Can a size 14 with 34F boobs look good in a shift dress?

[philopastry]

I saw one in Laura AShley (of all places) and loved it but suspect it does not flatter my ample bosom...can anyone who knows about these things tell me if I can do shift dresses? Have lots of wrap round dresses , v neck stuff and fancy a change.

It will depend on the neckline and your proportions. If you are a perfect hourglass it may/

I'm sorry, I don't think so

Shift dresses require an abscence of curves tbh

You seem to already know what suits you and should probably stick to that whilst maybe going for a different colour than you would normally wear, or higher heels. Don't mess about with necklines when you are big busted. It will sit at the back of your wardrobe. Took me years to learn that.

I'm pretty much same measurements as you philo. I've had shifts in the past and with hindsight think I probably looked as though I had a rather matronly bosom in that shape. I think it draws attention to the chest and makes the rest of you look bigger than it is.

I don't think so for the proper 60s style shifts, but you may want to try this sort of style, to see how it looks

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When I looked on the laura ashley website some of the dresses described as shift dresses did not look like shift dressed to me, having a much lower neckline which is what you need for a largeer bust. A more tradtional shift will not work.

34F? Sorry, but phwoooaaarrrr! You would suit something sexier and hourglassy IMO

I have the same size norks as you but am a 10/12 (hugely top heavy!). I can rarely find anything other than a wrap dress that will fit up top. Most dresses make me look deformed.

I bet you aren't, you know, hedgy! Are you measuring 34 under the bust, or do you do that add 4or5 inches technique beloved of M&S? At size 10-12, I'd guess you were a 32G...what do you reckon?

I have same dimensions as you. Sorry no, you will look blardy awful.

Thanks everyone - that seems to be unanimous, confirms what I suspected, and I really don't want to waste money on something I won't wear. Thanks for the Debenhams suggestions Samsonara - they look nice and are a bit different from what i have, will try them on when I get out shopping.

Bit of Fun - yup I know, I have those dresses but when I wear them I feel like my boobs are out on a tray in front of me, am fed up of seeing people gazing in awe (Not lust you understand, just OMG awe) at them ...would love to be a c cup

Bitoffun - probably am wearing wrong size bra. Need to get measured and buy new ones but am breastfeeding (wish that was why so norkish but sadly not) and don't want to fork out for new bras since planning to give-up soon and may shrink a bit (hopefully).

i am a 32G and wouldnt dream of even trying on a shift dress. sorry

this is described as a shift dress and I think would look good on someone with decent norkage imo.

I think you have to try things to know if they will suit, if it fits well it may well look good, good fitting bra, dress snug on the norks and then maybe a cardigan creating a slight V ....

Found it! perfect shift dress for curves... www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bl37-details.aspx

The only way it can IME is if the neck is low.
the seamed dress thing looks great on me

no. no!

V necks only for big boobs.

I'm the same size as you, and that would be a big no from me.

I also find that most dresses (so sadly that Debenhams dress probably, which I think is nice) aren't cut generously enough in the top so they either fit on the bottom and at the waist but are too tight on top, or fit at the top and are massive down below.

Neither of these things are very flattering. Some of the Bravissimo stuff is lovely on, some not so much. Definitely worth a look at though if you've got a shop near you. If not, they do free returns.

I will be watching this thread for ideas .

I find that wrap dresses gape really badly as well.

I like this

naomi83, as soon as I find a tape measure I am going to order that- it looks great!

Shona - yup, same problem here with gaping wrap dresses . I know i can put a cami on underneath but am just SOOO bored of that look. Bravissimo stuff is interesting - have had shirts for work from them in the past and they were fine so will pop into the shop and see what the material feels like . Love the colours of that dress but not sre that I will like the jersey material - bit unforgiving? IN conclusion is it stick with v necks and wrap dresses? Shift dresses are clearly out, empire lines are dreadful for me (the seam is always on top of my boobs - not a good look!). Are there any other styles I should be considering? I would like to be a bit more stylish for spring and summer and was hoping that dresses would be my answer (ie nice dress plus accessories equals the whole outfit)
What about shirt dresses? Never sure if the pockets are going to add even more bulk where none is needed!

Anything with buttons down the front is out for me because of gaping buttons. It is so annoying!!!

I did once salvage a top I loved by sewing a press-stud between the gaping buttons. Pain in the arse though. I think I end up making myself look bigger because I buy bigger sizes to compensate.