Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous:. Rita Mauceri
has to fit your shoulders without pulling, your boobs without puckering, your belly without bulging. But when you find that one that lifts and holds and fits and flatters, you’re golden. Tops are the chewy nougat center of fashion—the place to have fun, add personality, play with color, and take a few chances. If we had to pick one universally flattering top for our Hall of Fame, it would be this: long, sleeved, untucked, colorful, supportive, fluid, and V-neck.
Long. Look for tees and tops that hit midhip or below—flattering because they elongate your body and deemphasize the belly (when needed).
Sleeved. Three-quarter- or elbow-length or long sleeves make the most of your shoulders and arms, and flatter everything from bony shoulders to back-of-the-arm wiggles.
Untucked. From tees to button-downs, we prefer wearing tops untucked. Tucking tends to cut your body in half and can create unwanted bulges around the hips (who needs that?). On the other hand untucked styles lengthen and create one straight, fluid line.
Colorful. Jewel tones and deep earth shades enhance all different skin tones and help brighten your best feature, your face! And for those who want to cheat off a few pounds, darker colors are always more slimming.
Support. It doesn’t matter how showstopping a top is if your boobs are dragging and drooping. Wearing a bra or camisole with built-in support underneath is a must. Ensure that your adorable A’s and daring DD’s look their absolute best!
Fluid. Fabrics with a bit of give tend to accentuate the positive by hugging in all the right places. Look for smooth, medium-weight, cozy cottons, silks, and blends that provide sufficient coverage but don’t get stiff or wrinkly. The fabric should fall smoothly over curves instead of clinging—just keep in mind that when the fabric is too thin, it can sometimes detail every bump, lump, and bulge in your glorious bod.
V-neck. This is the single-most flattering neckline style. Every woman looks good in a V because it helps make the neck appear longer. In our book, the V stands for va-va-voom!
FIT TO FLAUNT
A fabulous top comes down to four things: how it drapes your shoulders, neck, chest, and tummy. And though some tops are designed to fit loose, we just want to make sure they don’t look sloppy.
Tops should fit around the shoulders without pulling or restricting your movement, around the chest without puckering or popping a button, and around the stomach without clinging. A great-fitting top should hang naturally and hit at about midhip. If it’s too tight in any one area, move on.
Don’t just wear a bra—wear the right bra! That means one that camouflages your nips and gives you the desired amount of support (and cleavage!). If you want your bra straps to peek out deliberately, then make sure your undergarment is worthy of being out in public. No frayed, soiled straps and no white or beige (which tends to look like “underwear” instead of “lingerie”). Stick with dark colors, such as brown, black, navy, or racy red.
Always check the front and rear view to ensure that a top flatters you from all sides. You want to make sure it compliments your boobs and belly, but also look at how it hugs or hangs around your booty, for the most ideal fit.
When trying on new tops, bend down and touch your toes. Discover how much boob you may (intentionally or unintentionally) bare when you lean over. A subtle show of cleavage can be the sexiest thing on earth; just make sure you flash with finesse!
Look for forgiving and figure-loving fabrics. Our all-time favorites: cotton and cotton Lycra blends.
TOPS 101
TEES: Whether V, scoop, round or crew neck, they’re a staple in every girl’s closet. Tees enjoy a glowing reputation as one of fashion’s most user-friendly items. Although finding a flattering tee may sound easy, subtle variations in styles can take your look from nothing special to knockout in no time. Go ahead, fill your closet with tees in all types of shapes and shades—and flaunt a little T and A (a tee and attitude, that is)!
Busties: Hip-length fitted tees with V- or cowl necks are a great match for Busties. They help to create a downward line on your bod, rather than widening it. V-necks are an easy choice because they allow for a little peek of cleavage (if desired) and break up your chest so it doesn’t look overly imposing. Layer a ¾-length-sleeve tee over a strappy tank in a contrasting color. Or mix it up with a small-print cotton cami underneath and solid Henley-style (button-placketed) tee with flared sleeves on top.
Tatas: Tatas aren’t limited in their tee choices—they can wear just about anything. Higher scoop-necks and V-necks, along with boatnecks, broaden the shoulder line and cheat the look of a slightly bigger bust. If, instead, you want to further enhance your boobs, try a sleeveless, flutter- or short-sleeve tee which focuses on the biggest part of your bust and gives you some extra oomph.
Belly Babes: Slip into an empire-waist tee that is cinched just under the boobs, for a slim silhouette and flattering bust and tummy. Banded-bottom tees and high scoop-necks that drape slightly around the midsection are also great choices. Ruched tees (gathered along the sides and belly to create mini pleats) also work wonders to flatter the extra bit of lovin’!
Broads: Pair jeans with V-neck tees to flatter the shoulder line and pull the eye downward. A feminine tank layered underneath a fluid Henley-style tee is the ideal way to soften and stylize your look. Once again, longer cuts will create a lean, luscious line and even out all your proportions.
TUNICS: They’re comfy and sexy with a touch of bohemian flavor. But what we love most about tunics is that they’re flattering and forgiving. And they easily transition from day to night…need we say more?
Busties: Busties should choose a lower, slit-style neckline to show off a bit of collarbone and hint of cleavage. Definitely seek out styles that cinch in at the waist and flare at the hemline so that you don’t lose your girly shape.
Tatas: Tunics and Tatas are a match made in fashion heaven! Belted styles that tie under the bustline can give your boobs an extra half-cup of size. Flowing or flared sleeves also help to enhance your upper bod. And Tatas can experiment with patterns as well—look for tunics with a little ’tude.
Belly Babes: Belly Babes will want to live in tunics once they try them. Look for styles that are tailored just slightly at the waist and then flare downward. Slip on a simple embroidered tunic over a slim pair of jeans or leggings and finish it off with a pair of casual flats or flip-flops.
Broads: Broads can look for long tunics that balance out the upper bod. Any kind of vertical design element (such as ties that hang, or beading) will also help to keep the look lean and fluid.
Let’s Mention the Unmentionables!
Undies are the foundation pieces of a great look. The right bra provides lift, a bit more size, or just the right amount of cleavage. The right panties preserve the beauty of your booty without bubbles or bulges. The one basic wear-with-anything bra to consider for your wardrobe: a silky, neutral, molded cup (with or without underwire). When it comes to panties, it’s all about the thong—a low-cut meshy nylon or ultralight cotton pair is invisible on every body shape. Fill out your lingerie drawer with specialty bras (halter, convertible, padded), slimmers and shapers (such as Spanx), and even maternity bras (which offer added support even when you’re not expecting!).
BLOUSES: Of all the words in fashiondom, this one always tends to sound dated. It doesn’t have the sizzle of stiletto or the sweetness of sweater. Instead, it reminds us a little too much of something Grandma would wear. We prefer to say button-downs. Okay, so they don’t all have buttons…but you get