Can you go for a strapless dress if you're big up top?

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Flashing tanned shoulders and pretty decolletage is a red carpet staple
But it's not always the easiest look to pull off for those with larger chests
Claire Cisotti and her 34G curves have put six strapless dresses to the test

Published: 16:14 EST, 22 April 2015 | Updated: 19:50 EST, 22 April 2015

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Showcasing a pair of toned arms and a pretty decolletage, the strapless dress is a red carpet staple for fine-boned actresses such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.

But can a woman with 34G curves like mine ever look fab in a strapless dress?

SECRET SUPPORT

Lace pencil dress, £169, Monsoon.co.uk

Blue caged heels, £39.99, Zara.com

I would never have believed that a strapless dress might make me look smaller than I am. This one manages the impossible.

The narrow skirt clings to my hips and legs, making me look taller and slimmer, and the bustline is quite high, hiding the cleavage which gives a nice demure look.

What I really like is the scalloped edge of the dress against the bust and at the hem, which softens the silhouette.

But while looking summery, the lace fabric actually gives quite a lot of secret support, boosted by the Chantelle strapless bra I wear underneath all the dresses. Great for summer weddings. 4/5

ONE FOR TEENS

Prom-style dress, £58.99, Chichiclothing.com

Gold sandals, £34,99, newlook.com

This might look lovely on a teenage girl, but on me — eek! At 48 I’m at least 30 years too old to carry it off.

The material is flimsy and there’s almost no structure, so my bust looks horribly saggy. And the full skirt makes me look as large around the bottom as I am on top — not a good look.

Forget dream prom dress — this is a nightmare. 1/5

FLATTERING AND COMFY

Floral maxi dress, £72, Asos.com

The large, floral pattern that adorns this floaty maxi dress is the key to its flattering effect.

It distracts the eye which instantly slims you. This is a relaxed, 1970s style, so anything too fitted would look out of place. The best thing is how comfortable it feels. You could wear it anywhere — to the beach, to a garden party, or to an evening do. A winner, and at a great price, too. 5/5

SHORT... BUT NOT SWEET

Mini dress, £45, Riverisland.com; Strap-heeled sandals, £39.99, Zara.com

This clings well and gives me a neat waistline. The bandeau-style top is supportive of my bust while slimming it down.

But below the waist it’s a different story. Quite frankly, the skirt is far too short.

I’ve always believed you have to choose between showing off your boobs or your legs: doing both veers far too close to tarty for my liking. I’d have given this dress full marks if it had been ten inches longer. 2/5

OSCAR WORTHY

Double layer maxi dress, £110, Jarlolondon.co.uk

This clever design has a double layer: the lining clings tightly, but the top layer skims over the chest for a classier silhouette.

The overall look is statuesque and Grecian. The vibrant orange shade makes it the perfect choice for a summer party — it would look fab with a tan. In it, I feel like Cameron Diaz going up for an Oscar. I’m ready for my close-up. 5/5

I LOOK SO SLIM

Sweetheart neckline dress, £150, Coast-stores.com; Heels. £485, biondacastana.com

This sophisticated little summery frock has a sweetheart neckline, which curves down to show a bit of cleavage and then rises up to cover the breasts on either side, striking the perfect balance between flirtiness and discretion.

As well as being flattering, the bodice is structured and well-made, minimising my bust and giving plenty of support where it’s needed — there’s no way I’ll be falling out of this frock.

The clingy pencil skirt has the same miraculous effect, slimming down my bottom and hips, and falling flatteringly below the knee.

I can certainly imagine myself going to a summer wedding in this little green number. 4/5

Sofia Vergara displays ample curves in strapless gown (related)