Flattering Tops for Real Body Shapes | Stylist Fit Tips & Spring Shopping Guide
These tops will look good on you and your teenager! You can find the most flattering fit for your body shape if you know what to look for. The right top can hide a tiny tummy, minimize a big bust, or give you the right to bear arms. I’m 42 and my favorite outfit with jeans is still a white top. There are certain styles that work better on each of our different body types. Use my professional stylist fit tips to buy the best blouses and top tops of 2022.
Flattering Fit Tips
The Best Styles for Big Boobs | Square Neck
Square neck tops are a nice new alternative to classic v-necks. When the horizontal neckline gently cuts through the top of a large natural bustline it can be very minimizing to your silhouette. If you wear a square neck top, the space around your neck and chest area are open and your torso is instantly elongated.
Fitted But Not Clingly
If you have a smaller bustline, try a higher square neckline that cups up and over your boobs, instead of chopping them in half.
This is one of 6 versatile outfits I made with this long sleeve square neck top from my Ageless Spring Capsule Wardrobe. Check out the rest HERE.
Tummy Trouble | Try an Empire Waist
A baby-doll or empire waist top that floats over your stomach instead of clinging to it is a good choice this spring. For the added illusion of a smaller waistline make sure your top “tacks” or touches close to the body before it flows away. Keep reading for more including some great sleeveless options.
Try a Crop Top & High Waisted Bottoms
You can wear a crop top. A modern crop top is actually the perfect proportion to pair with high-waisted skirts or wide-leg bottoms that usually cover your tummy trouble area.
High-Low Styling Suggestion
The Right to Bear Arms at Any Age
The Right Sleeves
Keep that slenderizing effect going by choosing the right sleeves. A long sleeve top is the most slimming. If you have large arms, a loose flutter sleeve looks better than a fitted sleeve that stops at the wrong spot. You never want your sleeve and the bottom of your bustline to stop at the same spot.
Flattering Flutter Sleeves & Square Necks
As warmer weather approaches don’t sweat it, literally. Sleeveless tops can be some of the most flattering, even on flabby arms. Wear one like this solo or over your favorite white button-up.
Racer Tanks
Racer or halter neckline tops and tanks do the best job. They draw attention to your face and shoulders. I suggested a new white one as one of the nine pieces in my ageless spring capsule wardrobe.
Try one of these tanks that have a flattering square neckline and sweet bows that beg for attention. Most women have nice shoulders so why not use them as a sexy substitute for cleavage.
Blouses for Broad & Boxy Babes | Surplus Wrap
Surplus or wrap-style tops work wonders on a real woman’s body. Surplus style tops direct the eye diagonally instead of horizontally which is much more flattering. This concept is why the “messy tuck” has become so popular. That tiny tuck breaks up a straight horizontal line. Make sure your top stops long enough to camouflage your tummy if you need it.
See how I styled more lightweight wrap sweaters like these HERE. Wear one with a pretty lace bralette or upside down as an off-the-shoulder sweater.
Favorites under $50 for those over 50.