Ask Angie: bombshell style for a non-bombshell body

aloha emily

For the first time in my style journey I’m drawn to a bombshell vibe this season. My un-bombshell body type (small bust and booty, fairly straight from shoulder to hip) makes it a challenge. I’d love suggestions!

5 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's all about form fitting clothing and lower necklines. Do you wear those?

5 years ago

aloha emily

Active Member

Not usually- but I’ll try both! All over form fitting? I live in a really hot climate, so layers aren’t a great option.

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yup. Body con for sure. At least at the bottom, and with heels. Top can be fluid, but should be tucked. Have to showcase the curves and defined waist.

5 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Hi, just chiming in to say Eva Longoria does some great bombshell looks and she also has a very slight build. She seems to do a 'uniform' of sorts, with bodycon pieces, big hair, big earrings, gorgeous makeup, glam sunglasses and bags, and heels. You might get some good inspiration from her

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I always think rockabilly when I think bombshell. Sweetheart necklines, big skirts or tapered pencil skirts. You can go more refined, like Sophia Loren, or you can go hoochie like Nicki Minaj. I mean, btw, no disrespect by using the word hoochie: Nicki is witty snap.

5 years ago

nuancedream

Veteran

Pencil skirts and belted sheaths are great for creating a bombshell look. You may want to look at Salma Hayek as an inspiration, as she's one of best at creating a classy bombshell look.

5 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

My opinion - there are many ways you can define “bombshell”. Is your definition modern? Or vintage?

Either way, for proportions, you might refer to old Hollywood photos. Without seeing a photo of you, but based on your description of yourself, I would suggest looking at photos of Vivienne Leigh, pin-up model Bernie Dexter, and basically, any lead actress you see dancing in 1930s-60s film musicals. Many of them aren’t hourglass, but the effect is faked with costuming, corsetry, or belts

Salma Hayek, most of the actresses in “Nine” (Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson) might also be good visual references.

5 years ago

Roberta

Veteran

A classic combo is a fitted cardigan with a couple of buttons undone and a pencil skirt. Joan Holloway. Dita von Teese is the evening version.
"Bombshell in a hot climate" makes me think Liz Taylor; strong eye makeup and a nearly sheer caftan. A vee neckline for sure. Have fun!

5 years ago

aloha emily

Active Member

Thank you all so much for great visuals! I posted some outfits today- am I on the right track?

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I checked back to this thread. I think you are on the right track. I think you can also go with a fitted top and a fuller skirt or trousers too (or shorts).

5 years ago

Anonymous

Bombshell makes me think of curves or the appearance of curves. One fabber had jeans that had extra padding in the backside, for example, to create more curves. Shapes in general that are cut on a curve, so either A line or tapered, rather than straight- create a curve. Same with wrap tops/dresses.

5 years ago

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