As a proud, card-carrying member of the Busty Women Club, better known as the BWC, the ushering in of fall usually causes me a pinch of anxiety. No, it’s not the influx of pumpkin spice everything that does me in but rather the changes in fashion. Autumn equates to cable knit sweaters, button-down blouses, cardigans, coats and the dreaded fur vest — bulky, bulkier and bulkiest. For ladies with big … umm … ladies, these typical fall trends just don’t work. Women like me are left rifling through our closets to put on yet another pair of jeans with a plain Jane sweater.
Thankfully, I reached out to Atlanta-area stylist, Mireille Beckwith of Edit by Lauren Wardrobe Styling for style advice. Not only does Mireille run a successful fashion blog, City Peach, she also has extensive retail and styling experience, including stints at Banana Republic and later at Anthropologie in New York. Mireille and I met at Anthropologie (at Alpharetta’s Avalon) for a mini-styling session. I shadowed her — eyes wide and arms full — as she pulled pieces and explained why each one would be perfect for my 34D chest.
Curious about how to style your own girls? With Mireille’s tips, you’ll be all set for fall.
BWC members, rejoice!
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #1: Play with proportions.
When it comes to choosing clothes for fall (and every other season for that matter), balance is key, regardless of body shape. That means if you’re rocking skinny jeans, a loose-fitting shirt is a good choice for a top. Similarly, if you’re wearing a skirt with booties, choose a long-sleeved top to balance the skin you’re showing. Mireille says playing with proportions will help you avoid two common busty women mistakes: buying a size too small or too large.
Stylist Mireille Beckwith goes through racks at Anthropologie and encourages women to think about shape and style versus size. It was surprising how many times she recommended a smaller (and sometimes larger) size based on the shape of an item.
“I think there are two types of busty women: those who wear anything, even an item that is made too small in the chest area, so the item looks like it doesn’t fit and creates a sloppy look, or those that wear an all-over baggy top because they are trying to cover up their chest,” Mireille says. “Play with a high collar or A-line instead. It’s all about the overall aesthetic balance.”
Another trick? Look for longer shirts. “Whether it’s a t-shirt or a blouse,” Mireille says, “keep it fitted but have it hit the middle of your bottom. This is especially helpful if you do not have a long torso.”
This bulky sweater had writer and BWC member Nicole Letts scared but paired with a form-fitting white tee, skinny jeans and a belt, she was stunned at how the proportions played with each other and minimized her bust.
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #2: Embrace flattering trends.
We all want a piece of the fall trend pie but we’re not quite sure which ones will work for our bodies. Mireille to the rescue. One trend of the moment is the bell-bottom sleeve. Mireille insists this style is a great trick for us bustier gals because it takes focus away from the chest, while slimming and elongating the arm. What’s not to love about that?!
As for other fall trends she’s got her sights on? The cold-shoulder sweater, the cropped flair — and even neck scarves. Since off-the-shoulder tops can be tough for women with large busts, the cold shoulder sweater or top offers a way to get in on the trend while wearing a regular bra. She also loves the cropped flair because, believe it or not, the pants will slim the leg because most styles are skinny until the flare at the ankle. What about neck scarves? Mireille says, “If you want the attention elsewhere, divert with accessories. You can find neck scarves everywhere now! I’ve been using a little style hack and getting mine in the men’s tie section (pocket handkerchiefs) of Nordstrom Rack. Super cheap, real silk and tons of color options.” Genius.
A cold shoulder top like this one makes it easy for busty women to get in on the trend while wearing a “normal” bra.
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #3: Start with the right foundation.
When you feel good, you look good and that good feeling starts with a good foundation. A proper fitting bra is crucial when building a cute fall wardrobe, especially for us bustier gals. Ginny Gerard, CEO of international luxury lingerie retailer Rigby & Peller, says quality lingerie is crucial when creating a cute look. “Women of all sizes should feel comfortable, supported and confident in their lingerie. However, we do find that women with fuller breasts tend to see and feel the difference that well-fitted lingerie makes in a more impactful way. There is an instant sense of relief as the pressure is taken off of their shoulders and, of course, the look of delight when she sees herself in beautiful lingerie for the first time.”
Ginny suggests that every woman see a professional lingerie stylist who can help you find the right size and style. She affirms, “Lingerie can make or break your clothing. When your bras fit correctly and give you great support, your clothes are going to look better and you are going to feel more confident, which is something that everyone will see.”
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #4: Let go of the ones that just won’t work.
Fur vests, I’m looking at you. I can’t even tell you the number of fur vests I’ve tried on or even purchased only to return them immediately. The bad news is I need to hang up that dream because a fur vest is just never going to work with my body or bust. The good news is that there are other ways to achieve a similar style. Mireille says, “Fall is all about layering, so bulk can get tricky but the amazing thing about layering is that you can get creative with it.” She recommends cinching your waist with a belt, over a cardigan, or wearing a lightweight sweater over a button-up blouse. Want an alternative to that fur vest? Try belting scarves or jackets over a dress. “I am all about the belt for fall — and belts work for every body type,” she explains.
Mireille says a thin sweater vest with a fur collar is a great alternative to a traditional fur vest.
Nicole worked with Mierelle on lots of looks. “I have never bought a halter top for fear of having to wear a strapless bra but when I paired it with a thin blazer and skinny jeans, I was sold. I think I look good, if I do say so myself,” she says.
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #5: Be smart about patterns.
“Stay away from large, overdone prints like chevron and stick with neutrals for fall,” Mireille says. “Wear pops of color with your accessories — like a scarf, tassel earrings or a pump.” One top we found at Anthropologie was incredibly slimming and met Mireille’s above criteria: a high-neck in burgundy (a top fall color, by the way) with embroidered flowers running in vertical stripes. It was something I would have never chosen for myself but as soon as I put it on, I was impressed. Slimming, professional and polished. Add that to my bag, please!
A thick tie front belt defines the waist and a leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up adds a little pizzazz and definition to the arms.
Busty Women Club’s Fall Style Tip #6: Tailor everything.
“Tailor a piece of clothing to your own body,” Mireille explains. “Every size in a run is made the exact same, unfortunately, so it’s up to you to make it your own.” That means finding a great tailor to fit clothes to you. If tailoring isn’t in the budget, work with what you have. “If you have a small waist, emphasize it and wear a belt. If you like your arms, show them off or wear a snug-fitting top. If you like your legs, wear a button-up skirt and an ankle bootie.” Whatever you do, play up the areas of your body that make you feel pretty and, most of all, confident!
Layers work well when you’re overlapping thin pieces. A leather jacket paired with a peasant dress is a cool, flattering combo.
Mireille is one stylish (and helpful) City Peach!
Thanks to stylist Mireille Beckwith for her fall fashion tips, tricks and advice for busty gals. Find Mireille daily at city-peach.com and enlist her styling services at editbylauren.com/stylists.
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