Flattering Tops for Real Body Shapes | Stylist Fit Tips & Shopping Guide
You can find the most flattering tops for your body shape if you know what to look for. The right top can hide a tiny tummy, minimize a big bust, enhance a small one, or give you the right to bear arms. This post has my all-time favorites for everyone. I’ve been helping women decide what to wear for more than half my life. Shop with me, and I show you the styles that work better on each of our different body types. Trust me, we can do this the easy way. Throw you hands up and stop standing hostage in a closet full of nothing to wear. Use my fit tips and high-low list to buy the best blouses and top tops for your wardrobe.
Top Tops For All Body Shapes
I believe God created us all to be “one,” but he didn’t make us all the “same.” Fortunately, if you’re not sure what tops look the best on your body type, there are a few foolproof styles that work on almost everyone. Keep reading to see what necklines look the best if you are busty or have tiny ta-tas. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t look good in a split neck.
Split Neck
Surplus
Surplus or wrap-style tops work wonders on a real woman’s body, and so do surplus-style dresses. 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.
Button-Up
This slightly oversized white button-up has been my favorite for a few years. Save 20% and get free shipping with promo code JENNIFERXSPANX. I also tested and recommend this high-low mix.
Convertible Tops
Whether wearing a style backward or upside down, double-duty tops that can be styled more than one way make you the fashion authority. This “Anywhere” top you can wear everywhere. I love the forgiving fabric and all the different ways you can style it.
The Best Blouse
This puff sleeve style is another blouse that looks goon on every body. If you can find it in stock at Ann Taylor does an amazing job at offering the look for less.
FRAME | Design in the Details
- Covered button placket that doesn’t compete with your outfit.
- Flattering sleeves that cover your upper arms without bulking them up.
- Gathered nape that makes her just as pretty coming as going.
- Versatile length that looks good tucked or untucked
- Quality silk fabric with a luster that lasts.
- A convertible neckline that can be worn high or low.
Top Shop
I’m always adding new favorites to my Top Shop here on closetchoreography.com. You’ll always find a high-low mix of brands and my best designer-inspired fashion finds. English Factory, Endless Rose, and Peal and Pup are three brands sold at Nordstrom that usually have a good selection of fashionable styles under $100.
The Best Tops for Big Boobs
A square-neck top is a nice alternative to classic V-necks if you are busty or broad through your back and shoulders. When the horizontal neckline gently cuts through the top of a large natural bustline, it can minimize your silhouette. If you wear a square-neck top, the space around your neck and chest area is open, and your torso appears more elongated versus square and boxy.
Fitted
I recommend a black sleeveless knit top like this to everyone. The perfect knit tank looks good layered under or over your other wardrobe staples and many of the pieces on my new wardrobe checklist.
The most flattering fitted square-neck tops have 3/4 or long sleeves. Sleeves that are even with the bottom of your bustline, when your arms are at your side, will make you appear wider than you are. Thick, stretchy fabrics with vertical ribbing are the most slimming. A subtle texture keeps the eye moving and isn’t as clingy to lumps and bumps.
The Right to Bear Arms at Any Age
Tops with princess seams that curve and run down through the center of your bustline are flattering on a curvy top half.
Flowy
Choose styles like these to avoid looking matronly or pregnant. Long or 3/4 sleeves look best, but a soft flutter or cap sleeve also looks good. Keep your neckline open and avoid overly gathered styles. Square, v-neck, button-up, or split necklines will look good on you.
The Best Tops for Little Boobs
I’m 45, and I’m still waiting for my boobs to come in. As a lifetime member of the itty bitty tittty committee, this is a real body type I know well. You can play with proportion and texture if you’re petite on top. Classic fitted styles with a high neckline look the best.
Smocked tops add volume without bulk
Try These Top If You Have Tummy Trouble
A baby-doll or empire waist top that floats over your stomach instead of clinging to it is a great place to start if you’ve got a gut. An empire or “high” waist top makes your legs look longer and your waist look smaller. Surplus and wrap styles work wonders too.
This horizontal seam can sit above or below your bust. If you are petite on top, you can wear a style that starts above your bust better than others. For the added illusion of a smaller waistline, make sure your top “tacks” or touches close to the body before it flows away. Refer to my fit tips above to know what necklines will look the best with a baby-doll style.
Most women look the best in a loose style that stops right around their hip bone. If you are smaller on top and have short legs, you can try a shorter style or a modern crop top. When paired with a bottom that covers your belly button, a short empire waist top can really elongate your body.
Sleeveless Tops
You have the right to bear arms. As warmer weather approaches, don’t sweat it. Sleeveless tops can be some of the most flattering, even on flabby arms. Wear one solo or under your favorite button-up. Racer or halter neckline tops and tanks do the best job by drawing attention to your face and shoulders.