It's dress season, and our legs couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, actually shopping for your dream summer frock comes with a few obstacles. For ladies who are fuller on top, it seems that every genre of warm-weather wear come with its own boob-centric concerns: There's the unique challenge of finding a swim top that fits. Then, there's the sundress conundrum, also known as the hunt for a breathable, flowy number that won't completely eliminate your curves while offering support up top.
At first glance, the terrain may look like it's limited to shift dresses and oversized smocks, but all hope for your dream outfit isn't lost. There are plenty of other breezy silhouettes that are just as playful as they are flattering — for every figure. Ahead, we break down the best styles for busty ladies, with a sweet selection of seasonally appropriate options that are just right.
Fit-and-Flare
The nip at the waist of the fit-and-flare silhouette helps define the figure (whereas a shapeless dress would just drape over it).
Christy Dawn The Piper Dress, $188, available at Christy Dawn.
The striped pattern sneakily outlines your natural curves.
Asos Off Shoulder Midi Sundress, $52, available at Asos.
A little pattern play for every summer escapade on the calendar.
Reformation Betty Dress, $218 $65, available at Reformation.
V-Neck
A slight dip in the neckline can actually have a minimizing effect on your bust — not to mention, it opens up the décolletage area to a little more ventilation.
Frame Striped Silk Midi Dress, $465, available at Selfridges & Co.
Tricky silhouettes are all about getting a boost by other means: The side bowties break up the baggy style for a feminine touch.
Cos V-Neck Dress With Tie Belts, $115, available at Cos.
Consider this aqua, calf-length dress the sartorial embodiment of our #summergoals.
Maje Radeau Jacquard Maxi Dress, $480, available at Net-a-Porter.
Flute Skirt
A fluted skirt might not be an obvious silhouette for busty girls. But it could just solve the shift-dress conundrum: The flowy skirt balances out a full figure up top.
Mango Flowy Print Dress, $59.99, available at Mango.
This flute-skirt-tee-shirt dress combo offers both the balance and coverage you're searching for.
Kaelen Bonded Crepe Flounce Dress, $477, available at Kaelen.
Flute skirts are optimal for sun-soaked twirling on a bright summer day.
Zara Gingham Dress, $39.90, available at Zara.
Tie-Waist
The classic shirtdress silhouette gets a contemporary upgrade with a mix of cotton and lace eyelets. The tie-waist on this number is also less conventional: The drawstrings live on either side of the torso, discreetly hiding under elegant ruched detailing.
Old Navy Patterned-Linen Waisted Shift Dress, $34.94 $15, available at Old Navy.
Dress it up for the office, then pair with sneakers on a lazy afternoon.
Ganni Clark Dress, $170, available at Ganni.
A white linen frock is ideal for any and all summer days.
Caron Callahan Goa Dress, $442, available at Steven Alan.
Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses create a measured V neckline while strategically cinching at the waist — two good features to look out for when shopping for a summer dress for a busty figure.
Pixie Market Nina Blue Wrap Shirt Dress, $88, available at Pixie Market.
An unexpected, structured take on a normally very feminine silhouette.
Tome Red Satin Stripe Sleeveless Trench Coat, $1,350 $540, available at Avenue 32.
Neckline? Check. Tie-waist? Check. Breezy wrap closure? Check, check, and...add to cart.
Topshop Two-Tone Belted Wrap Dress, $100, available at Topshop.
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