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Dressy or casual looks for a short and very busty hourglass?

egregiously

Hi guys! This is my first post here, so. Uh. Yeah. I'll post pictures if you guys need.
Basically I'm 19, 5'2", and have no idea how to dress myself for certain things -- especially now that I can go out to clubs and so on to dance. I've got a good, well fitting bra, so that's down, but I mostly find myself wearing either gym clothes or the same stretchy jersey dresses from H&M (one red one and one black one, in scooped necks with a three quarter sleeve). I'm a ridiculously curvy size 6-8 (32I bust-27-41), and it's definitely a challenge finding things that fit without looking either too matronly or too, uh, skanky. Most dresses I find for going out these days in 'younger' stores (French Connection, H&M, Zara, etc) are short, have a very high or very low neck, show bra straps easily, and don't have a defined waist. So, uh, yeah. It's a little weird being the only person in the room wearing tights and chunky retro pumps and a skirt that hits at the knee instead of the crotch.

All of which is a very rambly way of asking this question: what would kind of dresses would you guys recommend for going-out wear -- nothing TOO fancy, but more dressed up than in class -- for a short, busty hourglass with thick, athletic thighs? I haven't had much luck with jeans, and I'm really uncertain as to how to dress for a night of dancing because most of the styles I see other girls wearing would be really unflattering on me.

EDIT: What I currently wear looks a lot like this (http://canada.frenchconnection.....+KNITS.htm -- I have this exact dress in navy/black, but it doesn't fit any more), except just one solid knit and it feels a little too secretary-ish and basic for going out.

SECOND EDIT: Put up some photos below for your perusal.

Body Type

19 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am not sure I can advice you as my own body is complete opposite - tall and smallish bust- but just wanted to welcome you to the forum. We have such a variety of stylish ladies of all shapes, sizes and ages so I am sure you can find help you need here. And of course Angie may chime in the end of the week - she will sort out your dilemma in no time at all!

Steph

Veteran

Egregiously, welcome. Your body type actually sounds somewhat similar to mine, although I am not quite as busty and my hip measurement is smaller. When I was your age I actually had a breast reduction, so I may have been as busty as you are (I never wore a properly-fitting bra back then, so I'm not sure what my size was).

I understand your issues with club/bar wear. When I was younger I often felt that I looked frumpy next to everyone else when I went out with friends, and I absolutely hated it. Are you wedded to skirts/dresses? If not, it might be easier to find a pair of dark wash straight legged jeans to pair with a top. (As someone with muscular thighs as well, I don't like the look of skinnies on me, but perhaps you will have better luck and want to try that as well.) I know this might not be the most popular opinion on ylf, but I am personally of the opinion that if you are well-endowed, you may as well flaunt it. Obviously you don't want to look vulgar, but I don't see anything wrong with a well-fitting top that shows some cleavage for a night out. It definitely gets rid of the frump factor.

Are you in the northern hemisphere? I think that clubwear becomes a little easier as the fall and winter approach, because you can wear knee-high boots, which seems to add a certain amount of fun to an outfit. I think that a knee-length skirt with knee-high boots can often look more club-appropriate than the same skirt with sandals or shoes.

To be honest, my recipe is basically jeans or knee-length skirt, snug top that shows a little cleavage, and high heels. Finding the right top is always the most difficult part of the equation, so I always keep my eye out for tops that would work in those types of situations.

If you aren't comfortable with cleavage, I completely understand. I used to be very uncomfortable with it, but at some point I decided that I have to deal with a lot of negatives because of my bust, so I may as well embrace what I have and get some positives out of it as well.

I do think that posting a photo might help everyone give you solid advice as well.

crwilson

Veteran

I have a similar body type, too, as I'm short and very busty. I'm too old for clubbing now though. I agree with Steph - it might be easier to find a pair of great fitting jeans and a fun top with great shoes. Dresses are hard, though I like the one you posted. How would you describe your style, or what you would like your style to be?

Welcome to the forum!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Welcome to the forum! As a busty (38G) who is WAY too old to go clubbing, I'd still advise you to try the jeans and cute top to show off your cleavage (you got it, may as well flaunt it!) Im sure others with more knowledge will kick in ideas as well.....

egregiously

Thanks for all the welcome wishes, you guys!

I'd love to find a pair of jeans that fits, but no go so far, and I feel like I've tried on every pair of jeans in the mall that's within my price range. It's not even the fit, although it's difficult to find something that fits my narrow waist and wide hips, but also it just seems like most pants aren't very flattering on me -- they seem to make my legs look stumpier and emphasize the size of my thighs while doing absolutely nothing for my waist. I do find that I like the way I look in pencil skirts and sheath or 50's-ish shirtdresses much more than I do in pants, but if I could just find the perfect pair of pants, I'd totally be up for it.

I like the idea of knee-high boots, though! I didn't really think of that. I have a pair of knee-high leather ones that's much more for walking around than dancing, but they're so old and beaten up it might not be a bad idea to invest in something like that.

I'm not opposed to showing cleavage at all -- I'm young, I've got it, and my boobs look much bigger in a high neckline than they do with a lower one -- it's just an issue of fit and bra-showing.

I'd describe my style as pretty feminine and classic on my dressy days, and sporty on my less-dressy ones. I tend towards chunky-heeled retro-ish pumps, fitted blazers with defined shoulders, leather motorcycle jackets, high waisted pencil skirts (although I think these'd move up/ride around too much to wear for anything more vigorous than walking) with tucked in tops, and lots of black and gray (I'm working on changing this, though) with occasional solid, jewel tones. I'm bad at accessorizing and layering -- the closest I get is the occasional pair of earrings or a blazer. I try to dress a little bit like a younger, less retro and more updated Joan Holloway (although my vestigial punk side peeks through every now and then), just because it works for my body, but it's not always successful and I feel like I come off a little too business-y for my age (I often have people asking me if I'm married, or where I'm doing my doctorate! :P).

PICTURES -- T-shirt and my one pair of (very badly fitting, fifteen dollar at Value Village) jeans; a red dress with a black belt that I don't usually wear it with, the French Connection dress (it's a little big on my waist; I don't know if it's visible), and a summer dress that I would definitely not wear clubbing, but gives you an idea of the troublesome boobage. Keep in mind that I'm very sick right now and have no makeup on (also, my face is super puffy), so just, uh, concentrate your attention to the neck down.

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Steph

Veteran

I completely understand about pants, and have the same feelings about them. I went years without wearing any pants at all, and only started up again when I discovered Joe's Jeans, in the Honey style. They are expensive, but you should try them out at the mall and see if you can find them for less money online.

If you like pencil skirts, how about a skimpy/cleavage-baring top with a pencil skirt and knee-high boots? If you feel like the pencil skirt looks too frumpy for going out to bars, try to find one in a less work-friendly fabric: something like (faux) leather, or maybe something in some kind of black satin that has edgier detailing. Another idea would be to find a pencil skirt with a shape that flatters, and then considering getting it hemmed to a shorter length (if you are comfortable with shorter styles).

Also, I admit I have a pair of faux patent knee-high boots that I wear only when I go out to bars or clubs. I don't really go out to bars or clubs anymore, but I loved having them for that purpose. Their shininess made them something I would never wear during the day, but they were perfectly fun for a night out, and made anything I was wearing seem younger and cooler.

Steph

Veteran

Just wanted to add some links to pencil skirts I think of as looking more clubby/less suited up (I realize some are very pricey, but it is more for the idea):

http://www.shopbop.com/ghost-s.....2033412397

http://www.shinystyle.tv/2008/.....#more-1492

http://www.thisnext.com/item/E.....hed-pencil

egregiously

Ooh! I like those skirts, although my own pencil skirts seem to ride up or slide around a little too easily. They're made of different material, though, and are a little bit big on me, so perhaps something that's snugger and made of a clingier material won't do the same.

And I've added pictures to the post above.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of a mini pencil skirt with leggings/tights and platform pumps/boots, and a flowy, blingy, top (so no fit issues with the girls). You can either do a high-waist mini and tuck in the top, or do a super wide belt with the shirt untucked.

In general, I would give you this adivce: use a tailor.

I'm not nearly as curve as you, and I absolutely tailor every pair of pants I have purchased either in length or having the waist taken in, or both (except a recent pair of CJ by cookie johnson denim). I don't think you can expect to acheive a good fit on the bottom with anything fitted until you use a tailor.

Find a pair of jeans/trousers/pencil skirt that fit your booty and your thighs and then trot those suckers off to a tailor and have them take the waist down to fit.

Pencil skirts and sheath dresses might wrinkle a little at the hip when you walk, and that is totally normal. But if they are twisting around or hiking up you either need a slip (if it's grabbing your tights or leggings and hiking up because of it) or you need to take the waist in so they fit properly.

Good luck! Post some outfits if you give any of the ideas a try.

Mellllls

Veteran

when i was your age i wore black pants and a tank top when i went clubbing. do you have black pants? i think the red dress in your pictures would be great as well. or the black pencil skirt that steph linked to. are there dress codes at the places you go? some places i used to go don't allow jeans.

Tara

(website)

Veteran

Firstly, I must say you have a really beautiful figure. I think you should definitely be proud of it

Also, I think that a lot of making these kinds of dresses more "dressy" and sassy lies in the accessories. Think fabulous shoes in bright colours and interesting textures, jewellery, and handbags really takes it up to dressed up for a night out rather than secretarial. Also, and surprisingly, necklaces placed in the correct place actually draw attention away from the bust rather than to it, if that's what your aim is.

Kari

Veteran

Welcome, and congrats on posting photos! You have such a beautiful figure. I am a busty hourglass as well, though on a larger scale. I can totally relate to your issue of having to wear a bra that supports, and struggling with the fact that the bra can often show above the neckline of low-cut tops. That can be so frustrating!

I don't really go out clubbing so the wardrobe I suggest may be different, but when I head out to a bar with friends, I usually prefer to wear straight leg jeans, pumps or knee high boots, and a cute blouse with a moto jacket and pretty necklace.
If finding jeans that fits your small waist is a struggle, I highly, highly recommend the idea of seeking a tailor to help you nip in the waistband of your jeans. If you try jeans on in the fitting room and they look perfect if you pinch the waistband tightly behind your back, it really is an alteration that's worth considering. I think it was about $20 the last time I had this done at a tailor.

(I hope that you feel better, by the way!)

Maya

Veteran

Egregiously! I love that word. It's one of my favorites

You have plenty of sympathy and support here (no pun intended). Lots of us have ample bosoms to contend with, myself included.

I actually am VERY surprised to read so many people think jeans would be easier. If I had your lovely figure jeans would be the last thing on earth I'd want to wear. Dresses are MUCH easier and more flattering. They are made for curves. Jeans are made for straight bodies. You'll have to struggle with jeans in a way you just won't with a well fitting dress. Not only will you have to struggle with finding jeans that fit, but finding tops that fit can be a daunting task.

I don't know much about club wear, as it is just too far removed from my own universe, but on the subject of feeling frumpy: Remember that your friends are wearing the low cut tops and spaghetti straps because they don't have what you have naturally--they are trying to create it.

Lastly, I am not a viewer of Madmen and know nothing about it except what I read on YLF and hear from friends. But based on that, I feel your style (judging from your hair) and body type lends itself well to lots of exquisite retro 50's looks.

Marley

Veteran

My oh My oh My! You have a gorgeous figure! I love, love, love those dresses on you! I really wouldn't even mess with jeans - unless you really want to. If so, then get yourself a pair of the absolutely most expensive jeans that you can afford and that fit you in the hips and thighs - and then get the waist taken in. However, I agree with Tara - you can just add accessories to what you currently have and they will then most certainly be ready for some clubbing.
I noticed in your first picture that your necklace is hanging off of the edge of your boobage - I would either put the pendant on a shorter chain and pull it up to be showcased on your neck/chest - or I would put the pendant on a long, long, long chain so that it is not just dangling there in space! Also, dangly earrings, sparkly scarfs/sweaters/shrugs, clusters of bracelets and bangles on your wrists, bold rings - all of those types of accessories would spice up your outfit from matronly to fab!
Have fun!

Kate

Veteran

You have an amazing figure! Like several people have mentioned, I would stick to dresses and skirts at first, until you can devote the time and money into getting some great jeans and (most likely) getting them altered to fit your waist.

In terms of skirts, I used to wear skirts that sat on my hips, and didn't understand why they rode up when I walked or sat. What I found is that I don't have that problem with highwaisted skirts, because there isn't anywhere for them to move to. So I highly recommend getting (or altering) skirts to fit your waist.

For dresses, you look AMAZING in the ones you posted! It seems to me that you're doing everything right, you just need to keep looking for modest clothes that fit well and have faith that they do exist, they just often require some searching. Hopefully longer dresses will be back in soon.

Also, do you have any boots? I've found that boots can help me feel more covered up (even if I'm already wearing tights or leggings). The right boots could help tone down any outfit that is borderline "skanky".

I agree with Marley about the pendant. Angie's guidelines are here: http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/.....bust-line/

rute

Veteran

have a similar body type, except that your bust is even bigger, you are very young, I would go for younger looks, you are to young to dress like a sexy secretary, leave that for your 30's. I have recently find that I don't need to live in pencil skirts and fitted dresses, a looser dress that hiddes the curves style can be very flattering like these:

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....8;clr=Lime

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....8;clr=Grey

tina

You have a beautiful figure! I really think that the dresses are the most flattering on you. I can picture you in retro style dresses with full skirts. You remind me of a 50's style pin up girl, in a good way! Maybe search for rockabilly and swing style dresses to get a feel of what's out there.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Just wanted to say welcome, Egregiously! And to echo Maya's admiration of your screenname.
I'm also echoing those who have urged you to take your clothes to a tailor. I'm quite hourglassy myself with a way lrger bust than you, and pant/skirt alterations make all the difference in the world. It may seem like a cumbersome and expensive solution, but it's some of the best money you'll ever spend (apart from pricey, high-quality bras of course).

Elly

Veteran

Michelle-- I great solution, but I do think she has a larger bust than you-- instead of posting her chest circumference I believe the original poster posted her bra size -- 32 L.

Egregiously-- you and I share the same hip and waist measurements within an 1/2 inch, but I do have a smaller bust than you and am taller (30-32 DD,39 inch circumfrence, 5'8" but mostly legs). I am also a college age person, but don't have a lot of tips for you. We don't have any "clubbing" in my small corner of the world and I generally struggle with the same issues you do. I don't wear many dresses because I don't do the super strechy synthetics, so most dresses are horribly large in the waist without a lot of tailoring. So, instead of secretary, people ask me how old my kids are (no, I am not in any way, shape, or form, old enough to have a 12 year old). Colorblocking (where you wear a cami under or a scarf, a shirt or jacket or vest open over your dress or top to create vertical lines and break up the expanse of the girls) and belting are going to be your friends. Don't be afraid to try on more drapey tops, anything that hangs nicely will also look good belted. Short shirts and tunic length tops can always be worn with leggings so long as the bum is covered. I would look into some of the non-mainstream places that cater to a 50s look, they really do have some sexy dresses. Boot cut jeans are a good look for us curvy hourglasses and I will let you in on my secret-- I buy mine at the western wear store. Wrangler and Cruel girl have fits like mainstream stores, but you can buy them in lengths (from like 28"-40") and they have a nice mid rise and are the only jeans I don't have to tailor. They are made to fit girls with big booties and narrow waists which is the cowgirl ideal (I have a 27 inch waist, 40.5 inch hips). I usually wear a size 5 in their jeans, but a 6-8 in regular misses.