Wednesday Q&A: The Balancing Act

Every Wednesday I'll answer your style questions. Here's the first installment...
Q from Merle: So, here's my issue. I am big busted and short waisted. Do you have any suggestions to allude to a longer mid section? Sometimes I feel my bust is resting on my waist. HELP! And it doesn't help matters that I am short, too.

A from Joyce: Merle, you are not alone—this is one of the most common questions I come across. The goal is to divide the space between your chest and waist and balance out your proportions.

A good bra is key, though I would take it one step past just "great support" and go for one in the "push up" category (see a good article here).

Overall, structured clothes that fit close to your body (not tight) will draw out your silhouette. On top, scoop necks or a V that isn't too plunging will flatter without over-emphasizing your assets, while bringing the eye up to your face and neck adding inches to your frame. A one-button jacket fitting right below the bustline will also create a longer midsection.

As for your waist, there are a whole crop of mid-rise pants and jeans out for fall, which give a lower waist that's actually wearable. A boot cut or wide legged cut (with heels of course!) will elongate your legs and create more balance.

Finally, I can't emphasize this enough--retrain your posture. All of us, with the exception of perhaps Gwyneth Paltrow, could improve this. And when you're large-chested, slouching is an almost inevitable habit. "Chest out, shoulders back" is flattering on everyone, and will divide your assets up, making both look smaller.

Email your question to me at joyce@bethatmom.com and maybe you'll be next week's recipient of on-the-house That Mom advice!