Joan's Mailbag: How a Big Bust Can Look Classy, Not Trashy

The Fashion Police host tackles your pressing style questions!

By Joan Rivers Nov 29, 2010 11:32 PMTags
Joan RiversCharles William Bush

Dear Joan:
I love your show! I'm 5'2" and have always been really thin but very busty. No matter how hard I try to dress fashionably, it ends up looking more Pamela Anderson than I would like. My new boyfriend is throwing a New Year's party where I'll meet his friends and family. I want to wear a sexy, fun party dress for him but also leave a good first impression. How can I avoid a cameo on the Rack Report?
—Lacie

 Dear Busty Babe:

You're so kind, thank you, darling. Think less plastic Pam and more Kim Kardashian, especially since she's developed a sense of style that really seems to suit her curves. A fitted dress with a higher neckline might just be the formula for looking good without giving it all away. Take a look at some of her highlights here...

Dear Joan:
You are my idol. I'm 64, can you please give me advice on how to look younger without making an old fool of myself? I feel young and have been told I look like I am in my 50s, but I really don't want to look like I am trying to compete and act young. I just don't like women my age giving up and forgetting that they are still beautiful. Joan, God bless you, my dear, you are an inspiration and a good role model for us girls over 50.
—SMU

Dear Forever Young:
Thank you! Age is no excuse for not looking good. Celebrate your 64 years—you've come a long way, baby—but make sure to be true to who you are at this stage in life. Keep your hair trimmed to an appropriate length and drop your hem an inch for every decade you've logged. Nobody wants to be accused of being mutton dressed as lamb! At age 70-something, designer Carolina Herrera is one of my role models of a classy broad who gets it right.

Dear Joanie:
I am 66 and proud of it, except for the fact that I'm still an A cup and I don't have the "Well, I'm still growing" excuse. If anything, I'm still growing in the hips. Plastic surgery isn't an option anymore, so any stuffing tips?
—VelmaHutchison

Dear Va-Va-Velma:
It sounds like you're in the market for a good padded bra and body shaper (like Spanx). That way you'll take the cushion out of the areas you don't want it and push "the girls" up and out where they belong.

Dear Joan:
What should I wear with a yellow dress, what type of shoes?
— Tamz

Dear Color Queen:
I love the sound of a yellow dress and you can't go wrong with nude heels—the neutral shade is especially hot right now. And if you're looking for something a little more glamorous, try silver.

Dear Joan:
I am a huge fan and I value your opinion immensely. Do you believe in the "no black and navy blue together" fashion rule, because I happen to find it quite flattering if worn correctly.
— EmmyDraw

Dear Black 'n' Blue:
Thank you. It's not something I wear often, but some designers love the color combination, and I agree with you—if done well, it can look great.

Dear Joan:
I love the dress Giuliana wore on last week's episode. The navy blue with the pink bow, black buttons and white ruffles. Where can I find it?
— Dana

Dear G Lover:
Didn't she look adorable? The dress was Z Spoke by Zac Posen and she paired it with Hervé Léger shoes. 

Dear Joan:
Winter is here and I want to rock my boots. What are your tips on how to wear boots with style?
— Luvmater 

Dear Hot Feet:
Getting a fabulous pair of boots is the first step, and then you let them shine, either by wearing a shorter dress or skirt with tights or tucking your jeans or jeggings into the boots so they're not buried under a bunch of clothing. 

Dear Joan:
Though most of the people who watch your show are women, there are at least three or four men who watch it, including me. What are the hottest new trends for men in daywear? I do like to keep up-to-date with my fashion, but is there anything really hot at the moment?
—Kamron V 

Dear Trend Watcher:
And I love all my male fans, all four of you! Since we're heading into colder weather, a shearling coat would be hot, hot, hot right now! And don't forget about accessories. Knits are big so a fabulous scarf and pair of sunglasses or leather knapsack would complete the look very nicely.

Dear Joan:
Love your show and you. I'm a 45-year-old black woman that wears size 20. When I go out I always wear black. I would like to try a different color. Which one do you advise?
— A fan 

Dear Basic Black:
I'm sure you'll be beautiful in whatever you choose to wear, but why not try a metallic like gold or bronze? You can still pair it with a little black and come out of your comfort zone without giving up everything you love.

Dear Joan:
If you were going to India, what dress would you think would be appropriate?
—Annlynn32

Dear Jet Setter:
If you're not going to wear a sari, which is the preferred dress of Indian women, then I'd suggest dressing appropriate to the weather, which in large parts of the country is hot and humid. So think sleeveless and a fabric than can breathe, like cotton. Bon voyage!

Email me your fashion questions at askjoan@eonline.com.

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