10 Ways to Dress a Grownup Silhouette

5. Fake a waist. Suppose you have big breasts, a tummy bulge and your real waistline is completely MIA. No problem. Just choose dresses with a raised, not-quite empire style that sits somewhere below the bust to a few inches above the waist, or belt any dress above the real waist at that same point. It's a sneaky way of faking a waist and letting your breasts benefit from the narrow part of your rib cage. When wearing a relaxed blouse or tee, or generously cut shirt with pants or jeans, do a French tuck (tuck in the front only to restore that waist definition and avoid a tentlike look, but maintain a fashionably undone look at sides and rear).

Christie Brinkley (left), Salma Hayek (center) and Loni Love

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6. Wear wrap dresses and tops to get an hourglass shape. This style has amazing manipulative bosom-contouring powers. The crossover shape of a wrap is basically an X that creates a waist or whittles an existing one while holding and supporting your breasts in a flattering dual sling. Just be sure the wrap has enough fabric to cover your breasts and bra without providing a cleavage show so you can move about freely. Faux wrap styles work, too, though you will have less control over shaping.

Meryl Streep (left) and Helen Mirren

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7. Count on a fit-and-flare dress to balance your proportions. This dress combines the benefits of a fitted top (which firms and flatters your bust) with a skirt that flares to a wide A-line shape. The combination evens out body proportions so you don't look top-heavy by shifting extra volume below the waist to the skirt. Midi hemlines with their extra fullness give this style even more power. Pair your fit-and-flare with a heel (even a low one), since that further elongates your legs for an additional body boost. And yes, all of the above add up to complement your bust. Trust me on this one.

8. Wear a tailored jacket. Structured blazers give soft bodies and full breasts a sculpted, firm look. It's one of the reasons for the current surge in pantsuits. The straight lines and sharp V of the jacket firm up excess curves immediately. Just be sure to choose a style that's nipped at the waist and buttons right below the bust to avoid a boxy look. Even worn open, a blazer still works to frame your bust and camouflage any extra fullness at the sides of your bosom. If you do unbutton that jacket, remember to keep the waist of the pants defined with a tucked in top or a slim belt for breast flattery.

Rita Wilson (left), Christie Brinkley (center) and Sarah Jessica Parker

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9. Choose necklines wisely. We're seeing more celebs on the red carpet with extra revealing cleavage, but it's not the best idea for real life. The inverted triangle of a V neckline never fails to flatter grownup chests. It's subtly sexy, visually adds inches to your neck and torso, and prevents a big chest from looking too solid and shelflike. Unbutton blouses and shirts to a V (and yank the sides open a bit) for the same effect. However, if you're a trendy dresser try the fashionable square neckline. The broad angular shape reveals more upper chest, which frames a substantial bosom for a more balanced look. For those who still like high necklines — say a crew or a turtleneck — just make sure it's fitted to keep your chest looking robust, lifted and shapely.

Patricia Arquette (left), Sarah Jessica Parker (center) and Elizabeth Hurley

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10. Use full sleeves to flatter, divert and distract. Sleeves that puff, flare, balloon or flutter are doing more than looking stylish. They're a handy voluminous optical illusion that has the power to grab attention away from your bust. The bigger the sleeves, the more attention they get. For a more practical everyday approach, switch to raglan and drop-shoulder style tees and sweaters that provide ease through the chest without looking baggy or oversized. And do yourself a favor: If you're busty, trade classic T-shirts with short sleeves that end level with your bust for three-quarter sleeve styles. It's a small change and a bit of an optical illusion, but it makes all the difference.