Flat Friends Flatter Fashion Blog – Summer 2020

June 6, 2020
5:50 pm

With the COVID-19 Lockdown ongoing the ability to find the clothes you need online and in supermarkets is useful!

Top Flatter Fashion tips for shopping online

1. Take you measurements and check the size charts. Make a list of what size is usually your best fit for retailers you have bought from before.

2. Read the customer reviews. Look for comments about sizing, fit and fabric to get an idea of whether you may need a smaller or bigger size.

3. Know which fabrics you like to wear. It’s very difficult to tell what an item will feel like, and how it will hang by looking at a photo. So check the labels of your clothes to think about how different fabric contents fall on you. Also, it doesn’t always matter if an item has bust darts if it’s made from a light fabric. So don’t be put off by the structure of an item if it’s in a fabric you think may hang well on you.

4. Read the returns policies. Not everything g will be what you had in mind – that side of clothes shopping is the same as when you had two breasts!

Lastly, I have put together some fashion terms used to describe some of my favourite styles which can narrow your online searches:

Wrap front, Twist front, Tie front, Knot front, Waterfall, Frill, Ruffle, Pussybow, Kimono, Bardot, Bubblehem, Gathered, and Layered.

Summer Shopping

Samantra bought this gorgeous Pin-up style bikini with foam padded cups from Sainsbury’s. It has rubber strips to stop it from riding up, even when worn strapless.

Niki bought this ruffle front tanking top from Sports Direct. Perfect for beach to bar (or garden to family BBQ!). It has an integral bust shelf which Niki cut out.

I’ve bought a couple of bandeau bikinis from eBay in the past few weeks. Both brand new with tags. The first one is a striped twist front bikini by Primark. The second is a floral bikini with adjustable bow at the front to creating the ‘cups’.

My other new favourite item is a Sloggi Zerofeel Bralette. They are a seamless crop top style with removable foam pads. A super comfy way to add a subtle curve. Thanks to one of my flat friends who recommended them to me.

Tanya has bought ‘the comfiest ever dungarees’ from White Stuff – cropped, linen, straight but baggy trousers, they have a zip up the back which is square like the front. Adding, ‘I think they could be worn without a top underneath too if a really hot day.’

White Stuff

Amanda recommends empire line midi dresses from Dorothy Perkins this season. Amanda says, ‘Dorothy Perkins has a few of these, which hang really nicely with a slight gather above the line which minimises the flatness.’ No photo of these being modelled.

Another good pointer is from Joan who says, ‘I have tried so many bras in the last 18 months, but recently found this one from M&S. The top has a slightly higher mesh edge which helps keep my falsie in place, I am a 34F. It’s very supportive and helps hide my ‘cleavage’ – if it shows it just looks like a bit of cami showing.’ These bras are from Marks and Spencer’s DD+ range

Gill, who is flat on her left side, is sharing this gorgeous outfit she found in Matalan. Gill says, ‘I bought it when I was convincing myself I couldn’t possibly have cancer and was going to have a great summer. Anyway, I am sharing as I know a few ladies like me can struggle with outfits when lopsided. It is lovely and cool as its linen and just flows; it can be dressed up or down. Best of all it doesn’t need much ironing! So there is me all dressed up for chemo!’

I have been tempted by the La Redoute sale. This brown floral top with ruffle adds decoration:

This top with ruffle straps and front, also has keyhole and tie feature – all of which add decoration, shape, and movement. (I liked it so much I bought it in more than one colour!):

Camisole tops are great for day to night outfits. These have a flat embroidered neckline which flares out in light, floaty cotton:

last from La Redoute is this bubble top – Gathered elasticated neckline and waistline mean this cheesecloth cotton top creates a structured shape with lots of volume!

My style icon Samantha (above in the polka dot bikini!) introduced me to Everything 5 Pounds this week. For anyone like me who is none the wiser, it’s like ASOS meets TK Maxx meets Original Factory Shop. What arrived in my order was a mix of high street (with the labels cut out) and brands I had never heard of. And as it states, everything is £5 or less. Here’s the pick from my first order.

A floral dress with ruffle peplum waistband, and contrasting ribbon detailing creating the illusion of shape.