For those of us blessed with ample assets, we know that this blessing also comes with a curse. Choosing a dress for more formal events can be a real pain if you have a larger bust because you want a dress that gives you appropriate support, but still looks cute.

Many cocktail dresses don’t offer enough support or give enough coverage for you to wear a bra that makes the most of your figure. Having a larger bust doesn’t mean you have to cover up or look frumpy. There are plenty of options for cocktail dresses that cover (or reveal!) as much as you want and still look chic and modern.

We’ll share a few of the best styles for women with larger busts and help you look your best at your next event. We’ve been loving Sherri Hill’s looks recently for all our cocktail dress needs. Their variety of styles will provide some good options for your body type and taste.

Choosing the Right Neckline

Obviously, the neckline of your dress is one of the most important elements when discussing bust. You may think that wearing a high-necked dress will be the best option, especially if you don’t want to show off your assets too much. However, visually, this can make your chest look broader, you may want to consider some other options.

V-Neck Dresses

A v-neck can be as demure or as daring as you like, but it helps create a more dynamic visual shape. By opening up around your neck and narrowing towards your bust, you visually minimize your chest without adding bulk to any other area.

Crossover Front

This style of dress bodice is visually similar to a v-neck. It crosses another piece of fabric over the front of your bust to create an asymmetrical look and add interest without emphasizing your chest more.

Sweetheart Neckline

The soft curved shape of a sweetheart neckline compliments your curves. A sweetheart neck opens up your collarbone area so you can show a little skin without showing too much cleavage.

Off-the-Shoulder Neckline

While an off-the-shoulder look does require you to find alternative means of support so your look isn’t interrupted by bra straps, it can be worth the hassle. An off-the-shoulder look creates a strong visual line across your shoulders, making that the focus of your upper body. It’s also subtly sexy.

Boat Neck Dress

If you prefer a high-necked dress option, try a bateau, or boat neck option. Scoop necks can cut in close to the base of your neck, but a boat neck is much wider. It still comes up high but spreads out to the edge of the shoulders. This is more flattering than a high and narrow neckline which can make your bust look broader.

Flattering Dress Features

While choosing the right neckline is essential, other elements must be considered. Choosing the right dress overall can be the difference between looking and feeling just okay or absolutely gorgeous.

Fit and Flare Shapes

By choosing a dress that has a wider hem, you’re creating visual balance. If you have a large chest and narrower hips, for example, you may look unbalanced. Wearing a skirt that flares out parallels the width of your chest at the bottom of the dress.

Internal Support

If you choose a dress with a neckline that doesn’t allow you to wear your usual bra, you might want to get some extra support from your dress. Instead of depending on a strapless bra that might slip down all evening, you could choose a dress with a corset boning structure inside. You may choose to pair that with a strapless bra for extra peace of mind.

Body Hugging Dresses

If you have a relatively balanced, hourglass-like figure, you may want to choose a dress that hugs your curves and shows off your shape. Choose a bodycon dress with ruching or asymmetrical details to best flatter your larger bust.

Skirt Details

Another method of visually balancing your figure is to add more visual interest to your lower half. Choose a dress with a daring slit, a tiered skirt, or even some ruffles to make the skirt the star, rather than your bust.

Look Your Best at Any Cup Size

It’s hard to find the right cocktail dress for an occasion, but it shouldn’t become ten times harder just because you wear a bigger bra size. We’re confident that you can find a dress that makes you feel good if you try some of the styles suggested above.

If you can start shopping a few weeks before your next event you can try on a few different styles and see what works best for you. Just remember that your body is not a problem to be solved, but something unique to be embraced and appreciated. If a dress doesn’t make you feel fabulous, the dress is the problem, not you.