Summer Fashion For The Well-Endowed (Over 40)

Summer time can be one of the more challenging seasons to dress for in general, since we are all showing more skin and probably wearing lighter colors to deflect the sun’s rays. However, summer temps might be the most challenging if you are on the bustier side, especially after 40 when you might not want to rock the decolletage as often, or ever. And of course, who wants to strap on a minimizing bra when it is ninety degrees Fahrenheit outside? Here are some summer fashion tips for the well-endowed.

Summer Fashion For The Well-Endowed Woman

Accordingly, here are some of our favorite ways to de-emphasize a serious bustline during the hotter months of the year or in sweltering climates (if you think serious endowments are for universities and charities, not your everyday silhouette). 

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Start With Dark On Top, Light On Bottom

It’s a simple trick of light – darker colors recede, paler ones come forward. Hence wearing a dark top and lighter bottoms if you are busty. A black or navy tee or tank and crisp white leg pants are a summer classic for a reason, and perfect for almost any casual occasion. For instance, imagine how simple and elegant this top from Aqua by Bloomingdale’s would look in black or navy paired with white or ivory.  

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Barer On The Bottom To Minimize Bustline

Using the same principle as above—showing off your legs with shorts, a shorter skirt, or something very fitted paired with a black or darker-hued top can draw the glance away from your bust line. Try a long sleeve flowy button-up shirt like this Calvin Klein one from Macy’s that drapes nicely over the bust worn with shorts, or a rash guard such as this on from Isnowood on Amazon with high cut bikini bottoms for swimming.

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Tunic Tops

A flowy tunic top is a summer classic because it’s breezy, can be tropical or otherwise evoke a vacation to an amazing destination, and can be dressed up or down easily, like this J.Crew tunic that comes in traditional white and black, but we also like the fiery bold orange. 

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Neckline Details

It may seem counter-intuitive, but square, sweetheart, or boat necks – or even off the shoulder if you are comfortable with that shape – can bring the glance to the shoulders and neckline instead of the bust, like this lusciously tropical Tessa chiffon blouse from Anthropologie. A scarf or necklace, or even statement earrings can further add to the effect. 

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Sleeve Details

An interesting sleeve treatment such as a ruffle, sheer or crocheted panels, a fun silhouette or similar distraction can all work to trick the eye as well. For instance, this airy open-work sweater from White House Black Market fits the bill perfectly, and it would be excellent with white pants or a slim white skirt all summer. 

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Go For A Long Skinny Necklace Or Scarf

Draw the eye up and down, and not across. And you probably already have a couple of each of these types of pieces in your closet – but if you don’t, this simple tassel necklace from Lureme via Amazon is a cheap and cheerful addition to your accessory collection.

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Go Asymmetric

As you might have gathered, it’s all about how you make the eye move around the figure instead of settling on the upper front. A one-shoulder look or a dress or top with seaming or patterns that zigzag about is perfect. For example, this soft robin’s egg blue Trina Turk dress would be ideal for summer weddings and other events this year – just add some dramatic earrings and a great clutch. 

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Matching Sets

We’re not talking about the little crop tops and skirts that Taylor Swift and her fans used to wear, but rather the slightly pajamas-esque button downs and shorts in matching print fabrics. An oversized top and wide leg shorts or pants paired with heeled sandals or wedges can definitely distract from an oversized bust, and the look is right on trend and super comfortable. Try it out for a price that’s definitely right with this plaid shorts set from Amazon.

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Wear A Sheer And Draped Third Piece

A kimono, big shawl, light jacket, or similar item that adds almost no weight but plenty of visual interest can be a good option to cover things up a little while still remaining chic and cool. Something like this Dokotoo kimono top from Amazon would be ideal and comes in so many colors and patterns there is bound to be something that would work in your wardrobe.  

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Use Smocking Wisely

A bit of smocking down the back of a dress or top can accommodate a larger bust well but still give a fitted look without extensive tailoring, like with this Zohara Maxi dress in classic black available at Anthropologie

French Tuck Your Tops

Or any other creative tucking will work with tops you already have in order to bring the eye to a different spot on the body. Try these tips from one of our favorite fashion experts, Tan France from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and his Masterclass.

For the well-endowed among us, how do you dress to keep “the girls” under wraps (if that’s your thing) in the summer? Do you think there is an age when cleavage is no longer appropriate, or do you say flaunt ‘em if you got ‘em? Let us know in the comments below or on our Growing Younger Facebook page! 

Shop Summer Fashion For the Well-Endowed

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may like to read more of Jacqueline’s styling tips like Dreaming of Summer 2021: What to Pack for A Beach Vacation and Essential Spring Rainwear That Will Brighten Your Days.

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