Being a lady in modern society is tough. We are constantly bombarded with images and messages from all portals of the media, and they’re all telling us the way we look isn’t good enough. We are expected to maintain impossible, completely unrealistic standards of beauty (Photoshop, anyone?), and the media has limited itself to displaying only one body type. It’s a little insane, considering there are countless body shapes and sizes.

This article isn’t about that. Instead, we’re going to cover some common ground that all womanly body types can relate to: boobs. Whether they are big, small, perky, unevenly sized, surgically enhanced or anywhere in between, in my opinion, there is no reason not to love them and make them look their best.

Here are a few simple ways to make sure you’re putting your breast foot forward:

Know (and wear) your real bra size

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Photo courtesy of yourbeauty411.com

According to statistics, 75-80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. The most common bra-size crime is wearing a bra with a band that is too big and the cup size is too small. I used to be one of those women, and let me tell you from first hand experience: Wearing the correct bra size has changed my life. The world is a much perkier, more comfortable place since I switched.

The best thing to do is go into a lingerie store, such as Victoria’s Secret, and let the experts do the measuring. However, you can also measure yourself at home and compare your measurements to your bra and the measurements the experts get. You may be shocked at the difference between the bra you’ve been wearing for years and your actual bra size. (I wore a 32B for years and it turns out I’m actually a 34D!)

You can use this step-by-step guide from Bare Necessities to get your measurements at home. Remember: The most important part is to stand normally and keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.

Find you most flattering neckline

The neckline is something that is discussed time and again by style experts, because having a flattering one is essential to having a good outfit, and the wrong neckline can ruin an otherwise cute look. There are several factors that go into finding the right neckline for you: face shape, neck length, bust and body size. Here a few tips to help you figure out what is right for you:

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Photo courtesy of frenchconnection.com

 

The V Neckline: This is also known as the universally flattering neckline, because it looks great on virtually all body types. The V neckline elongates the body, creating a taller silhouette, and draws the eye upward toward that beautiful face. This neckline also comes in many lengths, allowing it to work across many body types. If you’re petite and/or small-busted, this neckline can plunge as deep as you’re comfortable with, and won’t reveal a ton of cleavage. For those with a large bust, however, watch the cut of the V, as a high neckline in this shape can make your breasts look saggy.

Pair this neckline with a necklace of contrasting shape, and make sure it sits either right above the V or far below.

 

 

 

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Photo courtesy of frenchconnection.com

The Square Neckline: While this neckline is also flattering for most body types, it is most suitable for women with larger busts. This neckline is sexy, as it accentuates the décolleté and collarbone regions, and especially allows women with large busts to show off this region without revealing too much cleavage.

Necklaces with a round shape, or even a round pendant, will be most flattering to this neckline and balance out the square-shape.

 

The Scoop Neckline: This neckline also displays the collarbone and can be incredibly versatile. A tip when it comes to the scoop neckline: the bigger your breasts, the smaller you want the scoop. Pairing this neckline with a necklace that mimics the scoop is your best best. Necklaces with multiple strands or a large pendant to fill the space will draw the eye more towards the center.