Dress Light

Chest Control

Jacqueline, graphic designer and translator, 32

Before: C cup and up? Forget spaghetti straps and plunging décolletage—they're not cut out for heavy lifting, and you have nowhere to hide the serious lingerie your body needs.

After: Here's a sinuous number, at right (ECI, $178) with wide straps and a not-too-deep neckline that can accommodate a proper bra—invisibly. Slightly stretchy jersey fabric helps hold things in; a beaded panel on the floaty skirt draws the focus downward, to slim calves. "I'm big breasted but have small hips and skinny legs," Jacqueline says. "This dress helps me look more balanced between top and bottom." Earrings, Ten Thousand Things. Shoes, Jean-Michel Cazabat.