Large bust, narrow shoulders, short waist...and need major wardrobe overhaul...

gardenchick

Hi there,

Up to now I've been mostly a lurker here. Thank you to everyone for all the great sharing, I've learned so much from seeing how each of you is figuring out to look fab!

I have two questions. First, my major challenge area is my top. I am large busted--34DD, and short wasted, and have narrow shoulders. When I go shopping, 90% of the tops aren't going to work--anything with a turtleneck is out, or ruffles, or detail in the chest. And often I'll size up so that the tops don't pull at my chest, but then they're falling off my shoulders. I know that I need to look for vnecks, wrapped styles or other kind of tops that give my chest some breathing room. Any other suggestions? Or ideas about dresses? Overall I'm an hourglass--on the bottom I'm a size 4 or 6 and do best with low rise pants (e.g. Ann Taylor Modern fit).

My second question is more general. This site has sharpened my eye--and now I see that most of my clothes have some issues in terms of fit. Eg they're crew necks or turtlenecks and I now realize they sent aren't that flattering. Or they're too baggy. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed...and I do not have the time (or money) to go out and do a lot of shopping. Help!

Anyway thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share, when I can work up the courage I'll post a picture!

11 years ago

Body Type

17 replies

Latest reply was from innatedancer

froggiebecky

Veteran

HI Gardenchick,
I'm like you--I"m short-waisted and petite through the shoulders (though mine are short rather than narrow), and I'm a 34DDD. I think you'll find that there are lots of things out there that work for us larger busted ladies. Many, many tops out there don't have turtlenecks or large, floppy ruffles. I have success with scoop-necks(in addition to v-necks) and will wear a crew neck with a long cardigan or scarf to break up the neckline. Boat-necks are also cute, and would visually widen your shoulders. I love square-necked tops, though you don't come across them all that much. I'm not a fan of turtlenecks, so I don't really mind that they're not my best look. I find I'm just as warm with a scarf.
If sizing up to prevent pulling is causing things to fall off your shoulders, you might try taking some tops to a tailor to see if they can do anything about that. A good tailor can work wonders for these sorts of things. Also, keep in mind that slightly larger/more fluid is a very current look.

11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

My body is a complete opposite to yours so I cannot offer any personal advice :-(Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. We have such a variety of different body types here that I am sure you will get a ton of good advice!

11 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I'm also short-waisted with a 34dd bust and narrow sloping shoulders. I wear turtlenecks frequently because I run cold. Often, the right jacket can break up the unflattering aspects of a tench for our figure. Buy jackets that fit at the shoulders and don't worry if they don't close up the front. Mine hardly ever do.

Wrap dresses in stretchy fabrics are great.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! I agree with Amy, turtlenecks can be made to work if you need to wear them for practical reasons; you just need some kind of visual interest to break up the expanse of fabric - a v-neck sweater or jacket on top, a scarf or a bulkier necklace. I do that in the winter with both turtlenecks and crewnecks. I agree that they aren't the most flattering for the busty, however. V-necks, wraps, surplices, even a lower scoopneck is better visually.

Here's a possible approach for replacing your 'not quites' - make a list of what you need to replace, keeping them in the wardrobe for now, then go shopping for replacements. When you find something better, pull out the old item in a 1-to-1 ratio (or 2-to-1 if you've just got too much).

11 years ago

Helenedith

Active Member

I too am a busty hourglass 34dd with a short waist and with a high hip. I find that I can't wear turtlenecks ( saw a photo of me in one and my bust strangely seemed to grow) I wear v necks and scoop necks, if I wear a shirt I wear it with the buttons open to create a v shape, i do that when I wear cardigans also. In winter, which is very mild (Australia ) I use scarves for warmth.
I have struggled to find tops also and find that a t shirt style in nice fabric is more successful for me, particularly with stitching lines to break up the space, ie princess line, with darts at the waist, bust darts or neck darts. I have recently tried a boat neck, and although I really like it I am not sure it is very flattering. The difficulty for me is trying not to look boxy.
I will check back in for others who have the same difficulties for their hints.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Like Sveta I am different body type but I wanted to welcome you and say you have received some good advice here, and Angie's blog posts about body type will also be useful to you if you haven't yet read them.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Welcome, and take a deep breath!

I'll have to leave the specific tops advice to the full- figured- fabbers. But genetically, if you can get some leads on brands that tend to carry your styles and fits-- either from the forum or take some time to do retail research and try a lot on, using your new" eyes", then you could make a budget and shopping plan to gradually upgrade your wardrobe; maybe get 1 or 2 soon so you can start workingbout uour preferred style and proportions; identify some brands and sizes to " stalk" so when it goes on sale you already know what works( for good basics, for example) and can find some at good prices.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Hi Gardenchick!

I also have a large chest, narrow shoulders, and a very short torso (although I'm not sure if the last one is because I'm short-waisted or just because I'm short).

I second the recommendations for v-necks and scoop necks. Tops with a draped neckline (kind of like this one) also seem to work, maybe because they have enough volume and interest not to draw attention to the chest, but still don't add enough bulk to look overwhelming. I also will sometimes wear scarves to distract from low necklines and I wear a ridiculous amount of cardigans which, among other things, hide tops that are falling off the shoulders and skim over things that might be a bit clingy or hit in weird places. As for dresses, I sometimes use belts to make a "waist" at my natural waist, sometimes look for things that are meant to be empire-waisted for people of more "normal" height, and pretty much always buy any dress I try on if I like it and it manages to hit me right everywhere.

11 years ago

peacechick

Veteran

Same body type here and I can only echo what others have said. It is possible to wear turtlenecks if you layer. I used to wear thermal turtlenecks under v-neck sweaters and dresses and only left off wearing them because I have a double chin now and _that_ does not go with a turtleneck.

What I have found though is that funnel necks and cowl necks look good, so if you're looking for a sweater that provides some neck warmth, those could work for you.

11 years ago

gardenchick

Veteran

Thank you so much for all of the welcomes and responses--really appreciate them!

So fun to hear from some of you who are facing (and figuring out) the same challenge with tops. I have to say that I feel less alone hearing from you! Yes, agree that v-necks, scoop necks, drape necks and cardigans are the pieces of the formula that I should be looking for as I shop. I like the idea of a wrap dress in a stretchy fabric too..let me know if you've found a good one.

And thanks for the reminder to take a breath! It is realistic to think about "changing out" 1-2 items per season, maybe a little more, until I have a compact wardrobe with higher percentage of items that I'm excited about. Will keep you posted...and start posting some pictures.

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Hi gardenchick and welcome! I have the same body type and I feel your pain. I spent a whole day at the mall trying on tops and only found one! When you get something that fits in the bust and the shoulders it is magic but the hunt can be long! I am trying to transition to pieces that fit better and look better and since I don't have a lot of money to spend now, I realize it is going to take some time. So I guess my advice is to give yourself some time.

You can also use what you have and try to style it differently like adding a jacket over the turtleneck to create a v-shape. I kept my crewnecks for layering under sweaters while I slowly add more vnecks.

It helps to take pictures and that way you can see what is working. Sometimes you might be surprised at a piece that you have that doesn't fit the recommendations for your body type but still works.

11 years ago

LAR101

Active Member

So many great suggestions for creating balance and a longer line:
V necks, scoop necks, sometimes boat necks,
Aubergine's draped neckline (like this one),
layering the crews and turtlenecks,
then the jackets, cardigans,
pendent necklaces in a V and scarves hanging straight.
Sometimes empire waists. Don't forget princess seams and fitted jackets.

Facing forward my bust is slightly wider than my chest line, and I look for more 'visual weight' in the shoulders to balance the bust (and hips).
In addition to all the tips to draw the eye up and down,
I look for clothes that draw the eye up and out to balance the shoulders.
Sometimes boatnecks with long sleeves, and
scarves & larger necklaces high on the chest (above the bust) work.
For short sleeves, the necklines above ONLY work for me WITH cap sleeves. Not sleeveless going straight up. Never sleeves cut straight across at the bust (tailer those). Never halter tops (two triangles wider at the bust unbalances narrow shoulders). Long, & 3/4 length sleeves are fine.
Aubergine's suggested draped neckline (like this one), works for me BECAUSE of the cap sleeves. There is a very similar one on the Nordstrom site with straight up/down wide strap that would not be nearly as good for me.
I would be wider at the bust and sleeve would not go straight down, but angle wider at the bust. The cap sleeves balance me.
Sleeves that flutter down also can minimize this side pop:
Google 'christina hendricks zack posen dress'. Note those sleeves also have height. For this effect without the front bust wow-pop of the Posen dress, I'll wear a close fitted camisole or T, with a sheer (sort-of-see-thru- sort-of-not) blouse. The cut of the blouse is important; seems to need to be close to the body with fluttery loose sleeves. I wear it out over (usually) black jeans.
A balconette bra pushes the bust forward but also narrows the bust along the side when facing forward ... reducing the side pop. It looks better under some clothes. (Can't stress a properly fitted bra enough).
A little puff (or shoulder pad?)to add height/width to the sleeve like on the Zack Posen dress can help balance.

Jackets with structure (maybe shoulder pads) widen & heighten the shoulders and create balance. I've considered experimenting with shoulder pads in everything.
Lapels on jackets - (Jackets not fitted to curves) - are just a problem for me. I have an Ann Taylor Loft 'open jacket' , no lapels that I wear open (to fit the bust). The one I have gives me extra height with a flipped up collar. Usually either an open jacket, a very deep V or very short V like they wore in the ??maybe 1940's, 1950's?? works well. Or a knit rather than fitted. No Channel type jackets with crew-type necklines. So sad.

A V-neck with an underlying camisole or modesty panel seems better on me. It's not just allowing a deeper V by hiding cleavage, but also seems better on shorter cut V-necks. Something about the layers adding depth to the outfit. Usually both tops are fairly neutral, in a darkness close to my skin color.

If I were forced to consider strapless for a dressy occasion, I would look for a heart shaped cut at the top, not straight across ( ... and for me a drapey, fluttery shawl and an amazing bra just for that dress ) Otherwise I would choose maybe a drapey top with cap/long sleeves or deep V-neck with maybe wide lapels and/or turned up collar with long to 3/4 sleeves or something else not sleeveless.

Sorry to get going on this. I do have trouble finding clothes that fit.

Oh, I follow Day Vies when she posts. I'm sure there are other classy posters on this site with similar challenges that I have not yet found. I miss a lot on this site. But I did find her and she is inspiring.

10 years ago

innatedancer

(website)

Active Member

I am the same. I have a short, thin neck and muscular uppertraps, but square narrow shoulders. I am 125, 5'4, 32DD, 29" waist and 37" hips. So, no waist and no torso and stocky ribcage. Some things I will mention I can wear because I have narrow hips.

I agree with scoops and deep plunging "v"s. I have seen pictures of myself in boatnecks and v-necks that are not deep and in both I look very busty, in fact all bust. I have researched this and actually boatnecks are not recommended for large chests. Basic turtlenecks are not recommended for the very busty however, cowlnecks are beautiful on me. Draped necklines other than cowlnecks do NOT look good on me because the draping is broad and makes me look bustier especially having narrow shoulders versus a cowlneck most of the shirt is against the breasts except for the dropped neck. I researched dropped necklines as well and those to are recommended for smaller busts. I used to way as much as 149lbs and have been everything from 34DD and 36D and have not had problems finding shirts. I used to buy petites in medium.

I buy shirts that look like will hang from near to below the hips. I have a few flowly shirts with banded wastelines, sweater dresses that I wear over jeans, long cardigans. I layer with long tanks under alot of things and if I do have a off the shoulder sweater that sits at the waist and bares my waist, I pair it with low waisted or hipster jeans and a blingy belt to draw attention down to my hips. I have long limbs and shirts with bell sleeves are flattering on me because I think it draws attention towards my hips when they hang.

I had a wrap shirt once that formed a short "v" and I looked busty so since I realize that need to keep neck lines diving or scooping low or use long necklaces or shirts that open or light fabric somewhat fitted cardigans or shirts maybe paired with 1-2" belt under the bust. Sometimes I try a belt below the waist in lighter color or brown and let my shirts slightly puff out and pair with leggings or fitted jeans.

I am tempted to eliminate my cardigans that aren't long.

With my narrow shoulders and 32DD I wear mostly smalls (and I have a wide ribcage) and I'm not busting out of these shirts either so I'm surprised that you can't find mediums to fit you. Besides I find most knits are so cheap these days they stretch out. If you are shopping in Juniors, then yes, you will find it difficult to find things to fit. I shop misses at TJ Maxx, Ross, Macy's, White House Black Market, Express, Limited, Banana Republic.

10 years ago

innatedancer

(website)

Active Member

Crew necks are not supposed to look good on us but they are cheap. I am cold all the time and my career is active so I wear them but I always drape a scarf around my neck hanging which creates a fake "cowl neck" look, I think.

Button up shirts: I just bought a bright fuscia portofino shirt from Express that looked really flattering on I thought. Also, I have a polyester button up that is drapey in dark green and I wear a 1" belt at the hips around it and let it pull out a little. I think this works if you have narrow hips.

Trapeze shirt: I just bought a black with sequins trapeze shirt from JCPenny with a halter that goes around the neck and just exposes the shoulders and not any of the chest and my sister thought it was super flattering. The trapeze cut was more narrow than wide.

10 years ago

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

I have similar issues without the shoulder narrowness so much, but busty, yes, at 34DDD. The one WIW I've posted so far is with a draped neckline, which I do agree can be a good option for us.

Others have already offered great suggestions...my take on a couple of styles though may differ: I *do* like boatnecks a lot myself, and like you I realized that a number of high-necked things I have are just *no*, and I have now nixed the turtlenecks (and mock turtles, and most crewnecks). The ONLY turtleneck I can really wear is a very lightweight black knit that kind of obscures the big girls with darkness, but fortunately in my current climate I don't have to wear it (unlike in my freezy New England past).

When I get tees now, I stick with V-necks and scoop necks, and *always* look for babydoll tee options vs. the man-cuts.

Also wanted to note that if you haven't tried true wrap dresses, you may be disappointed by them. I have always been told to go that direction, but I find that they gap and slide and end up much too low-cut looking for me. I think that is partly the short-waisted issue, because the ties end up closer up under a very full bust, and the dress just doesn't lie right and gets fussy. But a mock wrap or mid-depth V can work very well.

Good luck in your search!

10 years ago

April

Veteran

GC -- have you looked at Carissa Rose? http://www.carissarose.com/ They specialize in garments for the fuller bust.

10 years ago

innatedancer

(website)

Active Member

Thinking about draped necklines and boatnecks, I realize I think these would look fine on a large bust with normal to broad shoulders. With my narrow shoulders my shoulders disappear and all I see is bust.

True wrap dresses "wrapping" up under the bust: Agreed

10 years ago

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