Ask Angie (and everyone else): Shift Dresses for the busty

Hi Angie and everyone! As some of you know, I recently committed to the Frockstar kind of life and I've been particularly drawn to the potential of shift dresses due to the following:

1. They're so forgiving on the waist!
2. They're great for summer because of the loose fit
3. The clean simple lines that suit my modern classic side.

I have seen some shifts that worked on me but didn't purchase them (I regret this now). They have the following characteristics:

1. Fit me well in the bust (not loose, but semi-fitted)
2. Fabric has drape (not stiff)
3. Has a slight a-line (but not a trapeze dress)
4. Slightly shorter than knee length. I'm open to mini-dresses!

I'm really drawn to these modern 3/4 sleeve shifts I see in stores these days but every time I try them on, I always look like I'm wearing a sack and look extremely frumpy and "rectangular" (not the body type - I just really look like a brick when wearing them!). Do you have any advice or suggestions on how a busty, thick waisted IT girl can wear them, or should I stick to what I've observed above? Or give up on shifts altogether?

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

MsKatieKat, I love a shift dress but have similar challanged with them to you. Key for me would the fit and the fabric. I pefer slightly oversized looks and like you the fabric has to drape and skim the body. I don't like any form of Aline on my body but prefer a slightly tapered shape - it may highlight my hips a little but I really don't mind - and the length needs to be about knee length. So very similar to your requirements. I also love 3/4 sleeves because I like to show a little skin that way as I feel it stops the slight oversizedness of the dress from being too overwhelming on me. It may not be the 3/4 sleeve but rather the type of 3/4 sleeve, if it's a dolman or batwing, I can find those a bit too much but a more slender line sleeve can work just fine.

MsLuna

Hi Deborah! Thanks for sharing what works for you! I think I've seen previous WIW's you posted so I'll have to take a look at your shifts! Any particular WIW favourite?

With dolman style sleeves: I've tried on a few dresses with batwing/dolman sleeves and tapered skirts but somehow they just don't work on me. In theory, they should, but there must be some details to keep in mind for those kinds of dresses. I think I understand what you mean with the 3/4 length sleeves. I find that that's the most flattering sleeve length on me. It does show just the right amount of skin and balances out my long limbs.

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