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BECAUSE LIFE AFTER FORTY IS NO LESS FUN OR FASHIONABLE

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stylish 40s

    Fashion

    10 summer styles to flatter a big bust

    Summer is just about here!!! But are you one of the many women who dreads Summer dressing because you find it hard to find summer styles to suit your ample bosom?? How to style a big bust is a question I often get asked. So I thought I’d dedicate a blog post to the topic, especially as the average UK bra size is now a 36DD, but yet mainstream fashion still ignores big boobs.

    In the hot summer months, looking cool and chic when you are blessed in the boob department can be a challenge. You can’t just chuck on a strappy, floaty dress and go bra-less.

    I totally get it. In my early twenties I had enormous boobs. The contraceptive pill plumped them up to a size which was totally out of proportion to my frame. I was so conscious of looking overtly busty that I did everything I could to conceal them. ‘Minimiser’ bras from M&S were my go-to and I even used to strap them down further with a bandeau top (in addition to the minimiser bra!!!)

    When I look back, I feel sad that I didn’t have the confidence to enjoy my curvier silhouette. Armed with more understanding and knowledge of shape, I now know that the key to flatter a larger bust is to create good balance and proportions. Indeed it is easier when clothing is more structured and covered-up in the Winter, but there are so many current summer styles that women with big boobs can wear and look amazing in.

    Here’s my top 10 Summer styles that will accommodate and flatter a big bust:

    1. Wide Straps
    It goes without saying that a supportive bra is absolutely essential if you have big boobs, but the more support you need the wider the bra straps. So whilst dresses with spaghetti straps are off-bounds, there are lots of summer dresses around with wide straps that will conceal bra straps. This dress from JD Williams is ideal; the vertical stripes and v-neck are both flattering elements for a larger bust, plus it has a gathered waistline and tiered full skirt which will create balance for the upper torso.

    2. Shirred Bodice
    This shirred dress from Boden will divide opinion for women with big boobs… For some the stretchy, shirred detail will provide too much emphasis, whilst others will love the accentuation and support it provides. The a-line shape of the dress will provide a nice element of balance for a large bust.

    3. Button-down Dresses/Jumpsuits
    Again these styles tend to have nice wide, bra-concealing straps and the vertical line of buttons is elongating. The v-neck of this jumpsuit from Free People is flattering as it will reduce the visual volume of the bust. The defined pleating at the bodice provides structure for an ample bust and the overall shape creates a beautiful hourglass silhouette.

    4. Square or Sweetheart Necks
    These are the most flattering shapes on larger busts. Not as revealing as a v-neck, a horizontal or sweetheart shape shows a modest amount of décolletage and the angular lines flatter a curvaceous bust by providing structure. If you have great legs – get them on show! This square-neck dress from Mango  is perfect for you!


    5. Ruffle Skirts / Wide-leg Trousers
    A styling trick to draw the eye away from a large bust is to wear something eye-catching on the lower half of your body. A ruffle skirt is ideal for this technique. Wide-leg palazzo pants also work too, such as these below from Phase Eight. Keep the top half really simple (such a v-neck top) so that the focus is entirely away from the bust.

    6. V-necks
    V-necks elongate the torso and provide a narrow central point on a curvaceous chest. The exposure of the collarbone and décolletage draws the vision up from the bust. Linen-jersey T-shirt from H&M

    7. Wrap Dresses
    A wrap dress is always cited as the busty women’s best friend… which is largely true but there are exceptions to this rule. A wrap style may not flatter if it doesn’t completely cover a large bust, instead it will create cleavage and therefore emphasize – which is ok, if that’s what you want to achieve. If less va-va-voom is your thing, look for loose wrap styles with fluted or kimono-style sleeves like this dress from Traffic People.

    8. Kimonos
    A loose kimono is the perfect, cooling layer when it’s hot and an ideal cover-up if you have a big bust. You can wear your favourite cami-top underneath and not worry about exposing your bra straps. A versatile piece, they make a funky throw-on over jeans – like this kimono from Mint Velvet – but are also fab for covering up on the beach too. If you choose a longer line kimono, it will provide a lengthening effect to your silhouette.

    9. Bardot Style
    An off-the-shoulder style brings focus to the shoulders and away from the bust. Look out for Bardot-styles which have a large frill layer as this will completely conceal the bust like this dress from Monsoon.  Wear a necklace or statement earrings to further draw the eye upwards.

    10. Ditsy Prints
    A small, busy print confuses the eye and is much more flattering for a big bust than a bold print. Bold shapes will draw the eye in to focus directly on the large shapes. Ditsy florals and leopard prints are ideal. This jumpsuit from M&S X Ghost fits the bill with a wrap front and flattering wide legs.

    I hope that this post has proved that if you have big boobs, you can still wear many of the current summer trends. Remember – this is just a guide. Depending on your proportions, you may feel that some of these options don’t work for you. Whether you wish to conceal or emphasize, it’s important to do it on your own terms and wear whatever makes you feel good!

    I asked Midsize Fashion Blogger Maxine, and Curve Model Jayde to tell me about their preferred ways to dress their gorgeous busts

    If this post speaks to you, I’d love to know your thoughts. Are there any other styling tricks or shapes that work for your large bust? Please leave me a comment or contact me directly.

    If you’d like some tailored advice with your wardrobe and how to dress your shape – please get in contact about my Personal Styling Services. I’d love to help!

    This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase an item, I will earn a very small commission.

    10 summer styles to flatter a big bust was last modified: June 7th, 2022 by Club Forty
    07/06/2022
    4 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
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Club Forty, created by Claire Hall, is a place to inspire women to embrace and enjoy life post-40 - not only by keeping their style fresh and authentic - but in all areas of life.

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Approaching strangers to compliment them on their Approaching strangers to compliment them on their outfits & chat about their style was such fun yesterday at @royalnorfolkshow with @jarroldnorwich 🙌💗

I decided to wear this fantastic vintage Ricci Michaels dress from @wishing_wells_vintage which was totally ME 🥰 

A huge element of personal style is connecting with your sense of self and then echoing that in the clothing you choose to wear… and this isn’t easy!

I don’t always get it right. Often I get caught up with what I feel I ‘ought to’ be wearing rather than what I want to wear… and this never turns out well!

Would love to know your thoughts on this… Do you feel you’ve nailed your authentic style or are you still on a journey?

#thankfrockitsfriday @loveanewfrock #vintagefrock #vintagedresses #authenticstyle #mystyleplace #styleauthenticity #personalstylecoaching #personalstylecoach #personalstylistlondon #personalstylistessex #clubforty
It’s vintage daaaarling! I’m so lucky to have It’s vintage daaaarling!

I’m so lucky to have a fantastic vintage boutique local to me @wishing_wells_vintage 

When I want a special outfit, I will always consider vintage, here’s why:

✔️You won’t see anyone else in the same outfit
✔️It’s often of a much higher quality 
✔️It’s a sustainable way to shop
✔️You can get creative & create your own look
✔️ You get to wear the current trends in their original format

I’ll be wearing one of these dresses to attend the @royalnorfolkshow tomorrow as a Style Judge with @jarroldnorwich 🥰

#vintagestyles #vintageboutique #prelovedshopping #vintageshopper #clairehallstyletips #clubforty
All the cottage-core vibes with this dreamy Aura d All the cottage-core vibes with this dreamy Aura dress from @xaieclothing_ (gifted)

Handmade clothing isn’t as expensive as you may think 😉 Plus it’s so worth it - you not only get a limited edition piece that’s tailored to fit, you can tweak features to your liking 🙌💗

Sunnies @scottsamuel.co.uk Bag @radleylondon Ring/Bracelet @monicavinader Slides @birkenstock via @kaleidoscope_uk AD/PR Products

📸 @b.moonphotography 

#cottagecore #slowfashion #handmadeclothes #prariedress #xaieclothing #stylish40s #midlifestyle #clairehallstyletips #clubforty
H e l l o 👋 I’m blown away by all the newcome H e l l o 👋
I’m blown away by all the newcomers to my page!!!

Here’s a little bit about me… I’m a Personal Stylist & Content Creator. I’m 49 years old and I live by the sea in North Essex with my family - I have 2 teenage children. 

Fashion has always been my thing - just not professionally!! I switched careers in my 40s and turned my side hustle into my main job/income 🙌

I started a blog 6 years ago, then followed my insta page and then a styling business. And I absolutely love what I do! 💗 I truly believe that every woman has the ability to be stylish regardless of age, shape, size or budget - this is my WHY 🥰

So whether I’m creating content for brands or sharing style advice, my goal is to inspire and encourage woman to break their perceived fashion boundaries. 

Thank you for coming on board 💗

Blouse @thisisunfolded 
Trousers @mintvelvet 
AD/PR Products

📸 @b.moonphotography 
#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #styleatanyage
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
I could get used to this… ☀️ Wouldn’t the I could get used to this… ☀️

Wouldn’t the UK be a different place if we had guaranteed hot summers! Would you love it, or not????

Dress @baukjen (AD/PR Product)
Use code CFC15 for 15% off
Bag @fripperygirls 
Ring & Bangle @branchjewellery (AD/PR Products)
Hat #preloved 

#heatwavestyle #summerstyles #baukjenstyle #baukjen #halterneckdress #maxidresses #stylishintheheat #clubforty
We finally have a heatwave & I wear black 🤷‍♀️🖤

Dress @baukjen - use code CFC15 for 15% off
Necklace & sunnies @scottsamuel.co.uk 
AD/PR Products

#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
A sunny week ahead can’t fail to put a spring in A sunny week ahead can’t fail to put a spring in my step 🙌☀️

Happy Monday!

Dress @mintvelvet (AD/PR Product)

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#MVCSummer #MVCollective #mintvelvet #summerstyles #linendress #stylish40s #midlifestyle #clubfortystyle #clubforty
Summer dresses & boots! Just because there’s dai Summer dresses & boots! Just because there’s daily chance of rain right now, I’m dammed if I won’t wear the frock 👗👢☔️

This dress received so many compliments 🥰 Isn’t the print just fabulous 🍌🧜‍♀️

Dress @janandnova (AD/PR Gift)
Boots @monsoon (old)
Bag @jdwilliamsuk (old)

📸 @rutlandgirlfashionstyle 
#thankfrockitsfriday @loveanewfrock 
#jnvgirls #janandnovagirls #janandnova 
#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #styleatanyage
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
Loving orange right now 🧡 Orange combines the Loving orange right now 🧡

Orange combines the energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow and so it evokes joy, creativity, adventure and good health 🧡

Interestingly the colour orange relates to 'gut reaction' as opposed to the physical reaction of red, or the mental reaction of yellow 🧡

Orange particularly suits warm skin tones but it’s tricky to wear near the face for cool skin tones 🧡

How do you feel about orange?

Dress @stellanovacopenhagen via @annabelle_87_ (kindly gifted)

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#orangedress #stellanovacopenhagen #annabelle87 #orangebroderieanglaise #orangestyle #springsummerstyle #stylish40s #midlifestyle #over40style #clubfortystyle #clubforty
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Approaching strangers to compliment them on their Approaching strangers to compliment them on their outfits & chat about their style was such fun yesterday at @royalnorfolkshow with @jarroldnorwich 🙌💗

I decided to wear this fantastic vintage Ricci Michaels dress from @wishing_wells_vintage which was totally ME 🥰 

A huge element of personal style is connecting with your sense of self and then echoing that in the clothing you choose to wear… and this isn’t easy!

I don’t always get it right. Often I get caught up with what I feel I ‘ought to’ be wearing rather than what I want to wear… and this never turns out well!

Would love to know your thoughts on this… Do you feel you’ve nailed your authentic style or are you still on a journey?

#thankfrockitsfriday @loveanewfrock #vintagefrock #vintagedresses #authenticstyle #mystyleplace #styleauthenticity #personalstylecoaching #personalstylecoach #personalstylistlondon #personalstylistessex #clubforty
It’s vintage daaaarling! I’m so lucky to have It’s vintage daaaarling!

I’m so lucky to have a fantastic vintage boutique local to me @wishing_wells_vintage 

When I want a special outfit, I will always consider vintage, here’s why:

✔️You won’t see anyone else in the same outfit
✔️It’s often of a much higher quality 
✔️It’s a sustainable way to shop
✔️You can get creative & create your own look
✔️ You get to wear the current trends in their original format

I’ll be wearing one of these dresses to attend the @royalnorfolkshow tomorrow as a Style Judge with @jarroldnorwich 🥰

#vintagestyles #vintageboutique #prelovedshopping #vintageshopper #clairehallstyletips #clubforty
All the cottage-core vibes with this dreamy Aura d All the cottage-core vibes with this dreamy Aura dress from @xaieclothing_ (gifted)

Handmade clothing isn’t as expensive as you may think 😉 Plus it’s so worth it - you not only get a limited edition piece that’s tailored to fit, you can tweak features to your liking 🙌💗

Sunnies @scottsamuel.co.uk Bag @radleylondon Ring/Bracelet @monicavinader Slides @birkenstock via @kaleidoscope_uk AD/PR Products

📸 @b.moonphotography 

#cottagecore #slowfashion #handmadeclothes #prariedress #xaieclothing #stylish40s #midlifestyle #clairehallstyletips #clubforty
H e l l o 👋 I’m blown away by all the newcome H e l l o 👋
I’m blown away by all the newcomers to my page!!!

Here’s a little bit about me… I’m a Personal Stylist & Content Creator. I’m 49 years old and I live by the sea in North Essex with my family - I have 2 teenage children. 

Fashion has always been my thing - just not professionally!! I switched careers in my 40s and turned my side hustle into my main job/income 🙌

I started a blog 6 years ago, then followed my insta page and then a styling business. And I absolutely love what I do! 💗 I truly believe that every woman has the ability to be stylish regardless of age, shape, size or budget - this is my WHY 🥰

So whether I’m creating content for brands or sharing style advice, my goal is to inspire and encourage woman to break their perceived fashion boundaries. 

Thank you for coming on board 💗

Blouse @thisisunfolded 
Trousers @mintvelvet 
AD/PR Products

📸 @b.moonphotography 
#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #styleatanyage
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
I could get used to this… ☀️ Wouldn’t the I could get used to this… ☀️

Wouldn’t the UK be a different place if we had guaranteed hot summers! Would you love it, or not????

Dress @baukjen (AD/PR Product)
Use code CFC15 for 15% off
Bag @fripperygirls 
Ring & Bangle @branchjewellery (AD/PR Products)
Hat #preloved 

#heatwavestyle #summerstyles #baukjenstyle #baukjen #halterneckdress #maxidresses #stylishintheheat #clubforty
We finally have a heatwave & I wear black 🤷‍♀️🖤

Dress @baukjen - use code CFC15 for 15% off
Necklace & sunnies @scottsamuel.co.uk 
AD/PR Products

#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
A sunny week ahead can’t fail to put a spring in A sunny week ahead can’t fail to put a spring in my step 🙌☀️

Happy Monday!

Dress @mintvelvet (AD/PR Product)

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#MVCSummer #MVCollective #mintvelvet #summerstyles #linendress #stylish40s #midlifestyle #clubfortystyle #clubforty
Summer dresses & boots! Just because there’s dai Summer dresses & boots! Just because there’s daily chance of rain right now, I’m dammed if I won’t wear the frock 👗👢☔️

This dress received so many compliments 🥰 Isn’t the print just fabulous 🍌🧜‍♀️

Dress @janandnova (AD/PR Gift)
Boots @monsoon (old)
Bag @jdwilliamsuk (old)

📸 @rutlandgirlfashionstyle 
#thankfrockitsfriday @loveanewfrock 
#jnvgirls #janandnovagirls #janandnova 
#fashionable40s #stylish40s #over40style  #styleover40 #personalstylist #personalstylistsuffolk #personalstylistlondon #midlifestyle #styleatanyage
#personalstylistessex #fashionover40 #agelessstyle #styleatanyage #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #40something #agepositive #clubforty
Loving orange right now 🧡 Orange combines the Loving orange right now 🧡

Orange combines the energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow and so it evokes joy, creativity, adventure and good health 🧡

Interestingly the colour orange relates to 'gut reaction' as opposed to the physical reaction of red, or the mental reaction of yellow 🧡

Orange particularly suits warm skin tones but it’s tricky to wear near the face for cool skin tones 🧡

How do you feel about orange?

Dress @stellanovacopenhagen via @annabelle_87_ (kindly gifted)

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#orangedress #stellanovacopenhagen #annabelle87 #orangebroderieanglaise #orangestyle #springsummerstyle #stylish40s #midlifestyle #over40style #clubfortystyle #clubforty
Waiting for the sunshine to return☀️ Top @new Waiting for the sunshine to return☀️

Top @newlook (old)
Trousers @mintvelvet (AD/PR Product)
Bag @jdwilliamsuk (old)
Hat @freepeopleuk 

📸 @b.moonphotography 

#widelegpants #widelegtrousers #linentrousers
#MVCSummer
#MVCollective
#mintvelvet #mvcfaves #coastalchic #coastalvibes #chiclook #chicstyles #stylish40s #styleover40 #clubfortystyle #clubforty
AD/ 4 days of dressing up 🙌👗Weekends don’t AD/ 4 days of dressing up 🙌👗Weekends don’t get much better than this 🥰

Dresses @wallisfashion 
Linked on Stories 
AD/Paid Partnership

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#wallisloves #foreverwallis #celebrateinstyle #bankholidayweekendstyle #occasiondresses #styleover40 #styleover50 #midlifestyle #clubfortystyle #clubforty
Loving retro florals so hard right now 💚🌼💙🌸❤️

Dress @onjenu (AD/PR product)
Sandals @topshop via @ebay #preloved
Sunglasses @freepeopleuk 

📸 @b.moonphotography 

#retroflorals #onjenu #retropattern #boldprints #statementprint #retrostyles #stylish40s #over40styleblogger #over40 #midlifestyle #styleover40 #clubfortystyle #clubforty
This weekend the hubby & I went back to our old ‘manor’ to celebrate 20 years of marriage!!! 🎉💗

…there’s nothing like a trip down memory lane to make you feel old 😆🙈

#20yearsmarried #20yearsofmarriage #tildeathdouspart #shoreditchlondon #mondrianshoreditch #mrandmrshall #clubforty
Do my shoulders look big in this??? …they do! B Do my shoulders look big in this???

…they do! But I don’t mind 😜 I love a bold shape and even though I have broad shoulders I like adding more emphasis to them.

Style tip: broadening the shoulders will make the waist appear smaller (think of American Footballers 😉)

This blazer is a #preloved mens one hence why it is very oversized. If you like an oversized look, then a men’s blazer from a charity shop is definitely a cheap solution 🙌

Blazer @oxfamgb 
Jeans @hm (old)
Sandals @fairfaxandfavor (AD/PR Product)
Bag @apatchylondon (AD/PR Product)
Bangle & rings @branchjewellery (AD/PR Product)

#oversizedlook #oversizedblazer #prelovedstyle #blazerandjeans #charityshopfinds #styleover40 #stylish40s #over40styleblog #clairehallstyletips #clubfortystyle #clubforty
Summer suiting 🤍 @mintvelvet #MVCRelaxglam #MV Summer suiting 🤍

@mintvelvet #MVCRelaxglam #MVCollective #MintVelvet #relaxedglamour
MOOOOve over leopard print 🐄 Dress & bag @insp MOOOOve over leopard print 🐄

Dress & bag @inspiregems.london 
Espadrille wedges @wallisfashion 
AD/PR

📸 @colchesterstreets 

#cowprint #cowprintdress #colchesterboutique #lionwalkshopping #redlionwalk #stylish40s #stylish50s #styleover40 #styleover50 #over40styleblogger #clubfortystyle #clubforty
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