Dear PeaceBang,
I have a large bosom. Now that the weather is cold(er), I am wearing more sweaters and shirts with high collars. The problem is that I look REALLY top heavy. Like an armor-plated medieval knight. How can I fix this? Should I just give up turtlenecks for good?
Dear Sir Bulk-A-Lot,
As a sister Knight in the Order of the Bodacious Chest, PeaceBang totally understands your concern. Too much fabric around the neck and upper body not only can make us look strangely large and out-of-proportion, it can make us look uncomfortable, as though we’re strangling.
I think layering lighter fabrics works well. Try wearing a fitted, lightweight-long sleeved T-shirt (they even make them in “layering weight” now!) a cardigan over that, and a cute scarf around the neck. In other words, instead of wearing one big bulky garment, play with layering lighter layers. That’s why I own a ton of cardigans and little jackets and scarves.
If you break up the neckline (eg, mock turtleneck, V-necked cardigan, loose fringey scarf), you will most certainly avoid the breastplate look you wish to avoid. There’s no reason to shun turtlenecks entirely if they work for you: just don’t pair them with a fitted crewneck sweater. Try something with a deep V-neck and belt it at the waist to draw the eye downward. Secret tip: wearing belts can help keep you warmer, since they stop air from circulating around your mid-section! Es verdad!
Stay warm!
Kiss of peace,
PV
As one who is also top heavy, I struggle with this as well. Peacebang’s advice is sound. I’ve given up crewnecks, t-necks and mocks and now only buy v-neck sweaters – usually in lightweight merino wool or cashmere. I’ve gotten great merino wool sweaters at TJ Maxx that wear great and don’t add any bulk. V-necks are great alone with a scarf or you can layer them over a nice blouse or a tissue weight layering tee.
If your worried about being cold neck look for pretty and interesting scarves on clearance racks silk, wool, cotton stripes, whatever you like. They’ll add a nice accent to your look and allow you to add some fun texture and color to your look without adding bulk to you.
OK as a well endowed minister I have to ask it: are we all sure we have the right bra? Is it getting stretched out, no longer roundin’ em up and movin’ em out? Because if not, I know when that happens to me I look enormous and not in a good way. There is no way that clothes will look right without the right foundation, and my daughter who fits lingerie at Lane Bryant is very firm with me about when it’s time to have a REAL LIVE TRAINED person take care of the bra. Now I look at some of the women in my congregation and wonder how to tell them they need a bra intervention?
I am also rather large bosomed but I love to wear turtlenecks. I only buy them in cashmere, woven cotten or with VERY thin ribbing. Thick ribbing, cable knit, etc. is absolutely a no-no when “the girls” are ample. The comment about having a good bra is right on. A good minimizer bra can also be most helpful.
Another suggestion if you knit or have a friend who knits: wear V-neck sweaters and a lovely hand-knit lace scarf. The possibilities are endless. I’m thinking triangular scarf worn tied at the back of the neck with the point hanging down in front. It looks superb!