I’ve always been envious of women that can easily wear strapless dresses. Women with light and airy breasts that manage to defy gravity. Boobs that manage to maintain the position of the dress without constant pulling and awkward adjustments all day long.
For women with heavier chests wearing a strapless dress is a gamble, maybe it’ll stay up, maybe this breeze I’m feeling is because it has already fallen and is actually wrapped around my waist right now.
Woops!
It is legal to be topless in Ontario, maybe no one noticed.
Ha!
Please don’t offer any advice about strapless bras. Squished down, heavy, pancake mono-boob isn’t the look I’m going for either. I’ve tried many strapless bras and none of them have worked for me. Also, those bras with clear plastic straps only stick to my skin and don’t stay in place.
Wear A Strapless Dress With A Large Bust
So how does one with heavy breasts manage to wear a strapless dress without showing her bra straps? Simple. Just wear a shirt under the dress.
As soon as I spotted this little Anthro dress thrifting I thought,
“Ooh! I’d love to wear that!”
Then of course my heart sank because…heavy boobs.
I threw caution and heavy boobs to the wind though and bought it with the thought that I’d try a blouse or a shirt underneath.
I like it!
What do you think?
Adding the shirt makes it more wearable right now as our spring is turning out to be quite cool.
I own another black collared short sleeve sheer lace blouse which I think will work beautifully when summer finally decides to shows up.
The fullness of this skirt would work well with a crinoline underneath too.
Added bonus on this dress…deep pockets!
What’s Up With My Pumps?
These shoes look large on me but they are the correct size. I have very narrow ankles and that is why I prefer Mary Janes so I don’t walk out of my pumps.
I think that was Cinderella’s problem, she walked out of her shoes too. Now where did I put my pumpkin carriage?
Have you avoided wearing strapless dresses/bathing suits/tops because of your fear of wardrobe malfunctions?
Perky boob people need not comment. We all know you are a bunch of lucky bums boobs.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
First I just checked your site, and there wasn’t a post up…and now there is…it’s like magic.
And you’ve discovered one of my jumpsuit secrets for Friday’s post!!
I love the idea of strapless, but it’s just too much work. This is my idea of being creative and brilliant!!!
XOXO
Jodie
That’s weird about my blog. (shrug) I’m not code savvy enough to know what might have gone wrong.
I’m starting to be more like you Jodie, anything that involves “work” when getting dressed should be avoided.
I love this look, Suzanne! That’s how I’d wear strapless dresses as well, but I never buy them for a similar reason you stated–too much worry that the dress will become a topless skirt! I don’t have heavy boobs, but this is still a big enough concern that I don’t wear them.
Having said THAT, I do like what you’ve done. I’ve worn spaghetti-strapped dresses with t-shirts underneath and like being able to wear a regular bra as a result. If I ever come across that strapless dress I can’t live without, I’ll keep your style in mind!
Hugs,
Sherry
Tees under spaghetti strap dresses are such a great throw back to the 90s. I still like that style.
I love this look, Suzanne. The shirt makes a wonderful contrast with the dress, and the end result looks so YOU. Like Sherry, I avoid strapless as well even though my breasts are, well, still perky (don’t hate!).
Seems like a random law about toplessness, but more freedom is always OK with me. As long as toplessness is not mandatory : >
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Oh no…this is Canada. Not much is mandatory here ; P
Ditto!!! Love this look and it’s exactly what I have to do too. It’s like an even better version of socks with heels! What a gorgeous dress you found there – love the colour!
Ah…socks and heels. Another thing I haven’t managed to perfect. It seems like great idea but my feet slip and slide around in the shoes. I feel like I’m only one small step away from a face-plant. Am I the only one with this issue?
Does having a perky but flat chest entitle me to comment? 🙂
I’ve never even considered a strapless dress because no cleavage / no point…
Your looks are always creatively inspiring but I’d probably sew on some straps to tie behind my neck. Perhaps in black to match that we’re patent belt!
My heavy chest feels quite alone when most of my readers are perky.
Your idea of straps around the neck is great.
I can’t have anything tied around my neck. Even carrying a cross body bag can bother me thanks to my fibromyaligia.
thank you suzanne!!!!
as a fellow large bust owner this is an epiphany for me! so in the future i will not look away if a sweet strapless dress in 112cm bust appears on the 2.hand shop rails…..
your dress is totally fab – and you look gorgeous in mellow yellow!
…and i can see this dress with a breton underneath……or white, sleveless eyelet……a dirndl blouse….
xxxx
I agree Beate! A striped top would look fun with this. I’m all about the yellow right now.
That’s a great look. The black shirt underneath the dress takes it to another level.
That’s the joy of secondhand shopping, you’re forced to think more creatively when you see something interesting.
Despite being a small, pert boobed type (sorry!) I don’t wear strapless a lot although I do have a 1980s jewel encrusted zip-up bustier which has featured in my festival wardrobe for the last five years (great value at one English pound!)
About 15 years ago I wore a strapless maxi dress to a festival. I went to the bar and walked back to Jon clutching a full pint glass in each hand. I trod on the hem of the dress and it fell down to my waist and I had to negotiate the rest of the field topless (obviously I wasn’t going to risk spilling my beer!)
Hahaha!!
I remember you telling that story on your blog!
Beautiful solution for a beautiful dress! The shoes are very elegant too. I never wear strapless as I have nothing to hang the dress upon!!
🤣🤣🤣
You look like an hour glass in your photos Nancy. What’s up? And yeah…that’s a bit of a pun ; P
Well, my “perkies” (as I shall now call them) fail to hold up a topless garment , so while I have the opposite problem of yours, I still dread the same malfunction – same situation, different reasons. Ha! I have worn tops under strapless before and even tried a unisuspender to keep up a strapless item, which is great when I have a piece I love. This Anthro dress looks fantastic with your blouse. And pockets!!!
If you’re calling yours “perkies” what should I be calling mine? “Relaxies?? LOL
Not all your readers are perky, Suzanne. Enough said 🙂 I’ve never owned or wore a strapless dress in my life. I’d live in fear of wardrobe malfunction the whole time, and would be constantly adjusting it. A definite no-no for me, even though I have to admit that I’d be tempted if I came across a dress as gorgeous as yours, especially since it has pockets! Great idea to wear it with the black shirt underneath, repeating the black with that cute bow belt. I too prefer wearing Mary Janes, as I’m prone to walking out of my shoes when wearing pumps. xxx
Thank heavens Ann! I was starting to seriously feel outnumbered by these small breasted perky women.
I’ve never been able to figure out how anyone manages to keep pumps on their feet unless they are shuffling along.
I’ve gone the way of the bolero for a strapless top before. As it was for a wedding it looked good but I have no photographic evidence of it unfortunately.
I have been put off strapless dresses and tops but I like the idea of the shirt (I always cover my arms anyway) and I think a long sleeved tee would work too. I love it on you! What a pretty dress it is.
Hope summer decides to show up soon for you!
xxx
I think this is a great idea. I have worn a couple of strapless dresses layered over a t-shirt for just this reason. I miss the small, perky boobs from my 20’s and 30’s when I could go without a bra and wear pretty much anything, but even then I probably wouldn’t have worn a strapless dress or top without layering it over something else.
I see this option a lot, mostly with T-shirts that don’t risk blousing out over the dress (it depends on your collared shirt, right?).
I have a friend who really is challenged in well-endowed department, having a hard time finding things that fit, that don’t produce mono-boob, that won’t lead to spillage. I am useless for advice, having been tormented from adolescence as a member of the Itty Bitty Titty Club. Either extreme is no fun.
What a splendid solution to the “problem”. Yes indeed, this shirt works very well with the dress. Especially because you added the little black belt. It is in the details dahling.
Me, myself… I never wanted to wear a strapless dress. I don’t think it will look good on me (broad shoulders) and indeed I have the same experiences with strapless bras. Totally useless.
Greetje
I actually prefer strapless dresses layered over a top. I have a very small chest but still feel like strapless dresses are an accident waiting to happen!! You look gorgeous, this is a lovely outfit on you. I have the same shoe issue, court shoes can look ‘gappy’ on me at the back, which causes lots of arguments with shop assistants! X
I have a small bust and I have a hard time with strapless anything!
Looks cute layered!
I have found a couple things that work for larger girls. Elasticized smocking at the back of the upper part of the dress seems to offer some added control. Also, if the front top area is draped like a wrap dress, that fold of fabric down the center separates things so there isn’t a uniboob.
I have yet to find a comfortable strapless bra. They slip, poke… ugh.
I love this idea too and wore a strapless corset type top with a blouse underneath – I think it looks great with this dresa and I do like the black top with the belt adding contrast. Very pretty! Mine are heading a bit south and I always love the term “monoboob”.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com