How do you enhance your breasts?

The décolletage: your ally in showcasing your breasts

Whether they are small or generous, from the almost androgynous A-cup to the H- or G-cups favoured by the largest breasts, breasts are a key element of the figure. Often seen as symbols of femininity, they can stand out with elegance and style, without being provocative or vulgar.

To emphasise your breasts, the first step is to choose bras that are adapted to their volume, offer adequate support and comfort and are just the right size for you. And our lingerie recommendations apply to both underwear and swimwear: the principle is the same!

Bras, whether underwired or not, shape the bust in different ways. You can opt for a shaping, second-skin, lifting, minimising or push-up model, depending on your preferences, what you're wearing at the time and, above all, your body shape... Strapless models, such as bandeau or scarf styles, are generally reserved for women with small breasts who don't need optimum support.

Every woman has her tricks. Some women dare to go bare-back or have deep necklines, others experiment with sheer fabrics, while others sometimes take the liberty of cheating nature: girdles or corselets, daring padding, etc.

Remember that, unless the particular cut of your top requires an underwired bra, it's better to opt for a model without underwiring... which doesn't mean you can't get good support. Above all, don't have any complexes about your curves and remember that supple lingerie, ideal under flowing clothes, will give you an "easier", and therefore sexier, figure.

For this essential investment, which can be expensive, take a look on the internet and compare the offers of the different brands. Be warned, though: when it comes to lingerie, exchanges can be complicated. So opt for an in-store fitting rather than home delivery, even if you're not keen on undressing in a dressing room. The result is worth the effort!

Which shape to choose?

Necklines are an excellent way of showing off your breasts, whatever their size. Let's start with the V-neck (with its very trendy variant, the buttoned V-neck). This timeless fashion classic is suitable for all women, but is particularly well-suited to generous breasts. It discreetly draws attention, while revealing the neckline and revealing the bustline. In the same spirit, the heart-shaped cut is also suited to generous breasts.

It's hard to get more glamorous than the famous Bardot neckline... also known as the Carmen neckline: bare shoulders and gypsy-style gathers in the centre! It enhances your outfit by revealing your shoulders, the contours of your collarbones and your small or generous breasts.

Then there's the square neckline... The square neckline, preferably pleated over the bust or adjustable with a tie, highlights the bust for a highly original, slightly romantic effect! It will emphasise your bust, especially if you have a slim H or V (inverted triangle) shape.

Dresses to choose

We all know that there have always been two types of woman: those who fully embrace their breasts as they are, and those who are constantly questioning whether their breasts are too small or too big. Either way, it's not easy to decide to wear a dress, let alone choose THE dress that will show off your body... just as it is.

Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the dress that's right for you. Straight or full, long or knee-length?

In the tradition of romantic bohemia, brought up to date by the Anglo-Saxon TV series and films we love, shot in ravishing old-style costumes, the Nap Dress is the sexy trend of the year. It's our favourite! This timeless dress is a fashion (re)discovery. It has lived through all the eras and all the trends because it knew how to dress every woman's body with grace and simplicity: young or old, slim or wrapped up, bucolic or urban.

More or less deep décolleté, more or less fitted waistline.... the Nap Dress unfurls in a customised bustier and supple petticoat, possibly slit on the side if the model is a long version. Both functional and feminine, it's in with the times and can be worn for everyday wear as well as going out.

Similarly, a flowing maxi dress is easy to wear at any time. Wrap dresses, especially those with wrap-around necklines, are the best choice for XS and XL breasts. They're very much on trend, and also help to conceal our small (or large) tummy, thanks to the blurred silhouette. We love this type of model, which comes in all styles! Depending on the accessories you choose, it can go from casual to festive.

Another contemporary fashion hit is the Baby Doll dress. Smocked or buttoned, it's super trendy and easy to wear. You can wear it to work or shopping with trainers. The star version is worn with pumps or wedge heels. Glamorous and classy at the same time, it's perfect for a slim figure, but can also enhance large breasts, while concealing unwanted curves if necessary...

Finally, focus on the O shape, with 4 easy-to-wear dresses to make you feel relaxed and feminine:

• The flowing tunic dress, which you won't hesitate to choose shortened, reduces your curves without constricting you. It can be accessorised with coloured or gold jewellery to brighten up your face, neck and décolleté.
• The straight, slightly flared dress, preferably with pretty details at the back (notch, bow, triangle cut-out...) draws attention to some of your strong points: your round neck, your sensual neck and your velvety skin.
• The 'blouse' dress, preferably with a buttoned neckline and pleated or gathered plastron. In everyday wear, it gives the impression of a well-structured bust, without ostentation or severity.
• The dress with a slightly marked waist. Ideal for wearing with a waistcoat or blazer, it won't constrict you and will complement your shape without showing too much.

Colours that make you stand out

Should you go for black, fashion's eternal darling? Very chic, this 'non-colour' can be worn with everything, all year round, and is very easy to accessorise. It also has a slimming effect on the figure. Be careful, though, because its sobriety quickly makes it look dull, not to mention the fact that it should be reserved for a well-cut, quality model... All the details stand out!

Other plains and colour combinations should be chosen according to your colour scheme. Are you a Spring woman? Or an Autumn woman? Or Summer or Winter? Determine your colour profile to choose and match them for sure!

Patterns to choose

As a general rule, a large bust will be balanced by a long, structured pattern (with diagonal lines wrapped around the bust if possible), while a narrow bust and small bust will be enhanced by a small, dense print (e.g. polka dots, houndstooth or floral motifs).

Our advice on body shape? To enhance your body shape, think of

• vertical stripes and friezes (preferably in faded, discreet colours) to slim and lengthen the silhouette
• horizontal stripes, fairly wide, to highlight the part of the body you feel is too thin or too slim
• diagonals, stretched diamonds or zebra prints to liven up your clothes: for example, a tunic under a dark cardigan or jacket
• curved lines to emphasise or redefine shapes, especially if you want to emphasise your hips.