Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For July, 2004:

Q: I have nice legs but a small bust line and barely any hips. Are there clothes that help women like me look curvier? I work in a conservative profession and do not want to dress flashy, but I would like to have a feminine effect.

A: Consider layering on top -- i.e. a knit tee under a fitted shirt jacket. If the shirt has pockets, even better for creating some extra bulk in the right places! Wrap tops work well on small- busted women, too. The v-neck created by the wrap takes some of the emphasis off the lack of a bust.

Feminine details on tops such as ruffles also will build presence and can give the illusion of curves. I’m also a big fan of padded bras on small-busted women. They fill out tops and jackets nicely.

Remember, fitted does not mean tight. Clothes that fit properly while appropriately accentuating your features are the best choice for work environments. Good luck!