How to Dress when you have a Fuller Chest

Sure, these stunning celebs make it look effortless - but any women with a fuller chest knows it's not so easy to find flattering pieces when you you have a larger chest.

That's exactly how Jill Homiak from Presenza felt! Jill is a fuller chested woman who after not being able to find tops that complimented her "fuller up top" shape, she created her own line of wrap tops for herself and her fellow "busties"! And she's also the writer of today's guest post on how to best dress your fuller up top figure. Read on for some of Jill's top tips...

How to Dress for the Full Bust

As a full-chested female, I have always had trouble shopping for the perfect outfit to flatter my buxom shape.  Dressing casual chic for a weekend outing, or creating the perfect sophisticated look for the workday are equally difficult!  Over time, I realized which looks were most flattering for my frame and kept those in mind when shopping for basic wardrobe pieces.  Here are some of my favorite tips!

  

Look For...

Pieces that hug your bust line and accentuate your waist - show off your curves, don’t hide them...the waist is the smallest part of your torso and should be shown off!  

V or sweetheart neckline - these necklines elongate the silhouette and draw the eye upward, creating height.

Avoid...

Patterns and detailing around the chest, extra fabric around the bust line, and shapeless garments - all of these design details will only make your bust appear larger and make your body appear shapeless.

 

Jeans for Every Body!!!

They are one of my FAVOURITE brands of jeans...

Super comfy and flattering on all figures - Second Denim's Yoga Jeans! And right now (ending today actually), Jean Machine is having a buy one item, get the second at 50% off promo online, and they carry this amazing line of Canadian made premium denim jeans! Just enter the word BLACKFRIDAY to take advantage of the offer (I know, it's not Black Friday anymore, but that's the code - it will work until the end of today).

I took advantage of the offer and bought a bootcut and skinny pair yesterday in store (the in store promo ended yesterday), but the online promo ends today...so get in on it!

Click HERE to see the line of Second Denim Yoga Jeans @ Jean Machine. Plus, shipping in Canada and the U.S. is FREE when you spend $150! How awesome is that?!

Clothing Details

So, today's post may not be as sexy as "How to Wear the Latest Trend" or "How to Dress 10 lbs Thinner", but it is VERY important info that not everyone thinks about when they are dressing. I know this for a fact, because when I talk about these things with my Personal Styling clients, they are always either surprised to learn what I am about to tell you, or reply by saying, "Oh yeah, that makes sense - I never thought about it that way."

So, what am I going on about??? Clothing lines!

You know - necklines, hemlines, sleeves, even pockets! All of these design elements create a line on the body that will do one of two things, lengthen or widen. Knowing this (and applying it) can help when you are dressing your body and want to make an area appear longer and leaner, or wider and fuller.

Here, some of the top examples...

A boat neck top will add width to your shoulders - adding horizontal lines help create more width. Turtlenecks are a horizontal detail that makes the chest appear wider and shortens your neck. Sweaters with banding around the hem also create a horizontal line, so wherever it lands (waist or hips) will make that area appear wider. Patch pockets like the one on this sweater will do the same thing.

V-Necklines always create a longer and leaner look, as do vertical stripes. As well, any other vertical detail like a ruffle going down the centre front of a garment will do the trick too.

The Mullet

No, not THAT Mullet! I'm talking about the new trend of Mullet Dresses - short in the front and long in the back.

I saw a wedding gown in the Mullet Style years ago and always said I wanted a dress like that when I got married. Great - now it's a full blown trend, so it won't be as unique anymore! Anyway, I digress.  

Seriously though, this style is one of the hottest looks right now in Hollywood, and am wondering what you think about this new style? Love it or hate it? Maybe it could be a fun Holiday party look???

Leather Pants

Okay, no need to run screaming just yet! I know the idea of wearing a pair of leather/pleather pants may conjure up images of Olivia Newton John and her sexy get-up at the end of Grease, but leather pants don't need to be sleazy.

 

They are very popular this year, and of course, not for everyone or every body - but for those of you looking to rock your inner sassy star, here is an idea (if you dare) for day and night...

How to wear a Maxi Skirt

The Maxi Skirt became very popular last Spring, and it's sticking around for Fall/Winter 2011. Maxi Skirts are pretty straightforward in the warmer months - pair with a cute tank and some wedge sandals and you are good to go!

But for the colder months, when you have to bundle up more, it can be tricky to cover yourself in so much fabric without looking frumpy. So, here are some of my tips for rocking the Maxi this season (as well as a pic of 3 different looks to give you some inspiration).

1) When it comes to tops, you need to go for something fitted, cropped, or belted. This is the most figure flattering look when you are wearing a long (and usually fuller) skirt.

2) It doesn't matter how tall or short you are, you can do the maxi skirt, but it is all about proportion. So, if you are 5'4" or under, avoid the super full styles. And for everyone, the higher waisted the skirt (with a shorter top), the longer your legs will look.

3) When it comes to footwear, a knee high boot with a heel is best. Whether it's a high heel, chunky stacked hell, wedge, or even the slight heel of a cowboy boot - there needs to be some heel. 

How to pick the perfect dress for your body

It will be here before you know it! Do you know what you are wearing to that special holiday function this year? Watch my video HERE on how to pick the perfect holiday dress for your body type.

Style After Baby

As a Personal Stylist, I have worked with a lot of new Moms. Women who were already into fashion, trends, and style but after having a baby, they somehow felt lost. They no longer had the time to shop, let alone research what the season’s hottest trends were. Combine that with a new body to deal with, and many had reserved themselves to a life of yoga pants and oversized hoodies. It doesn't have to be that way though! Today's post is dedicated to that time period (2-3 months) after giving birth when your body isn't yet back to your pre pregnancy shape, but you are ready to get out of your sweats, and feel stylish again. Here, my top must haves for that time period. Body skimming pieces are key at this point - nothing too tight or too flowy. Think empire waisted tops and dresses with flat fronts, not gathers. Slightly A-line styles work too. These styles will help cover your post baby belly without adding extra bulk. Avoid tops that are cut too high like turtlenecks and crew necks. You want to create the illusion of a longer and leaner line right now, so you are best sticking with V-necks or scoop necks. Open cardigans will help create the same elongating effect. Necklaces, scarves, earrings, and embellished necklines will bring the eye up and away from your post baby belly. And never underestimate the power of any accessory (bangles, chunky cocktails rings, etc) to make a basic outfit come alive.

Look H-O-T in the Cold

Okay, I know it may be depressing, but it's a fact - Winter is coming. The good news is, there are tons of options this year for stylish winter coats. So, what are the hottest trends? Here, my top 3 faves...

 

Anything in a "look at me" colour. Not only will you stand out among the crowds of grey and black, but a fun colour will make the dark days of winter seem just a little bit brighter.

 

The look of fur is very popular this year. My preference is for faux, but I am not here to judge. Get in on the trend by wearing the look all over or with details around the collar and/or cuffs.

Capes and ponchos are super cute and very popular (and one of my faves) for Fall 2011. Go for one in another hot trend of the season like the Southwestern trend (on the left), or a Fall 2011 colour (like purple, mustard, or teal). Just note though that if you are petite, make sure yours hits you no lower than your hip line or else it may look sloppy.

And the winner is....

Congrats to "linnea", the winner of the Soul Beautiful gift pack!

Linnea, message me at lisa@practicalfashionista.com with your mailing address so I can send your prize to you!

When did style become so serious?

Today I want to chat about about experimenting with fashion and having some fun with your style. As a Personal Stylist, I often hear from clients who say they are bored and want to step out of their comfort zone and add some WOW to their image and style. (FYI - the pics here were found online, they are not my clients).

But every once in a while I get a client who when it really comes down to it and simple style suggestions are made (like adding a new colour, mixing different colours, or trying a new shape or style) they refuse to even try it. They say they like it, but it's just "not them". Well, if you like it, chances are it could very well work for you!

Think about this...Have you ever considered that what you are currently doing is maybe "not you"? Maybe that's why you don't feel confident and excited about your style?

It takes a small thing to make a big change so the next time you are out shopping and see something you like but hear yourself saying it's "not you", I dare you to at least take it into the changeoom and give it a try - you may be surprised with (and even like) the "new you" you see. And you may even get excited about it too! How bad could that be?

What a cute and stylish "Mom" look?!

Yes, you CAN wear leggings and skinny jeans at any age!

Help a Fashionista out...

I want to hear from you - let me know what you think!

Why black is the new boring...

Tired of basic black? Looking to add some colour to your wardrobe? 

Check out the latest Practical Fashionista newsletter HERE for some tips to get you going!

Then, if you like what you read, sign up for the FREE Practical Fashionista newsletter HERE.

Contest

Looking for a little Oomph? Well, I've got it for you!

Thanks to Soul Beautiful, one lucky Practical Fashionista fan will win a prize pack from the "one stop silicone enhancement and bra accessories shop".

Included in this prize pack...

• the regular enhancer

• set of clear regular bra straps

• set of clear wide bra straps

With each Soul Beautiful collection, you can find the perfect assortment to shape, enhance, and style. Whether you are looking for some enhancement, fashionable and functional bra straps, or bra extender hooks, Soul Beautiful has you covered.

So, how do you win this pack? Just check out the Soul Beautiful site, then come back here and comment below to let us know what your favourite Soul Beautiful fashion bra strap is. You never know, maybe your choice will also be part of an upcoming holiday giveaway - hint hint! ;-)

Deadline for entry is Monday, November 7th. Good luck!