I am stuck in a fashion hell and I don't know what to do....

[gemmummy]

Basically I am 29 years old and I dress like a pensioner. Not because I want to, but because clothes buying is so hard. I'm a 36 J cup size but a size 16 every where else and 5 foot 6 tall. I don't want to dress like an old lady, I love some of the fashions that are around but have not got the fashion savvy to put them together on me in a flattering way. My legs are good, my tummy not so good and my boobs are massive and I'm not a big fan of too much cleavage. I'll put a picture of me on if it will help anyone to picture it. I need help, I don't want to look old before my time. (Oh yeah, and I have got a massive shoe habit but I think part of that is because they're easier to buy than clothes)
Please help me, I need to reinvent my wardrobe and I'm happy to pay money for well fitting and flattering clothes but I don't know where to start.

I think you need to learn to love your cleavage. It's the big girl's best weapon! Don't go OTT - do it with class. Honestly - nothing is more ageing or frumpy and matronly than round or high or turtle necks if you are a size 16 and large of nork. You will end up with five chins and a uni-tit. Boat necks are good on just about everyone, but look at deep scoops, Vs, sweethearts, etc.

Stripey Janice dress from phase eight. Wear with black tights/leggings, shoe boots biker boots or knee high, l/s black t underneath or black boyfriend cardi over the top.

I meant mono-tit, not uni-tit.

fellatio, what is a boat neck? Never heard of that?

If that jacket is too smart then what about a denim blazer (needs to be hip length) which would work over either of those dresses or over trousers. Would nip in your waist without looking too dressy. If you're not keen on a jacket try a hip length fitted cardi (single breasted) instead.

If you go to Debenhams ask to see one of the personal shoppers and be open minded about trying things on that you wouldn't normally choose. House of Fraser also have good personal shoppers as do Dorothy Perkins. All free so you may as well make the most of them!

Just a wide slash - like on classic breton tops.

BTW, all these compliments are making me and but thank you.

I am in know way an expert but you have a similar figure to me. Wrap dresses, v neck or wrap tops (with pretty cami tops to reduce boobage), fitted trousers/leggings to accentuate great legs, skirts (kew are good). I like Kew basic tops and vests as they are cut higher so half of my bosom isnt falling about the place. I also found this earlier to help work out your colours. I am blonde/mousey brown with green eyes and am therefore a 'summer'. Also look at the Avid thread about spring buys as lots of lovely links on there.

I've just looked at your profile and I think you look very shapely - and in quite good proportion. As you are not too short you should be able to wear more than you think you can! It's all in the mind.

I know- It's just the first one I found that had a good shape, as you mentioned fat face I looked there. I wear dresses, tights/leggings and knee high boots, as I don't like my legs. I am a 30GG so I feel your pain about getting clothes to fit boobage!
What about <a class="break-all" href="http://www.kew-online.com/pws/images/catalogue/products/6019424bl010/xlarge/6019424bl010.jpg&imgrefurl=www.kew-online.com/fcp/product/womens-clothing/dresses/Knot-Waist-Jersey-Dress/99902418&usg=__XKacFGtHeqxcxBja-O9WUJGX0sY=&h=460&w=318&sz=15&hl=en&start=11&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=0ZapQIj3AZfwtM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djersey%2Bdress%2Bwaist%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=5QZTTavTDo-zhAerwP3XCA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this dress, you can pair navy with lots of different colours.

feelingsensitive, i just had a quick look at kew as I've never heard of it. Those vests and camis are pretty!

OK, read the thread properly now, and completely agree with stoptalking. But you are only 29 so don't go too classic, have a bit of fun with your clothes as well.

Agreed Fellatio - should deffo be fun and trendy too. Funky accessories really good for livening up stuff.

Go to the younger end of the market for accessories (Miss Selfridge/TopShop/New Look) the clothes are not great if you are curvy but the bags, shoes and jewellery are great!

You are very pretty but way too young for wrap dresses which in my opinion look a little frumpy nowadays.

I have this which looks lovely as styled with white vest and slightly worn jeans. Will wear in spring with rolled up jeans/chinos and swedish hasbeens.

I think you're quite apple shaped (I am too) and think dresses are quite hard to find really that flatter that shape.

However this looks promising.

I know v necks are the received wisdom for big boobs but personally I find they can look a little 'working girl'[tm Monkeysmama] so actually prefer something more like this.

A good pair of jeans is always good - depends on budget but I like topshop/gap through to J Brand.

Look at netaporter for good styling ideas and then replicate in cheaper shops.

Dorothy Perkins very good for basics and had brilliant skimming jersey maxi dresses last summer. Teamed with a denim jacket - uber practical and stylish.

You are a similar shape and colouring to my sister. She always finds nice dresses in Monsoon like this one.

Go into a shop though. The things look oddly different on the website.

Hi Gem.

32F here and have been bigger in the past (and I seem always to be posting about my boobs ) but what I have found works is:

• Boat/slash necks. I know the received wisdom is that higher necklines are unflattering on big boobs as they lengthen the chest area and I agree with that except in relation to boat/slash necks. For some reason they just work. Honest. Mad Men Joanie wears them quite a lot and look how amazing she looks.

• Nothing more frumpy IMO than a v neck which isn't deep enough.

• Equally, a gentle cowl neck is magic and the draping is very now ( get me!). But don't go for too much drape/fabric as it will add volume. I have a top almost identical to the Gap one which Tracey linked to and it looks lurvely.

• I also agree with Tracey about everything wrap dresses being frumpalicious; it's a personal campaign of mine to unravel the public mindwashing by Trinny and Tranny on the subject. Think about it; when was the last time you saw a 20-something looking fab and young in a wrap dress?

• Blouson tops are rubbish as they add volume and look matronly.

• Fitted shapes are good, especially if you can pull in your waist with a belt and va va voom those curves.

ok, not wrap dresses. I was thinking of jersey dresses with a defined waist. Got to be careful with belting things- if they're not fitted in the first place pulling a belt in can have a sack of spuds effect on most people.

Ellan - I agree re. belting. Belts really don't work on apples in my opinion.

Anglomania is fab for draping but £££.

see, i knew you lot would be of use. Ok, I'm going shopping tomorrow, who is interested in my purchases? If you are, I'll put them up on here tomorrow so you can give me an honest opinion, and if they're shit I'll take them back!

Yes, please do show us what you've been up to!

On belts - I agree that if there's too much fabric there's a risk of spudifying, but on fitted shapes? Eg wide belt on cardigan?

So, a belt rule for most people: belt over fitted item good, belt over loose item bad... There will always be a supermodel exception obviously!

Ok the first thing you need to sort out is your norks (not that there is anything wrong with them) but make sure you are wearing a great supporting bra in teh right size - this will immediately make all your clothes look better.

Then as felatio said there are a couple of tops you must avoid: polo necks, high necks, anything with too much detail on the chest, slogans (everyone should avoid these anyway but they are particularly awful when pulled out of shape by big tits) and smock/blousen styles are definite no nos.

V necks and scoops are good (the boat neck will need to be tried - the main problem is that many can't be worn without flashing your bra strap: never a good look.

Then find yourself a single breasted blazer/jacket, preferrably with one button this will narrow break up your bust and narrow your waist. Same look can be achieved with a fitted cardigan nipped at the waist with a belt.

And not a fan of the wrap - they are an over 45 or maternity staple and whilst the style might be considered "timeless" it is definitely not "fashionable"

32H here,and I find Bravissimo good for some bits.
this was so popular it has sold out very quickly! Should be back again soon though.
I find with big boobs it is so much easier to dress "up" than down!
The Holly Willoughby range at Very looks nice for the Summer, here.

I adore LK Bennett for going out dresses.
This.
This.
And This. I know it is a wrap,but the most comfortable dress ever!

Lots of x post there.

Would love to see tomorrows purchases. At 35 weeks pregnant I can only get my shopping thrills vicariously.

Woopsidaisy that (Tina) is not a wrap dress, it is a fake wrap dress. Gorgeousness.