I'm a fashion director. Here's the one M&S item I cannot live without and my ultimate underwear tricks and tips to flatter, suck in and shape any figure
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Working in fashion for over a decade has given me a strong sense of personal style. I know what I like, and my desired aesthetic when I dress. And I also – unusually for the fashion world – have massive boobs. It runs in the family: both my grandma and my mum (a 36GG) have a generous bosom.
My mum is incredibly glamorous. She’s busty and proud, and wears form-fitting, V-neck pieces. Covering up makes her feel frumpy and bigger than she is. But when I was growing up, I noticed that people commented on her chest constantly. Positive or negative, it always came into conversation.
Now this happens to me, too. I’m shocked at how many people feel the need to discuss my breasts, the main culprits often being women. One of my favourite evening outfits is a chic tuxedo jacket buttoned up with nothing underneath. But there are always comments: ‘You’ve got them out’, ‘Wow, that’s busty’ and even, ‘Hello Sophie’s breasts’.
I was once styling a photoshoot and wore a vest top underneath a big jumper. The set got very hot, so I took the jumper off, thinking nothing of it. But when I was chatting to the team and said, ‘Oh, I’m so excited for this photoshoot!’ someone responded, laughing, ‘Is that why you’ve got your tits out?’
I laughed along but was quite taken aback. I felt embarrassed. Did I look inappropriate? Trashy? Then I thought – hang on, I don’t. I just have big boobs. If someone with a less ample bosom was to wear this vest top they wouldn’t expect any judgment.
It has been tricky to get to grips with my shape. I love chic, oversized clothing that hangs in a cool, effortless way (think the Carolyn Bessette-inspired looks currently all over Instagram). But it’s hard to achieve with big boobs and curves. And designers often forget they are dressing women’s bodies, which come in all different shapes and sizes. So many tops and dresses are designed with small in-built cups – you try squeezing 34DDs into those while maintaining your dignity.
Sophie has a 34DD bust, which can make dressing trickier as many tops and dresses have small built in cups
On photoshoots, Sophie says she constantly witness celebrities apologising for their large busts
As my job involves dressing a broad spectrum of bodies, I’ve learnt a lot about accepting my own. Working with celebrities and styling ‘real women’, I constantly see formidable females apologising for their large bust. I feel their pain, but also grow frustrated that they’ve been made to feel like this.
I’ve made peace with the fact my shape is different – but so is my style. I refuse to wear high-neck tops just to make other people feel comfortable.
I hate to sound clichéd, but if you’re confident in what you wear, you will look fabulous. So it’s time for a breast revolution. Let’s be busty and proud! (And yes, you can wear a tuxedo jacket – just size up and wear a low-cut body underneath.)
First, start with the foundations
Fantastic underwear, a secret style weapon, is the key to feeling good... a great strapless bra can change your life, says Sophie
Because the right underwear is your secret style weapon
Get a star bra… and bodysuit. A great strapless bra can change your life! Who knew? It isn’t just strapless clothing that these are great for. I get so sick of interesting necklines being broken up with a thick bra strap. However, finding a strapless bra that supports you but doesn’t cut you in half or fall down to your waist is another issue. I have also discovered the art of a bodysuit or slip. I hate putting on a T-shirt and having straps cutting in, the bottom of my bra digging in, my boobs pushing seams through – but a bodysuit smooths everything over and makes me feel more confident. Comfort is key – no one wants to feel like a sausage in a skin! Here are the best of the best, tested by me…
The comfiest bra I own; this provides a truly surprising amount of support. Great for comfort, but not for backless or dipping necklines.
I have this in every colour – it is so useful under pretty much everything and gives you a fabulous shape, without making you feel like a sausage in a skin.
I loved this so much I wrote an entire feature on it. This bra makes nearly any neckline top accessible for a larger bust. I got sick of poor strapless bras sitting round my middle and robbing me of a waist in halter neck or one shoulder tops: this is the solution.
This is the only strapless bra that has worked for me. It holds them up firmly and doesn’t cut you in half throughout the day.
You don't have to wear restrictive shapewear; a form fitting bodysuit under a jumper and or T-shirt smooths you out and gives a cleaner silhouette, rather than one broken up by bra straps digging in.
I recently was bridesmaid for one of my best friends (pictured above) and the dress had a cross halter neck and was a skimming silk slip dress. I wanted to support my big bosom without giving myself visible lines with my knickers and bra. I bought this body suit and it was absolutely fantastic, no lines and completely bearable to wear for 10 hours whilst eating and drinking.
These are AMAZING! I strongly advise using baby oil to remove them as I have ripped them clean off after one too many wines and it is slightly painful. As someone who loves a dance no matter the temperature these have stayed on for whole weddings. Life-saving for backless and halter dresses.
Wrap up, don’t bulk up
Sophie says to opt for fine knits over boxy jumpers as they move with your curves and hang better
I have found knitwear quite hard to navigate. But I’ve learnt that fluid fabrics and soft knits are much more flattering than stiff, boxy jumpers. They move with your curves and hang better. V-necks need to be a deep V. A high or small V makes a big bust look a lot larger – it took many a deeply upsetting photo for me to realise that one.
I also recommend zip-collared jumpers, as you can amend the depth at your discretion. Fine knits are great, as they skim your body and don’t add bulk. A tie-waist is also a really flattering addition to any wardrobe but avoid a thick knit cardigan at all cost!
A quarter zip jumper opened a runway show for Chanel and this knit is the best dupe out there. I would size up and play with the zip height to highlight your most flattering point.
This is my favourite cashmere jumper. It is so soft and fluid and moves with my body rather sticking out from my chest and adding bulk I really don’t want.
If you want to wear a thicker round neck jumper opt for a thick cuff on the neckline and a cropped length. This jumper is fab as it naturally hangs above my hips so a fluid bottom half balances it out.
A sleeveless roll neck takes the frump out of this scary shape. It looks elegant and this item is the softest thing you will ever wear!
A fine knit round neck fitted jumper is such a useful piece. It follows the line of your body so adds warmth without adding any bulk and is an instantly chic outfit on its own or over a classic white tee.
Layered over a silk cami or with a hint of a lace bra for date night, this knit is so beautiful and highlights your figure beautifully.
A shoulder pad is amazing for balancing out your shape. This cardigan has been an absolute staple for me, as the padding means the knitwear hangs more naturally over my bosom.
Mean business at work
Sophie says she loves wide-leg trousers paired with a more fitted top as it suits her shape and balances a top-heavy frame
There are so many ‘rules’ that have been drummed into us about dressing big boobs – for example, don’t wear details up top as that will highlight your big bust. But I’m not trying to pretend it isn’t there! I love detail on a shirt – I just like to size up as I think frills, ties and bows sit better when they aren’t pulled against the body. I love wide-leg trousers paired with a more fitted top as it suits my shape and balances a top-heavy frame. Oversized blazers are chic and comfortable, and a tie-waist jacket is flattering, too. A square neckline has been a wonderful addition to my wardrobe. It feels more appropriate than a V in the workplace and is an elegant shape.
A square neck is your boobs’ best friend. Wear this under a fabulous blazer and you have an immediately chic office look.
This shirt moves and hangs beautifully. It isn’t stiff meaning it doesn’t create shape where you don’t want it (the red and white is fabulous).
Me + Em pieces are a serious investment but their trousers are second to none. High waisted with flowing legs, they are immensely flattering and balance out a top half to perfection.
This tie shirt cinches you under the bust which is great, it also looks fabulous over a classic white tee if you want to completely cover up.
When Bermuda shorts came back I panicked. However, having tried and tested them they are very chic and elongating. My favourite pairs are made from smart suede or leather; expect to see them everywhere this summer from M&S to Jigsaw to Whistles.
This jacket is cropped, a great material and the necktie perfectly balances you – I felt fabulous in it!
A men’s blazer is more flattering, with a properly structured shoulder and crisp material the lines aren’t affected by a larger bosom.
A belted longline jacket over flared trousers is so flattering and strong. This is my reliable go-to power shape.
Splash out on swimwear
Sophie says 'this swimsuit is so good I've bought it in two colours' as it feels glamorous and flattering
When buying swimwear it used to feel like it was either too skimpy or super frumpy. I’ve learnt that it is something worth investing in. Great underwiring will keep those puppies above your navel, while quality thick-lined material will offer support and last summer after summer.
With one-pieces you need something that fits the body and accentuates your waist. You need the material to go in under your breast and run down the line of your body. Too many go from the top of your chest to your tummy completely stealing the shape of your waist.
With bikinis don’t try to cover up your wonderful breasts. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident, then wear whatever you feel great in. And when buying cupped swimwear, remember to look for cup sizes as clothing sizes may not reflect your bust needs.
I have this suit in two colour ways, when you first try it on the higher cut leg is a surprise, but honestly it is so flattering and glamorous whilst looking expensive. I love the new leopard print.
A tie waist bikini is my FAVOURITE! No risk of it digging in as you tie it to fit you.
This is such a chic suit that will always look fabulous season after season.
Don’t underestimate a plain black bikini. It is sexy, timeless and with a simple gold hoop earring and a plain black pair of sunglasses you will look chic and fabulous!
Polka dots are the print of the season, and this playful colourway is perfect.
Own the occasion
When shopping for events, Sophie finds it hard to find dresses that fit her bust, waist and hips beautifully
Special occasions can be daunting: you want to look fabulous but big boobs can make an outfit feel revealing. I’m going to be a bridesmaid this summer and my first thought when I tried on the dress was, ‘I won’t be able to look my friend’s dad in the eye!’ But why should I feel bad just for having more bust? So I retried it with a new attitude and now I love it.
When shopping for events, I find it hard to find dresses that fit my bust, waist and hips beautifully, so I’m a big fan of separates, which allow you to play with shapes. And sizing up jackets avoids them being pulled apart by my boobs. A nipped-in waist will also stop your bust from dictating your shape.
I challenge you to find a more flattering dress than this. The ties at the back, the double lined jersey and the ruching are all designed to completely work with your shape.
Not only is a trouser a modern take on occasion wear, but a two-piece allows you to move hem and waist lines to your point of preference more than a dress does.
This is a fab shape for balancing out a bigger bosom thanks to the buckled waist and puff sleeve.
Really lean into your fabulous shape with this all out glamorous, feminine number.
This dress has ruching in all the right places and sleeves for those who are arm conscious.
Show off your shape without showing off your cleavage in this highly flattering higher neck dress.
Put the focus on your back with this fabulous dress, but make sure you invest in the aforementioned nude stick on bra.
