How to style a top heavy shape without looking matronly

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

I'm really struggling to find clothes that fit and flatter me. I have big boobs, a G cup, I need to wear a size 18 to accommodate them. I'm a 14 in jeans so smaller hips and bum. I do have a tummy though. Losing weight is a work in progress but I'm in my 40s and it is so bloody slow, in the meantime I have loads of clothes but hate most of what I have and most of what I try on.

I am sick of buying dresses with inadequate boob space or that are huge everywhere else or that look horribly frumpy/matronly. Jumpsuits seem impossible. Everything seems to assume a pear shape figure and if a shop shows clothes on larger women they always have small boobs and a big bum/hips so give me no idea how things will look on me.

I would love some recommendations for Instagram accounts to follow for fashion inspiration. Any suggestions for shops to look at and any styling suggestions also gratefully received.

Another vote for V-necks or a top which looks like a wrap-over - these will elongate your top half and make you look slimmer, especially if the top is a little darker than the trousers/skirt.

Avoid Peter Pan collars like the plague, and belts which draw you in over the waist.

Boat neck tops are great for this shape, but I can never find any. I bought 2 cotton boat neck sweaters, 3/4 length sleeves from Next years ago and have never been able to find another quite like them since. Suggestions welcome!

Seasalt have them

Following as I have a similar problem. Did a bit of research as to what I should be wearing, but can I find it in the shops?! In desperation bought a few things from Asda today but the shift dress looks like a sack and the blouse showed off my collar bones beautifully but unfortunately also half of my breasts and clung to my tummy! I’m short too which makes it even harder. Trying to find wide leg culottes, cropped jumpsuits and a line floaty things to balance out my top half but all too long or so wide I look like a kid dressing up!
I’m also in the process of losing weight, but of course it’s coming off my hips and legs and not my tummy or chest so I look even more ridiculous. Going to look at all the suggestions above before I give up hope completely 😩

Now I’ve stopped ranting I’ve remembered a few tips I picked up during my research…
Dark, plain tops with coloured or patterned bottoms.
Avoid adding width up top with embellished shoulders, puffy bits, frills etc.
Avoid tops that sit on the waist, belts or tucking in tops. Aim for tops that finish on the hip.
Forgotten the ideal sleeve length, but possibly 3/4?
Wide leg trousers, flares, boot cut, A line skirts knee length or longer.
That’s all I can remember, but good luck finding any of it in the shops!

She isn't exactly stylish though, it's a bit meh as a look.

Sorry I am being so negative, I'm just struggling with dressing myself. Things I used to be able to wear no longer work.

I agree, also as a 34 GG I can’t wear anything that buttons over my chest! Unless it’s two sizes two big, which then looks awful.

I sew, and this is really helpful thank you!

I’m a 34JJ and wear a size 14. I’ve had quite a lot of success with tops recently from Tu, Matalan & H&M.

I’ve ordered a 14/M in all.

Matching bra type to different tops can make a lot of difference. I differentiate specifically between 'lift and point' bras (e.g. underwired) and 'flattening' bras (i.e. sports bras or minimiser) and use trial and error, and then remember which ones go with which outfits.

My boat necks came from GAP, but they don't have them this year.

I did see these though - La Redoute, who also have a big range of boat necks and scoop necks. I suggest size down to get a more fitted look. (I detest 3/4 sleeves by the way, so would also get a longer sleeve and push them up).

www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350258480.aspx?dim1=1

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/long-sleeve-breton-top-ivory-navy-stripe/sty-j0498-ivo?code=J7T7&cm_mmc=PLA--Google--15218940153--129232204523--pla-293946777986&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzcen48X69wIVKI9oCR0tbg-DEAQYAyABEgLqWvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Of this, expensive, but look out for 25% off.

Whoever was asking about boat neck tops Joules Harbour tops are nice thick not clingy fabric, they do long and three quarter sleeve versions, sadly no summer equivalent.