I must, I must, I must increase my bust!

Many of you will remember that famous line from Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. It’s the humorous and sometimes uncomfortable story of a young girl navigating her way through early puberty. I was right there with Margaret when I was that age; chanting while religiously performing numerous reps of pec squeezing exercises, all in the hopes of enlarging my small chest and officially entering the porthole of womanhood. I don’t think either of us had much success, but thankfully I realized being a woman actually has nothing to do with having a huge rack.

I’m sure most of us have come a long way since hanging out with Margaret, but still, there are times when we members of the flat squad want to feel more feminine and shapely. If the look of a more significant bosom is what you’re after, you can maximize your assets with these simple style tips.

Making the Most of Your Small Chest

Well-Placed Pockets

One strategy to use when dressing a small chest is to choose blouses with breast pockets. Pockets, especially ones with flaps, create volume and add dimension exactly where you want it.

Pattern + Pockets

Use the pocket strategy and add a pattern for more visual interest. This floral print military-inspired shirt caught my eye.

Layering + Pattern + Pockets + Sparkle

When you have a small chest, layering is a great way to go. Choose a couple of thin pieces to be sure you’re adding volume, not bulk.

Zippers + Pockets

Is there anything more eye-grabbing than pockets with zippers on your bazookas?

Layers + Bright or White

Increase the look of fullness by layering a draped neck or loop neck cardigan over a brightly coloured or white blouse. The bright or white layer underneath draws attention, while dark colours recede. 

Ruffles and Details Are a Girl’s Breast Friend

Pump up the volume with alluring details like ruffles and lace. You could also try sequins or other embellishments around the neckline.

Pattern + Ruffles + Sheer Fabric

You can’t help but notice the bust line on this blouse because of where the ruffles and sheer fabric meet. Genius.

V-neck + Wrap + Ruffles 

I barely recognized my girls in this boho print top. Any of these elements are great tricks for a small chest, but together they are a triple threat. The V-neck elongates and draws attention to the bust line. Ruffles along the decolletage give the bust a boost. The wrap style lifts and separates.

Cowl Neck

A cowl neck top never fails to add extra oomph.

The Right Bra

I’m going to assume you already know about padded bras, push up bras and cutlets. They are all heroes when you want to create some seriously sexy cleavage. Let’s face it, sometimes it IS about looking sexy. Other times, it’s about dressing to create shape.

Whether you have large coconuts or small, don’t under-breastimate the power of a correctly fitting bra. An ill-fitting bra does not do you or your clothing justice. I recommend you go every 2-3 years to be professionally measured. Even five pounds gained or lost can make a difference in cup size.

Miscellaneous Tricks

• horizontal stripes
• empire waists with details
• turtlenecks
• understated bottoms

Making the Best of What You’ve Got

Most of us have at least one hang-up with our body. If it’s not your knockers, it’s something else. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own body-loving-journey, it’s that dressing your body well will catapult you to a place of acceptance and joy.

Now booking spring and summer closet makeovers. Make your appointment today!

*Photos above taken by the lovely Stefania Savluc. All items from The Bay.

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