For ladies with a more generous bust, arms and / or tummies.
Firstly you want to look at your foundations, and by this I mean your underwear. None of us mere mortals have a body like Elle Macpherson under our clothes but the state of our undies can improve or worsen this situation. You see clothes are actually our best friend as they allow us to take more control over what we want the mirror to reflect back to us, however if you haven’t got the best scaffolding going on under your outfit, it’s going to be like building a house on sand. The end result isn’t going to look pretty!
So first step is to get properly fitted for a bra. Personally I would recommend Bravissimo for larger busted ladies and John Lewis, however every woman should understand before her fitting what a good bra should look and feel like. The service is free and when you are fitted with the right size and style of bra for your figure, it will knock at least a size off your waist, improve your posture and make your bust look more toned and younger!! Yes a bra really can transform your body that much. Trust me, I have done it a million times with my clients and I love how they can’t stop checking themselves out in the mirror afterwards. Read my Guide to Trying On Bras to get to grips with what you should be looking for.
Don’t forget that style of bra is important too and for many larger busted ladies, I often recommend a balconette style bra which lifts and separates the bust, giving the appearance of a slimmer waist and flatter stomach and providing a fabulous hourglass figure to die for. Good bra brands to try are Fantasie, Freya and Prima Donna. Ask lingerie departments and providers for options for minimiser bras too which can work wonders.
Also, if you have a generous bust, ensure your bra doesn’t show underneath your clothing by wearing a beige coloured bra as this will blend with any skin tone from alabaster to black skin tones and ensure that you can’t see your under garments. Not only does it look neater but when you see a white bra under a white top, it’s like two shining beacons that draws the eye straight to them and will automatically make your bust look bigger.
We have a great variety of shape-wear available to us now so we can fake it until we make it! How good is that?! Shave an inch off the waist and not have to decline every lunch or dinner invitation all year. Yes please.
I advise my clients to wear shape-wear daily if it makes them look and feel better about their bodies, because it helps to build confidence and self-esteem however I have found that women tend to save it for “best”. This makes no sense to me as I want to feel my best most of the time, as opposed to only on special occasions.
Lots of women find the control shorts a bit too hot so opt for skirts, bodies, waist whittlers and control dresses so you have lots of options for a variety of clothing. Trust me, by combining a new well fitting bra and shape-wear, your friends will be asking you which gym you’ve joined!!
Fabric is Key
Sheer sleeves and loose flowing sleeve styles such as bell sleeves will help to disguise and slim heavier arms. Sheer fabric is a great option for spring / summer and for evening-wear as it offers coverage yet still looks soft, feminine and sexy.
Flatter the Bust Line
With a fuller bust, look for neck lines that are more open and that elongate the torso. V-necks and halternecks are always winning styles on bustier ladies, however use necklaces and scarves to break up the bust were higher necklines are involved. When looking at jackets, avoid double breasted as this will make you look wider.
If you have problems getting shirts to fit you and avoid that all embarrassing “popping” of buttons, by wearing a good quality cami or vest underneath the shirt in a plain colour such as white or black and just button the shirt half way. That way you will still be able to control your curves whilst looking smart and professional. Zara do a great range of high quality basic tops for less that £10 every season in every colour imaginable. They wash like a dream and are a great staple for any gals with a full bosom.
Show off Your Legs
Apple shapes often have cracking legs! Trousers should therefore balance the fullness of the upper body if you have a generous bust so look for bootleg styles which will create balance in the body. Trousers with soft pleats or pockets on the hips will also add shape to your legs. Look for longer length blazers which are a key trend right now and layer over t-shirts and shirts with the sleeves rolled up for a more casual take on this classic piece.
Use tulip , peplum and bubble style skirts in bold colours and patterns to give you an instant bum and hips and cinch in your waist with a belt. High waisted trousers and skirts will also highlight your fantastic legs whilst ensuring you show off your waist. Team with softer tops in chiffons and silks that fit loosely and finish off with some bangles and a statement necklace to add points of interest around the body and create the illusion of more curves.
Layer it on
For tummies, layer long cardigans over block colour dresses to elongate the body and look for jackets that finish on the waist in order to give the illusion of a more defined hourglass figure. Empire lines are also really forgiving on the tummy.
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