsy and you could see the outlines of the corset plus the pointed cups through the dress. It was not a good look but like I said I didn't have any say in the matter. It was an uncomfortable evening. </p> <p>I went on to experiment a little with strapless because my décolletage is quite nice and it is a flattering look on my despite my large bust. I ended up getting a strapless wedding dress because that was nearly all that was available at the time and anything that was covered up drowned me out. It was a heavily beaded top with a built in corset and I wore a very comfortable strapless bra so it was pretty comfy. </p>