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.

I should really give up, shouldn't I??! I am the dogged & determined type though ... 😁!!

I started by posting a Sister Jane dress that I was sure would be perfect - red, dramatic, flattering to a big bust while balancing out the hips, showing some skin while being both elegant & quirky ...

... & ended up posting some dresses from Coast that I actively dislike! But I had to remind myself that the OP has a brief to fulfil (a bloody tricky one!), so I posted them anyway ...

And S&B would be very boring if we all had the same taste, wouldn't it?!

This, in green or red? I rather like it in the green - but at £57 I'm not sure the quality or cut will be very good? Worth a try though?

This is a top (so could be bought bigger & tailored at the waist) & skirt (with a side slit to flash some leg), OP.

https://shopmaksu.com/en-gb/products/natalia-claret-satin-midi-skirt

You might like this at John Lewis:
https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-lace-dip-hem-maxi-dress-red/p115329011?s_share=jlappdroid

Check out Jolie Moi I've had quite a few flattering dresses from there.

That’s a lovely red. Still looking for more flounce and more leg 😆

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/donatella-ruffle-maxi-dress-22079173118.html?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=paid_social&utm_campaign=NEST_FB_UK_PRO%2BRET_ASC_CATALOG_GEO-LIFT-TEST&utm_content=AD453-ESS-DPA_EN_DPA_CP_02062026_F_CC_SC3_USP1_SALE&utm_term=NEST_FB_UK_PRO_CATALOG_GEO-LIFT-TEST__BROAD__A%2B_F_25%2B_09042026&utm_id=52565816249510_v2_s31_e501_i20260612&media_type=image&fbclid=Iwb21leASZTKxleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAC_bvUi1PnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHsHEAdJLr-mGFHmuiM5otmrm-ezkf4kzxUdbEPklPVR_KqbRk1IGIMnTelv9_aem_JIqr7fQ7quRAsCJMFRsV1Q

This one would be pretty good for balancing out boobs although covers the pins, wish it had a slit.

I know ... I've not given up yet though! Think I might have a few trump cards (though I was wrong last time)!!!

This would fit but might emphasise the bust…hard to tell without trying it on and experimenting with the drapey bit

this is similar and probably better on the chest

sorry this is sold out but what do you think of the shape? It is available in a blue/green version

sparkly

Yes it would. And it COULD have a slit? The seam down the front of the dress could be opened up for, say, the bottom half of the skirt. Not TOO high though ...!!

this if strapless bra or one shoulder bra is ok?

same with this

trapeze shape

not sure if boobs would fit

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/products/the-pretty-dress-company-josephine-midi-dress?variant=56063987745100

I am a 30H and only 5ft tall, and am petite with very narrow hips, it is truly awful and I sympathise. I look for pepperberry or bravissimo clothes on Vinted, in their "super curvy" size. They don't make them anymore, and a lot of the styles can be a bit dowdy, do you have to really look through them all, but they are specifically cut to fit a bust without you having to size up to a tent.

That's very cute - looks great on the model.

That’s a dress that I’d wear. I don’t need it but I do love it so it’s probably a good thing that it’s sold out in my size 😄

I love your tenacity! That model has a relatively small bust. Dsis would look like a barmaid at Oktoberfest if she could even get in it.

I didn’t want to mention this earlier because it’s fairly outing but explains why the specific hemline I picked in the OP is the one I chose.
Dsis had a nasty freak accident years ago which left her with a metal plate and pins resulting in visible scarring on her ankle. It took her a long time to get the confidence back to showing her legs again. If she wears shorts or the kind of skirt I’ve shown, the eye is drawn away from the ankle and upwards to the rest of her fabulous legs (but not to the bust!)
Slits in a dress don’t show enough overall leg and the high/low almost maxis draw attention to the ankles.

Whilst I am still hunting with you lovely lot for the dream dress, am also looking at drama African style skirts (not necessarily printed but volume/stiffer fabric) with a plain halter cut top 😊

I'm exactly the same shape and I always go for drop waist dresses that are also short and no pattern on top. Also high neckline.

I am indeed tenacious ...! But I was merely admiring it - for it to fit you'd need to size up & alter down, like with a lot if not most of the dresses. Unlike they are stretchy at the top (often informal/casual styles), or blouson-y on top - which in itself could make her top half look bigger.

Is the scarring in a place where shoes like these would hide it?

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/ganni-bow-trimmed-lace-up-sandals-black-p00709107

A woman with a H cup bust can never go braless, let me tell you.

Ask me how I know!

Me too, girl.

I hate it. One of the first things I’m going to do when I win the Lottery is have a breast reduction.

I don't do Shein/Temu etc (I try to shop as ethically as possible & don't like a lot of artificial fabrics & suspiciously cheap, churned-out clothing). But I did spot these images (from AliExpress!!!) that I thought might spur some ideas. I like the colour clashes, & the balance achieved by wide-necked tops with full skirts & a cinched waist. Liked the skirt with the flounces at the bottom & the slightly higher front.

I also really liked the full billowing-sleeved, peasant-style orange & cream blouse with the purple/pink skirt. That shape of top in a rich bright print/fabric would work with your sister's bust?

I quite like the sleeveless top with the two flowers and the skirt that’s paired with that billowy blouse.

I took a wander down Fonthill Road in Finsbury Park today. If you ever need a glittering ball gown, wedding or prom dress it’s the perfect place to go- dozens of fabulous shops all side by side with some brutally honest older ladies who really know their stuff. As they don’t sell separates, none of the dresses that I liked the bottom of had enough space at the top.
One lady did advise me that a corset back style would be the best option if I wasn’t getting a stretch style so that was helpful.

Thanks @EleanorMc67
Not comfortable with anything strappy now she has metalwork, she's found a couple of pairs of nice wedges that she can manage so she will work with those.