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.

Grace Red Sweetheart Sateen Dress from Vivien of Holloway https://share.google/1XrHAolVkeN2R6QmD

Have you looked at Vivien of Holloway? You mentioned 50's is a good style

Never Fully Dressed Tilly dress is a possibility- available in various places in various colours

Kaleidoscope at m&s for example

but if you google the style name you’ll find lots of others

Thanks, they are indeed fabulous but all too long. I looked at Collectif too.

Having a large chest myself, I find the most flattering tops are halter neck and a ballet wrap style (including a false wrap - you want the crossover, not the knot). They work because the lines draw your eye away from the bust area. I also like a cowl neck.

Don't have the top tight, but also not too loose as then you gain unnecessary volume.

Personally I like a more fitted waist section flowing into a skirt, usually A-line.

I avoid huge sleeves as they just add bulk along the chest area and you look blocky and top heavy.

These are some examples of the cut. It helps to balance top with bottom and create an hour glass shape.

ETA I buy to fit my chest. I have fitted dresses that I never unzip as if they fit over my bust, then they float over everywhere else.

I don't think a midi or midaxi length would make her look frumpy - quite the opposite! And Sister Jane clothes are aimed at a demographic much younger than your sister (though worn by older as well). But her feeling frumpy is another matter - & one of perception, so if she equates shorter with younger-looking, I get that!

With this dress (& others that fitted at the bust) I meant that you'd probably need to buy a 16/18 to get the bust circumference, & then have it tailored to fit. Which is quite an extensive bit of alteration - & why I was then thinking of a top & skirt - as if she's a standard size on the bottom with a smallish waist, then it would only be the top that needs altered?

@minipie She's flamboyant, fun and colourful- pastels do not feature ever! Thinking red, hot pink or orange (I'm the one in blues and greens usually). She's a sucker for anything sparkly, something I tease her for! Deep down I think that she'd like to be more glamorous but her boobs get in the way of a classier look so she doesn't have the confidence to pursue that.

I suspect there are cultural differences and influences at play here, something I hadn't thought about before starting this thread. If you google African or Caribbean wedding guest dress images perhaps it will make more sense when I talk about red carpet.
Many of the dresses that you have all kindly posted are simply not fancy enough. There is no such thing as overdressed on these occasions!

She was noticeably underdressed for the last event (in her 'best' dress) and she may receive an award next time so she does want to fit in. She's spent so many years fighting with her shape that getting this right matters to both of us but she's stressed at the thought of what she will have to do to get there. I adore her so I'm trying to make it easier for her.
Thank you for all your help 💐

For bigger boobs:

• https://katyawildman.com
• https://urkye.pl/dresses
• https://fairliecurved.com/product-category/clothing/dresses-clothing Fairlie Curved garments are pretty much designed for your sister's figure.

These aren't particularly what you asked for, but with figures like ours, you have to take what you can get, which probably means covering legs because none of those vendors do posh minis.

It would be helpful to know what kind of events are coming up to search out dresses of the right "tone", rather than you starting with a colour and cut and basically asking us for "like this, but with more room up top". If you want to say "like this, but with more room up top", you need to approach a dressmaker, not S&B.

Braless is a no-no for 34H. My 32Fs are hurting just thinking about it.

I understand your sister's frustration with clothes shopping. Too many people, too noisy, too bright, feet get sore, trying on endless things that don't fit because they were designed for women with B cups, and going home empty-handed. I've lost count of the number of times I've cried in fitting rooms because clothes just don't fit. Eventually, I just stopped trying to buy dresses at all and short-list everything else online before going to the shops.

Re getting it bigger and retailored:

It's not a matter of just buying larger and having the side seams taken in because a large bust requires more fabric vertically as well as horizontally. Think waist seams on nipples and fabric being dragged up at the front.

The garment never looks right if you go down this route. Trust me on this.

Ok completely different idea. There are a number of Etsy sellers selling African print dresses and they are cut for boobs! Ans as they are made to order you could probably ask for specific measurements.

Have a look here some of these are really fabulous. Not mini length but lots of full length with a split.

I also came across this which is actually from an Indian dress website (so mostly saris etc) but thought it might suit? Definitely not underdressed!

This is useful input that I wish I'd scrolled as far as before writing my first post.

You are not going to get "red carpet" and "top-heavy friendly to the tune of 34H" and "mini length" in the same garment.

You are going to get "red carpet" and "34H friendly" from Katya Wildman, but it will be in midi or maxi.

• https://katyawildman.com/products/grace-plum-stretch-satin-dress-copy
• https://katyawildman.com/products/coco-red-sequin-midi-swing-dress
• https://katyawildman.com/products/ruby-red-sequin-swing-dress

You will get "short" and "34H friendly" as a playsuit from Fairlie Curved: https://fairliecurved.com/product-category/clothing/jumpsuits-clothing/

this may be too casual but I love it! Would probably gape a bit on your sis so might need to sew an insert panel across the lower bit of the V. Or just wear it very plunge!

I had somehow got the idea the dress was for a wedding. I see now it’s more awards style events. So understand the glam criterion more - there have been some I have skipped over as thought they were too much for a wedding 🤦‍♀️

Another few

red tux style

floaty wrap again

tiny skater style - nit sure if boobs would fit

another one shoulder drapey style

I do get that - I'm 36F (& currently in denial about probably now being a cup size bigger!!). And I have a fair idea of the work needed to adjust a dress, or if it can even be done. In the past I've had larger 50s dresses, which I've bought as I know they'll fit my boobs, taken in loads to fit overall.

But the OP did say they'd consider getting things tailored - which is why I said they'd need a very good seamstress. To the point where I'd probably ask the seamstress to advise what dresses they think would work most successfully?

Katya Wildman might be a good shout though - as she does made to order? Maybe not right now, but for events later in the year.

The OP did say her sister loves anything sparkly - if she would consider a jumpsuit, maybe this green one made in the red sequinned dress fabric (without sleeves if preferred) might be fun & flamboyant enough? 🤔

That is very cute!

Re the African dresses on Etsy, I've seen this one posted before & thought it lovely. Though probably too long for the OP.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4395039774/olori-ruby-red-dress-traditional-gown?ref=share_ios_native_control

This is also really cute. Funnily enough, I was looking for sequinned short dresses, maybe puffball types, & this came up on eBay by the same designer! Sadly out of stock ...

https://ebay.io/m/OkXenx

I have a similar build, DVF and pour moi have a good range for people with larger busts and smaller hips.

https://www.johnlewis.com/alie-street-petite-waterfall-dress-navy/p111340370

I am a G cup and this dress looked great on me. Not sure how many sizes are left in stock though.

Here’s the photo.

As a fellow bigger bust slim hips person please don't get any of the pouffy shoulder dresses being suggested, I have had a couple and they make me look absolutley humoungous especially if people take pictures of just your top half. I also avoid anything a line.

@marriednotdead I'd originally thought, from the two red dresses you posted first, that you wanted something full-skirted & midi & fitted. But I was looking at the longer hemline of the back of the dresses - whereas you were meaning the short front??!

Just throwing some wild cards into the mix here. Maybe some might hit the mark! Short, very dramatic, shouldn't need much if any alteration at the chest?

https://www.reiss.com/style/su786729/w74844

But if you read the OP's posts, lots of African event dresses do have big sleeves/shoulders? Volume & structure differ somewhat to designs of more conventional high-street brands.

I'm not sure if her sister is open to volume/exaggerated detail at the shoulders, but I don't think it necessarily makes someone look "humongous", especially if the dress is fitted elsewhere?

So I might post a few more until the OP tells me otherwise!

https://www.meandem.com/two-tone-lace-fit-and-flare-full-length-dress-slip-tangerine-orange

https://www.meandem.com/silk-cotton-fit-and-flare-maxi-dress-violet-purple

I’m a size 12, 34G and I have no problem wearing Me+Em dresses.

... like this one! I think this is fun & bright & happy. Didn't think I'd be posting links to Coast, tbh - but there are a few things on there that your sister might possibly like, OP ...

(Though I'm not sure as I've got it badly wrong so far! I thought that first Sister Jane one I posted was an absolute winner ... 😁!!!)

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-jacquard-short-sleeve-tie-back-mini-dress_bcc12993