Petite Top Heavy

The petite top heavy lady will often feel that she has a big bust even if she hasn't! 

The Inverted Triangle body shape has firm shoulders and sometimes a generous bust but when you have a shorter figure it can sometimes give the appearance of top heavy even if you're not!

You may consider yourself to be a Busty Petite if: 

• You are petite with shoulders wide than your hips

• You are petite with a heavy bust making you look larger at the top 

• Your torso is longer than the length of your legs

Let's look at balance and proportion

The body is considered to be divided in half at the leg break (where your body bends) and if the top half of your body measures roughly the same as your bottom half, then you are perfectly in proportion.

Don't be over critical but if your legs are shorter than your torso then it can make you look busty.   

So let's see how we can influence the eye with both color and shape! 

The aim is to..

• Minimize top half to balance with your slender hips and

• and visually lengthen the legs to balance 

What is advised!!! 

For tops and jackets...

When wearing separates we're looking to balance the figure.

If you need a large cup size, a bra with good construction and fit will lift and separate the breasts. Consequently, the breasts look smaller, far more attractive and your body looks slimmer.

A clear distinction between the bustline and the waist creates an overall better shape - allowing you to look younger and slimmer with the additional benefit of better posture.

So choose the type of bra that is most comfortable for YOU!

• Keep detail to a minimum above the waist 

• Neutral colors are best and ensure that the top fits 

• A petite top heavy lady should avoid boat shaped necks and shoulder detail

• Wrap tops are flattering as they're easy to fit and they emphasize the waist. 

• V necks slim the torso. 

• Keep tops fluid to minimize broad shoulders and large bust
  

• Keep tops shorter to elongate the bottom half i.e. tucked in if not short

• Choose single breasted or buttonless jackets, kimono shape or waterfall

Styles for dresses...

Lengthen bottom half with high waist, longer length, V neck and stripes - selection from Chico's

• A dress or jumpsuit (all in one) will elongate the figure

• Fit and flare dresses will balance slender hips with wider shoulders

• Wide shoulder straps will minimize the shoulders

• A scoop or V neck will bring the eye down and away from shoulder line

• Choose a style to 'raise' the waistline visually - keep a belt or shaping high

• A high waisted tunic style is perfect

• Keep hemline shorter to elongate legs if appropriate

• Never finish a hemline at the widest part of your leg

• Match shoes to hosiery to lengthen the leg, heels if possible

To minimize broad shoulders

• Avoid sleeves that are cut-in, muscle back or halter neck. They will all emphasize broad shoulders.

Hosiery, shoes and boots to lengthen the legs

• Match skirt or trouser leg to hose, shoes or boots

• Wear heels or wedges when comfortable and appropriate