When I look at dress patterns many of them are really pretty… but I just look at them and wonder how you wear a bra under them.
I know that much fashion these days involves displaying bra straps — I saw a very fashionable woman the other day with a floral strapless dress and a bright blue bra, bright blue shoes and bright blue handbag — but it just isn’t my style.
So is there a secret? Are these dresses meant to be worn without bras at all? If so, which ones are suitable for the fuller figure? I’ve been avoiding halter dresses, for instance, and anything with little spaghetti straps.
Edited 6/26/2004 11:53 am ET by Alison
Replies
I will be watching with interest to see what other large bosomed women do when the weather gets hot. I have the added curse of being fat & short.
Bra straps and a strapless sundress? Isn't that sort of like defeating the purpose of a "strapless" dress? I like the fun combinations that are being put together these days, some are really brilliant. The only time I question is when it seems impractical (those sleeves will get caught in revolving doors!) or seems to somehow miss a point as in this case. Strapless dresses are cool because they are just that, strapless!
Is there a secret? Absolutely. And if the lady was wearing a bra with her sundress then she either doesn't have the secret or is quite taken by the Carrie Bradshaw look. Great dresses that are made to fit have enough structure built in to properly support the individual wearing it. This can be a light corset shaped structure that is the actual base for the dress, it can be more of a bathing suit type cup situation in halter style dresses, it is actually anything that works that makes the wearer feel good and makes the dress look good.
The ready to wear industry makes the unstructured dresses probably first because they are much cheaper to produce and then because they can fit lots of people, enough people are buying them and buying into them, and the supposed style is the light and drapey thing. That's why we sew, so we can have what we want and what fits and works for our unique shapes and tastes.
Alison, I'm with you. I've been busty all my life (since age 12), and I've just accepted that these garments, like tank tops, are just not for me. This summer, I'm making tops like Simplicity 5060 (the more covered-up view)or Butterick 4191...Empire cut with a v-neck or wrap effect. They are lightweight and flattering. I think there are dress patterns with similar cuts. I've used calico, drapey rayons, and embroidered eyelet so far...try one, they feel bare and yet you're covered where it counts!
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