Fashion Advice for Top-Heavy Girls

Dear Melissa,

Do you have any fashion advice for girls with bigger chests?

One Piece Swimsuits You'll Love

Trying to find a modest swimsuit that's stylish and affordable? We know it's not easy, which is why we've done a little hunting to find flattering swimsuits that won't break your bank. You can thank us later. If it's a trendy tankini you're after, check out our top finds.

Totally Cute Tankinis

Hey, girls! Sorry it's been a while. To make it up to you, here are some great tankinis that are cute and affordable. Plus, tankinis give you some tummy coverage that you can't get from a string bikini. (And you know we LOVE that.) Believe me, I know how hard it is to shop for swimsuits. I stopped by Target the other day, and they had the cutest bikinis adorned with anchors, flamingos, and flowers. I found a few one-pieces and tankinis, but the bikini-to-tankini ratio is overwhelming. The worst part? The modest swimsuits didn't have flamingos. Soooo disappointing.

I'll admit, I'm not too crazy about animal print pizazz, but can you really beat a $15 swimsuit? I don't think so. I like the striped one because it has a fun neckline and swimshorts. I LOVE swimshorts. The Lord and Taylor suit may be a little bit pricier, but the color and ruching are just sooo pretty. This swimsuit would be super flattering on anyone with a warm or olive skin tone.

Floral swimsuits are pretty traditional, but I thought this Lord and Taylor one was super cute. This one's neckline is quite low, though, so don't try it on if you're wary of showing that much skin. Macy's nautical two-piece looks a lot like the swimsuit I had last summer (and still hold onto, even with the resewn straps, because I love it oh-so-much). The nautical look is really "in" right now, but don't fall for horizontal stripes if you're super curvy because they'll make you look wider than you are. Now, this Nordstrom swimsuit is absolutely perfect for slimming down your waist (or adding some curves if you're a little boyish).

No matter what swimsuit you decide, give it a dressing room test to see if it makes the cut. Lift your arms over your head. Bend over in front of the mirror. Do you need a little more coverage or support in the chest? Will the top fall off when you dive? (That's never fun, trust me....) Would it be better if you had swim shorts or a skirt instead? Make sure that whatever suit you get, you'll love it all summer long.

Dressing for Your Body Type: Long Torsos

When it comes to looking good, the goal is to play up your assets and play down any areas that you don’t like. With a long torso like yours, your legs are probably shorter in proportion to the rest of your body. The illusion of longer legs will balance your figure.

Girls with your body type don’t look good in capris or crop pants because they cut a straight line across your legs. If you wear shorts, go for styles that fall at your mid-thigh rather than knee-length styles as long as you make sure your shorts aren’t too short.

Since most clothing today is made for girls with perfect silhouettes and long legs, you may have a hard time finding clothes that fit you. Blouses may be too short and pants may be too long and loose at the hips. It’s a good idea to learn how to do basic alterations on your clothing, such as hemming pants. If you aren’t the sewing type, pay someone else to do it for you. Alterations should be made to make your clothes fit you perfectly.

What styles look best on you? To balance your proportions, look for feminine silhouettes like sarong-style skirts, A-line skirts, wrap skirts, and wide-legged pants, as long as they are not baggy. Pants and skirts with high waistlines (which is very chic right now) will make your legs look longer. Long trousers covering the tops of your shoes will also give the illusion of longer legs, especially if you wear heels. As for jackets, find shorter styles that end just below your waist or styles that go past your hips and shy away from jackets that end in the middle of your rear.

As for shirts, leave them un-tucked. Empire lines, with the waistband just below your chest, are a great way to disguise the length of your torso. A-line garments also draw attention away from your waist. Wide necklines and flowing tops will also distract eyes from your waist. A shorter top paired with a long skirt or pants will balance you out. I’ve mentioned layering before as a modest way to flatter your shape, and I’ll say it again. Layering your tops will break up your upper body. Trés chic!
You can experiment with different looks to find exactly what you like. Wide belts look best on girls with your body type. Pants and skirts with interesting waistbands or adornment look great on you because they make your waist look shorter and your legs appear longer. If you like embroidery, try stitching some pretty details on your clothing.
Your jewelry, hair, and makeup can also make a difference. Draw attention up to your face with a chic new haircut, tastefully-applied makeup and pretty jewelry, like a fantastic necklace or pair of earrings. It will be a whole new you!
The most important way to balance yourself? Keep your eyes on the great things about your body, such as your enviable blonde hair or your sparkling blue eyes, and remember that no matter what you wear, you have a gorgeous God-given figure!