Dressing for Bums and Boobs

Styling for curves is somewhat topical. The Times last week ran at least two articles on the subject,   from dressing the figure of the likes of Christina Hendricks at the recent Hollywood Awards Ceremonies to a full page dedicated to the new collaboration with Evans and the ' Bridesmaids' and 'Spy' Star , Melissa McCarthy. Apparently, when McCarthy requested dresses for the red carpet, no designer was interested. A former Fashion and Design Student and a life long follower of fashion, she was forced to design for herself ! 

I was also having Dinner with Friends, all of whom decried the lack of choice for Women over a size 14 on the High Street. That may be a subject I return to later but, in the meantime, if you want size choice, the internet is probably the best option as stores which don't stock the size range in store, often do online. Why ? Who knows ! 

And the real push for this blog was a request to find a Smart, Party type dress ( an evening Wedding Reception ) for someone with boobs and a bum AND a waist ! My statuesque Friend is gorgeous but whilst an hourglass shape might be catered for in the lower size ranges, she has found it is most definitely not the case higher up the range. She is probably a size 14 but, in order to accommodate her fullsome décolletage , has often to resort to a 16. I know this dilemma and know that to fit the bust one invariably ends up with folds of fabric on the hips. NEVER EVER BE TEMPTED TO WEAR ANYTHING TOO TIGHT THOUGH. You will feel awful and, no matter the strength of your Spanx, your discomfort will show on your face ! 

The answer might be 'Pepperberry '  , 'Bravissimo's clothes arm, which accommodates different bust sizes, but the choice is limited.

Here, all the options are from John Lewis - my Friend had vouchers - but the shapes are around in many High Street shops and offer a alternative to the 'Big Girls' ' fall back of a stretchy, cross fronted and side ruched jersey dress. Enough already !!!

Outfit 1

I really like this classic Sixties Style shift with delicate stretch lace and elbow length sleeves. Perfect with the new/ old block heeled shoes. Posh enough for a evening bash if you add more bling but equally appropriate for day time wear, looking chic but not too try hard.

Mint Velvet 60's Lace Dress £139

Sizes 8  - 18

Collection Patent Clutch Bag £25

Alana Block Heeled Courts £79

Outfit 2

A fitted Prom Dress might not be your automatic first thought for more generous sizes but it's a huge mistake not to dress those curves, accentuate them, rather than cloak them in reams of fabric. The V neck is flattering to a larger bust and the fitted bodice will complement a waistline, even having the effect of creating one when set against the full skirt.The wide skirt, with added netting beneath , 

also balances out any ' bulk ' on top and disguises heavier hips and bottom. Sexy , cut away court shoes steer if firmly away from Frumpsville !

True Decadence Floral Prom Dress £75

Sizes 10 - 18

Carvela Auden Court £120

Carvela Darling Clutch Bag £49

Outfit Three

This Coast dress is amazing and is perhaps my favourite of the collection. Whilst it might seem counter intuitive to add layers to a top half which may already be on the generous side, the pleated overlay is so light and fluid that it has the opposite effect. The curly ends of the sleeves , for want of a better description, draw attention away from the centre and the frill ends at just the right level to show a defined waistline.

It's other advantage is that the interest continues on the back of the dress with a fetching split in the  frilled 'cape'. Teamed again with vampish shoes and an on trend snakeskin clutch this is understated elegance with a punch.

Coast Va Va Voom Dress £139

Sizes 6 - 18

Carvela Shoes as above

Snake Clutch, Gunmetal £22

Outfit Four

This dress cries out for shape- hips and boobs will bring it alive. It's reminiscent of those fabulous dresses worn by Sophia Loren and it only really works with shape. A pair of Spanx and some decent scaffolding and you're away ! 

Gina Bacconi £135 from £270

Sizes 10 - 20

Ted Baker Allyssona Courts £92 from £115

Elizabeth Metallic Bag £139

Outfit Five

This is another cleverly cut dress . The close fitting bandeau skirt creates a narrow silhouette, balancing out the wider caplet top half. Again the assymetric lines are fluid which creates lightness rather than solid bulk. The length of the floating layers is far enough down to disguise and cover any problem tummy issues - and who hasn't got those? I mentioned Spanx on an earlier dress but frankly, I'm no longer prepared to put up with the resultant tummy ache they often result in. I just ensure I'm either sitting down or never seen in profile. It's amazing how useful shuffling sideways can be !!Even if it means I'm often lonely !! 

Dress up with loads of bling. Good to go !

Adrianna Papellu Layered Chiffon Capelet Banded Jersey £140 

Sizes 8. - 18

Carvela Courts as above

Necklace from a selection

Elizabeth Metallic Clutch £139

Outfit Six

I am a big fan of Mint Velvet and it is one of the few High Street sores which actually stocks clothes over a size 16.

This dress is silk with a small amount of elastane added for the bit of give needed to, well, breathe and move ! The smudgy floral pattern which graduates downwards is a wonderful visual distraction from any perceived bulk up top. 

Mint Velvet Willow Print Bodycon Dress £149

Sizes 8 - 18

Dune Cosete Lace Up Courts £85

LK Bennet Lottie  Bow Detail Court £185

Carvela Clutch as above

Outfit Seven

This Bruce Oldfield dress is made from structured taffeta and will give a sophisticated silhouette  - perfect for an hour glass shape . The cross over neckline , meeting in the flat bow at the centre of the waist, brings all attention to the very middle column of the body. The defined pleats on the hips, with the extra material ( but crucially not too much fabric) bring greater definition to the waistline.

Adding the leopard print bag gives some drama but another way to really light it up would be plain bag and loads of faux pearls. 

Bruce by Bruce Oldfield Bow Dress £99

Sizes 8 - 18

John Lewis Ariana Court Shoe £75

Dune Bently Suede Clutch £59

As I initially mentioned, these outfits were put together for a specific brief and price was not really a great consideration. It is possible to find flattering dresses for larger sizes for less though and I would always suggest trying different shapes other than the old favourites.