(Utterly, utterly trivial) rant about all the dress styles in Topshop/Mango/Zara that cannot be worn with Bras.

[Rainbunny]

Obviously these retailers are geared towards younger people (I'm in my late thirties but still trying to figure out what the hell "dressing my age" means, hence I still look at these places). However, I can't believe that a majority of the female population (at any age) can go braless. Am I crazy? I have never had the luxury of being able to skip wearing a bra but looking at these stores' offerings right now you'd think a majority of women apparently don't need bras. This isn't a complaint against those lucky, lucky women who can skip the bra, just a comment (rant) about the proliferation of dresses that cannot be worn with a bra.

Sorry, a bit fed up after a fruitless shopping trip for a dress to attend a wedding this weekend :(

Rain oh you're like my sister then! She can have things I could never wear as I'm taller but with proper chunky legs! What about one of those modesty vest things under your neckline? They're just a piece of fabric....lacy or plain which fit inside necklines which are too low...

modesty panel that's not suitable for your dress perhaps but something like that?

I have 34Es and can't fit my top half into Zara dresses... TopShop is ok depending on the style.

Actually I'm very happy because I bought a size 12 skirt from TopShop that fits! And I'm 37!

There are lots of places that sell nice summer dresses - try some of the concessions in Dorothy Perkins and New Look for cheaper dresses. Or go online.

Pepperberry have had some cute summer stuff, for everyday and dressier stuff.
I use a Panache Tango or balconette style for wearing with sleeveless tops. I buy them in bright, pretty colours so it doesn't matter so much if you can see the straps etc, IMO.

MrsWinnibago - Funny that you suggested the modesty panel as I actually have a few that I use for work outfits :). I think I'll be fine just sewing the bottom inch of the v-neckline together on this dress though.

Op I know what you mean. They put straps, necklines, shoulders, v, etc in places where the garment would look better without a bra or if you wear one, how do you hide it? Coupled with the sizing...FFS...I've got jeans from Mango in a 6...I am a 10...I've got stuff from Zara in XL....makes no sense!