Ask Angie: tricky body type at work

HappyMe

Hi Angie!

I will be starting a legal internship very soon and am having issues on what to wear. Because of the nature of the job, I will have to dress conservative business casual, which seems easy enough, but my body type is giving me some trouble. I am petite (5 feet) but have a larger bust and have a smaller lower half. It is especially tricky because I have to tuck shirts in but this makes me look extremely boxy. Any tips?

12 years ago

Body Type

7 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

rute

Veteran

You have a similar body type to mine! I'm 5'1, large bust and short waisted also!
First invest in a very good bra to support and minimiza the bust, I tuck into skirts and trousers with no problem but a jacket with a nice fit always helps and alongates the figure! You can wear the jacket on the office!

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I can't add anything here, but am interested in your post, Rute. Do you like Wacoal or any particular brand of bra that has good support? Also, do you prefer underwire or not? I ask, because I'm ready to do some bra shopping. HappyMe, I think Rute has given you some good advice with the addition of a jacket. Adding an elongated (tied this way) scarf may help, too.

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I'm like your body type, except two inches taller and around a size 14. It's tough. Just offering my moral support.

12 years ago

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

Will you have to tuck all shirts in? Maybe you could do some kind of a shell with a blazer layered over? Or perhaps wrap dresses or sheath dresses would be an option?

@Vicki, I highly recommend Chantel or Natori bras for support and comfort. I've tried a lot!

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

@Vicki; I got a great Le Mystere bra (Dream Tisha) at NR, but judging from the Zappos reviews, I must have scored an old one. Really holds up the girls even more than any of my Wacoals, probably because it is oddly stiff like nothing I have ever seen and is molded. FWIW, I had bad luck on the only Natori bra I ever purchased; not enough support and back bulge. It was evident from the beginning so it was really my fault. I have also decided that I have graduated up to three back hooks and should stop trying on two hooked bras since the back fat effect only makes me feel depressed.

12 years ago

iheartfashion

Member

I don't know, I'm a lawyer at a big city firm and I don't always tuck in shirts. In fact, I ONLY started tucking them in after I saw people doing it on YLF. And even then, it took me a while to prefer tucking. Wear what looks best for your body type that also looks professional. Professional does not have to mean tucking. Even with a suit. You can TOTALLY be work appropriate in untucked shirts.

My body type is very different so I can't help on the other issues.

12 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'm sure Angie will have you sorted in a jiffy.

But meanwhile, busty petite chiming in to suggest shirts with a bit of stretch, with waist darts in front or with a princess seam, rather than the classic straight button-down. Also look for blouses with a pleat/gathers at the back of the waist or at the side, which make the bust area roomier without interrupting the smooth shirtfront.

Good luck at the new workplace!

12 years ago

Category