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.

Thank you for understanding, the pain is real!

I just stumbled across this which is on a Goth website. It's got lacing at the back so has the ability to be cinched in which could be a problem solver! Might be worth a shot... Goth dress

I think this one posted by a PP is fabulous and would look great. I know it doesn’t balance and create and hourglass shape, quite the opposite but I think she should lean in to her shape rather than fighting it!!

I’m a size 10 on bottom with 34EE bust and this was suggested to me. I wore it to a wedding and then a black tie event. Loads of compliments. Surprisingly flattering on a big bust for a non-Vneck style. Also has a decent slit for showing off leg. Is definitely a bit on the long side (I’m 5’8” and I could have done with the little train taken up a little)
www.phase-eight.com/product/donna-red-maxi-dress-10014660250.html

Vintage clothes are often really good for this. Try Mandy Marsh on eBay. I’ve got a similar shape and vintage dresses (sadly my shop where I got most of them closed down) were a game changer for me. So flattering.

@minipie I will probably show her this thread when she gets back from holiday. My gut feeling is that the neckline would look better as a column maxi dress, but just way too top heavy as a mini dress.
We're trying for classy/elegant, especially as some of these events are in a very male dominated corporate environment. It hard enough getting men to take women seriously when they have a big bust and although she can very much hold her own, I know it would be nice for her boobs to not be the centre of attention sometimes.

That’s depressing, but I get it 😕

Just saw it was for an event. My go to’s used to be Coast and Karen Millen, Sosander are good too. May have to try a few.

My Issey Miyake pleats please black long sleeveless dress is flattering and I also had a Ghost navy column dress (long sleeveless) with ruched sides. But they may be too long.

I’ve got something similar to this and it works.

Couldn't see anything in DVF bar for a few kaftan type things, but I cannot thank you enough for the https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/clothing/fuller-bust-clothing/ tip-off.

For red carpet, award ceremony, yes.

If she's only a size 12 on her bottom half is she deignfintley a 34 bra? Has she done the "boob or bust" bra measurements?

I only ask because I'm a similar shape, but a 20 top and a 18 bottom and I'm a 34 size bra (34HH or 34J depending on brand). Someone with a size 12 frame wouldn't usually be a 34 around their ribcage.

Off topic for the dress hunt I know but worth a check as the right size bra really really helps under clothes.

100%. Bodies and ribcages come in many shapes. Boob or bust is a good starter but no substitute for an in person fitting with someone who knows their stuff like me.

Whatever she picks will most likely need tailoring. So I’d recommend she gets something that fits her widest point (so her boobs) and has it taken in to fit waist, hips etc. It’s usually easier to take something in than let it out, especially due to lack of real seam allowance (or more precisely small seam allowance) in most modern garments…

Missed this earlier. Not sure how I feel about this one, suspect it will look very different on her.

Just what I thought about this dress!

Was thinking back and remembering that she's previously had some good fitting tops from Wallis and Roman, I can't see anything of their current stuff that's quite the ticket yet though.

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-evory-sheer-layered-maxi-dress-orange/p114627937?size=16&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wTUznFp3-PZiuYj5x6tvVEn&gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6V1vMkjToAL794dSJh41kmLXjNNlCcNkiOopQTMDg3ZJaeHnlQ7PochoC470QAvD_BwE

this has just been ordered in my household by someone with a fuller bust and it looks spectacular- there are a number of ways you can wear the detachable "scarf" elements and it looks very dramatic on.

No way to wear a bra though.

OP - if you're thinking of the top & skirt option for the event, would a top like this work?

https://www.thereformation.com/products/lauryn-knit-top/1319158BLV.html?lang=en_GB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22196398743&gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6V79xfqMsu09TC6PNn1YgDJTCo9E7Q0FmSEmLadrZCu6ckFDThVzqMRoCQ-4QAvD_BwE

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

@EleanorMc67 God loves a tryer, and so do I. Your suggestions might not suit OP’s sister but they are helping me. Thank you.

And worn with a skirt something like this? I know you said you wanted a hi-lo cut of skirt, but a side slit would also expose her legs too? What I like about this is that the pleats around the hip are quite sculptural & enlarge the hip area. It's out of stock in her size here, but there are some on eBay. Taffeta with a pure silk lining.

https://houseofhuntington.com/products/raey-gathered-waist-side-slit-taffeta-maxi-skirt

Has this one been done already? Apols if so, I’m off to bed but remembered a Mint Velvet number I had a couple of years ago (didn’t wear to the event in the end as , although I have good legs, I’m over sixty so chickened out). Anyway, it’s in silver so might be the wrong colour:
https://mintvelvet.com/products/metallic-ruffle-mini-dress mintvelvet.com/products/metallic-ruffle-mini-dress]]]]
Also this:
https://mintvelvet.com/products/floral-embroidered-mini-dress. mintvelvet.com/products/floral-embroidered-mini-dress]].]]
I’m a 32H and bought it in a 14.

Actually, these were the only two short ‘occasion’ dresses but there’s a whole load of perfectly smart, pretty options in the normal dress section:
https://mintvelvet.com/collections/dresses?filter.style_dress_length=MINI

This taffeta skirt, on Etsy, is made to measure & comes in several colours including red.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4316992627/formal-long-taffeta-skirt-asymmetrical?ref=share_ios_native_control