Where to find a flattering dress like this for a fuller bust and slim hips

[marriednotdead]

I'm trying to figure out where to get a specific dress shape that will fit a very top heavy bust, it might need/would help to have some stretch in the top. Dsis is almost phobic about dress shopping because she has never enjoyed it and it's so tricky finding what fits and suits her, she has a 34H bust but is only size 12 on the bottom. She's got nice legs so we agree she should show them off- the pic of her was from our holiday last year. Red is the first choice.

If we go clothes shopping she will give up within the first 20 minutes and gets stressed and despondent. She has a couple of events to go to soon and nothing to wear- her favourite 'going out' dress has been worn many times and is not dressy enough going forward. She's time poor so know she's grateful for any assistance, and I'd appreciate any pointers. I'm based in London and intend to have a look in Fonthill Road next week.

Have trawled through images online to find what we think will look good and have shortlisted some looks. The cowl neck draped one is a fair representation of what she'd look like in it, aiming for some flounce to balance it all out. At a push she could go braless but more likely it will be a racer back style which would hopefully hide any straps. We haven't got time to have one made (definitely going to push for this going forward!) but could potentially find a seamstress for alterations.

How about

this fitted but looks like it would have some give round the bust - especially in a 14

totally different idea!

this is completely beautiful

only in a 14

The properly short dresses are gorgeous; great legs are worth showing off! I wish I had a pair.

I have the same shape you describe for your dsis.

This is what I would choose , wrap dress with lovely flowy skirt
https://www.vila.com/en-gb/vitwinkle-maxi-wrap-dress-14115542_Jazzy.html?utm_content=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17181830548&gbraid=0AAAAAoV41QtlkASNKv1HqIANdjs-qhtZW&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqTRBhCBARIsANrkrxiX0rYPcbZ7sTWZteb_w0b-7_bXaJy7JR5ZK1tzCNqxsfGJ-rBW8g8aAg5WEALw_wcB

I'm a similar shape and really struggle to find well fitting dresses too. I've had some success in Phase Eight but most often I go to Vinted for Pepperberry/ Bravissimo dresses. They're designed for fuller busts so have extra space up top without drowning the rest of your body.

Allsaints did a few great wrap mini dresses in red, from vinted:
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/9110791942-allsaints-size-medium-wrap-dress
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4226171679-allsaints-dress

possible good shape?? 2 colours

glam but wrap style

could wear a strapless bra under this one

Some of the shorty ones are fab. No one will ever convince me those wrap over ones don’t look like dressing gowns though.

The Farm Rio dress is so gorgeous!

Emilia Rose is don't touch with a barge pole. The "shop frontage" is AI and the tat they're selling is available from several equally dodgy sites.

So, you want drama? And red? And full-skirted? How about this?

https://sisterjane.com/products/rouge-array-wrap-dress

Unless it has stretch in it, &/or is a wrap shape, you will probably have to go down the route of getting it a couple of sizes bigger & having it tailored to fit. As this is a wrap, it would need less considerable remodelling than a fixed style, if you know what I mean?

I don't mean to be rude, but my first thought on seeing the two red dresses you posted was that they looked very cheap & very dated ... my apologies, & I can see why you chose them as, technically speaking, they will "flatter" her figure. But I'm certain that there are much more stylish & contemporary options available for your sister.

What is your budget? And is it a proper red-carpet type of event - are midi to longer dresses required, or is short ok (as @minipie has done a good job in finding some cute short ones)? Are there other colours she'd consider - coral/hot pink/strong blues or greens? Black ....??? Gold? Plain or patterned?

Funnily enough, the usual advice for big busts is to stay fitted with no excess material or ruffles over the bust - but I think the Sister Jane one one above could do just the opposite as it's a V-neck & the ruffles follow that line.

There are quite a few other dramatic red options from Sister Jane (on various websites, some sold out & some not) - they might be options? Again, a L/XL would need to be bought & tailored to fit. But I still think the first one I posted is the best option out of all of these, as it breaks up the bust area - & is just a rather fabulous dress!

Shame this vintage 80s/90s one on eBay from Monsoon isn't a bigger size to allow you buy & get altered! As this type of dress would IMO look good on her &, like the first Sister Jane one, visually break up the chest area. It would also balance her shoulders with her hips.

https://ebay.io/m/dmS7BH

Another option - what about a skirt along the lines of this red twill Karen Millen one with, say, a black slash/Bardot-neckline/wide-shouldered top (one that allows her to wear a bra but also widens & gives emphasis to the shoulders for balance).

Maybe this from Smart & Joy at Wolf & Badger? Though a stretch top plus skirt would mean no alterations would be needed ...

I think she needs to think of herself as Jayne Mansfield & dress accordingly!

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-forever-twill-woven-prom-maxi-skirt_bkk12052?colour=red&size=10&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaign%7D&utm_adgroup=%7Badgroup%7D&utm_term=&utm_device=t&utm_content=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23882334360&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY_6pFIOYVU72pQPOvJ35iZB3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqTRBhCBARIsANrkrxiiAshpBGGb5bljRH1RBBAmIKdEQWmM4nRUQ3v0r856eUF19efOnVoaAktIEALw_wcB

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/cross-heart-crop-top-in-cotton-black/

If she'd wear black, the spotted organza makes this much lighter looking than plain black. And it's very dramatic!

https://sisterjane.com/products/margaux-spot-organza-maxi-dress?variant=56817662591358&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18782907082&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqTRBhCBARIsANrkrxiCQgzIlBVOPCa261YJSKHKhbozfcTn7-oLIYNWToLMW08RVHOUjSsaAkNjEALw_wcB

Right, can sit down and look through these links, thank you so much to everybody who has posted.

I like the last link (Poupette St Barth) best, not keen on the Farm Rio ones, sorry,

Nice dress but too long thank you.

I still have a few of their dresses and tops. Whenever I wear them I mourn their demise!

A stretch top (though velour) & taffeta skirt in one. No alterations needed?

https://www.albaray.co.uk/products/velvet-taffeta-dress-aw24

This Whistles one is a silk-blend taffeta. Another that would need purchased in a larger size & adjusted.

https://www.whistles.com/product/silk-blend-taffeta-maxi-dress-39910.html

This website might have a few options for your sister. This could really flatter her bust & waist if it's tailored to fit.

https://miss-rosier.com/products/helene-red-floral-jacquard-midi-dress

Or this.

https://miss-rosier.com/products/aventin-red-godet-design-midi-dress

I really appreciate your help and input @EleanorMc67, unfortunately none of the dresses you've posted fit the description of what we are looking for.

Yes, I understand that to you and perhaps others here that the examples I chose look cheap and dated but I know her style and what suits her both in dress and personality. She's a very sparky and vibrant 50 something who easily passes for a decade younger and still acts like a teenager!
She would look and feel frumpy in a midi or midaxi and I want her to feel better about herself. If wearing a dress that some might think less on trend or contemporary is what it takes, then it will be fine.

There is no fixed budget or particular cost limit, if it's going to be worn a few times then it will be worth it.
There will be at least one red carpet event coming up, we may get something made to measure for that if we can't find anything by the end of the summer.

The Miss Rosier dresses are absolutely gorgeous but I really doubt the OP’s sister’s bust will fit into them. Will let OP be the judge though.

They would suit me really well but I’m a totally different shape - smallish boobs, small waist, and large bum and thighs. I’m going to bookmark the site for myself!

Sorry, only just seen your last two messages. This is the closest thing to something that could work but there is no way she would fit in the top of that.

There’s a whole load of similar Poupette St Barth dresses on their website here - lots of choice of colour, fabric and size. Some are too beachy but others could be dressed up for a wedding with gold sandals jewellery etc.

Seems like your sister has a glam, colourful style rather than edgy or classic/conservative, is that accurate?