Ask Angie: trying to look less busty - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: trying to look less busty

NancyT

Hi Angie: I haven't posted in ages, as life really gets in the way of my trying to improve my fashion sense...however, today I really wanted your advice.

I thought I looked pretty good for my son's grad today, until I saw the attached picture. I realize I have a large bust, but I think I really look top heavy in this shirtdress.....what do you think and can I remedy this?

Thanks!

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Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from NancyT

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You DO look fab!!!

And congratulations to the graduate!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

What Suz said

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look FABULOUS! No wonder you felt you looked great. Your long neck wears a shirt collar very well. Your bust looks fab too! To my eye you don't look top heavy at all.

That said, I will answer your question for the sake of completeness :). Have you recently had a professional bra fitting? And have you tried a minimizer?

Peri

Veteran

Nancy, that's not what I see at all when I see your picture. I understand being insecure about this because I am too (32DD), but probably we are both just too worried about it. I dress on purpose to downplay the girls because I don't like the attention, but I wouldn't have had that thought looking at your picture.

If it helps any, I never wear a belt or anything high waisted because I think it chops me in half and emphasizes the bust. That's also why I refuse all tucking.

I will be interested to see what Angie says about other tricks, but objectively speaking, you look great.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Also, I did not mean to make light of your concern. I don't think you look too busty in this outfit. But if you prefer to minimize, then Imogen did a great guest post on that.

You might also search the archives for posts by forum members who are well endowed.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I wonder, does that angle kind of draw the eye to the bust? I think maybe everyone looks bustier in 3/4 view than straight on or from the side.

NancyT

Thank you for all your quick replies and positive comments.

Angie, I the last time I had a real bra fitting was about 3-4 years ago...I haven't really gained or lost any weight in that time, so I always assumed I was still the same size...? No, I haven't tried a minimizer, as I recall reading that they weren't a good idea...have minimizers changed in the past couple of years?

I guess I DO tend to be rather self-conscious about my bustline...it's hard when my style icon is Ines de la Fressange and I wish I could wear clothes like she does!

Peri, thank you for the advice regarding the belt...I wonder though if this dress would like like a sack on me if I didn't have a belt ...!?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You definitely need to arrange a professional bra fitting, Nancy! Bras improve every season and that includes minimizers. Yes! I have happy clients in minimizers and do recommend them. Head off to be Nordstrom (where you must be fitted by the lingerie manager), or Soma Intimates, or another specialty lingerie store that is not Victoria Secret.

Anonymous

I don't think you look too busty either!

NancyT

guess it's shopping time!

donnat

Veteran

You look gorgeous and slim. Not too busy, just nice.

DonnaF

Veteran

Nancy, I think when any woman's arm is at that angle and a bit back it makes her look a bit busty! You look fab btw, and congrats to your son!

Nicola

I have the same issue as you, seeing myself in photos and thinking, 'do they really look that big?'. So when I saw the title of your post I really expected to see a much bustier photo. Instead I agree with everyone else and think you look fine. If you hadn't mentioned your concerns I would have thought nothing of them.

Imogen is really worth a look if you haven't already. She has some great advice.

Nicola

By the way, I read somewhere that Nigella Lawson has the most desired bodyshape in England! Who knew?

Jules

Veteran

I knew! Love Nigella!
I agree with all the others - you're a beautiful woman and do not look disproportionate here at all. I do understand the shock of a picture that doesn't match your self-image, but I don't think you have anything to worry about here. I do personally find that button-downs can emphasize the bust a bit, but maybe it's just a perception thing because they are classic menswear, so we associate them with a straighter shape?

lyn67

Veteran

My God! If this is top heavy for you:-(((.... You are all looking fabulous! Believe me, would have better been kept my mouth shut up, if not! Congrats on your DS-graduation, too!!! fab day, today, I say!!!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Let me start by saying that you look lovely, and I don't think you look over-busty at all!

I'll leave out all the angst, but suffice to say, I wore a D cup by the age of 14, and my size now is a 30-32DDD/F. I am 5' tall and I wear a size 2. My size does not seem to change regardless of weight loss or gain.

Some useful life-changing tools that I found, to dress down a fuller bust and bring it in balance:

I saw Oprah's Bra Revolution in 2007 (I tried to find the video online, no luck) and her recommendation of the Dream Tisha by Le Mystere, and the Enell sports bra were my start.

http://www.barenecessities.com.....&ft=1
http://www.barenecessities.com.....#038;cm_mm

Six years later, I still wear both styles on a daily basis. I also recently bought a Marlies Dekkers bra that I LOVE - great support, great fit, ridiculously comfy. I plan to buy more in the future.

The other life-changing tool was Trinny and Susannah's books, "What Not To Wear", and "What You Wear Can Change Your Life". Their advice on how to dress a large bust has been invaluable.

And wow! Imogen's post is full of great information!

You should embrace your beautiful figure, and not be embarrassed by it, or ashamed of it, or self-conscious.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I think the photo crop and angle, along with the positioning of your body, is placing your bust in a prominent spot in the photo. I suspect that IRL this isn't as noticeable. Even in the pic, it doesn't jump out to my eye. I love the idea of a crisp shirtdress for the occasion. The sleeve fit and length is perfect, which is often not the case in this style of dress. You look beautiful on a very important day!

T-Rex

Veteran

I think you look great.

NancyT

Thanks to all for your encouraging comments..i agree the angle i'm standing at doesn't help matters...and I have a lot of catch up reading to do on Imogene's blog, bra fittings, etc., etc.