http://kateharding.net/2007/12/31/un-doom-your-rack/

I learned to sew in high school after inheriting an old singer, and it meant that nothing was off limits to me - if I saw something in a magazine, and the stores in my rural area didn’t have it in my size (which was pretty much guaranteed) I could find a way to make it, or alter something. I’m sure this resulted in some outlandish outfits, and probably some fashion faux pas, but it taught me an entirely different way of looking at clothing and at myself. It’s the most satisfying hobby I’ve ever had.

PLUS, there are such good beginner- and consumer-level sewing books now! I wish I were learning now instead of in the 70s, when I mostly ‘flew by the seat of my pants’, as it were.

And second (third?) the button-up warning - gaping is for apes. (Other style lessons from my adolescence include ‘DIY blue lipstick is a mistake’ and ‘marabou feathers attached to the wrists of an outfit is solely the fashion domain of circus acrobats and cage dancers’).

Which I am totally jealous of b/c I’m carrying around a nursing set of J cups right now.

Sigh.

And Francesca - girlfriend what you are waiting for? You can learn to sew at any age!

Avoid stuff that’s extremely loose (like boxy shirts), your pretty hourglass shape will be lost. Find good pants and skirts that fit, and pay heed to avoid a huge gap at your waist if you crouch or sit (it’s very common for hourglass-shaped women). For tops and sweaters, I suggest you do like me and go for fitted, body-conscious tops, that will hug your curves, without swallowing your figure. Pick stretchy, so that they’ll fit your but while showing off your small waist. Get your tops at the seamstress to have the waist taken in if needed (always fit the larger part of your body). And remember: many would kill for a nice hourglass shape like ours lol!

For clothes:
- Old Navy’s plain camis. They aren’t pretty, but they’re inexpensive and can be worn under clothes with formality levels up to “dressy casual” until they start to fade.
- A lot of Old Navy tops come in longer lengths, which can be helpful when some of the length is taken up by the bosom.
- Shop sales generally. Look for stretchy fabrics — knits, jersey, etc. so that you can buy close to your regular size but still accommodate the chest. Bravissimo often has good sales, if you want to try some of their bust-sized clothing.

For bras:
- Shop the sales at Bravissimo and Figleaves. I am a 32H(ish) and have sometimes managed to get a bra in the sale section for $30 or so. Yes, even pretty ones! I am particularly fond of Freya and Fantasie brands, but others may work better for you.
- For sports bras, I don’t know of any way to skimp on price. I highly recommend the Shock Absorber Level 4 bra; I do NOT have to double-layer this bra to get adequate support when running or playing rugby. (I often DO, because I am paranoid, but I don’t need to.) I would talk to your mother seriously about this, particularly if you are an athlete at all; you can do serious damage without proper support, and it’s all preventable.

Colour: I prefer black shirts (I know, I know!) because I really do look smaller in them.

Bras: it’s definitely possible to find decent bras (I’ve found some Playtex underwire bras which give me a nice shape — I personally like Playtex Secrets Signature Florals model 4422 — I’m giving away my secrets, here!) for a reasonable price. At 14, you really don’t need to spend a ton of money to find a decent bra.

I also think it’s important to point out that minimisers really aren’t our friends. They might make you look smaller from the side (from profile), but they just squish you up in front, and make you look massive.

For gym class: wear 2 strong bras if you need to do any jumping/running, etc.

Best of luck to you!

I think people are right about sewing. learning to sew would help you a ton and open up many more options. I had a friend who altered everything and looked great because of it without spending a ton of money. with your shape and height it you’re probably going to need things altered a lot so it will be worth it in the long run.

Do a lot of shopping research - go out and try things on at stores and figure out what brands fit you best. also ask about sales and how often they bring in new things. You can even find out if there’s a regular day that items get moved to sale racks. check out all kinds of stores and get to know what is available in your area. Check out even discount stores and check for listings of thrift stores. You can get a feel for which branches of stores have better sale racks or better merchandise. the best dressed person i know would buy her clothes everywhere - thrift and discount stores to fancy department stores. Once you figure out what styles work for you it matters less where you get them

I don’t know what your style is like but thrift, vintage and second hand stores have been a good source of clothing. They can be inexpensive and a lot of older clothing is cut shorter. I’m 5′ and can sometimes find thing with sleeves that fit. if nothing else you can buy inexpensive blouses to try you hand at alterations. other stores where i can get away with things include Eddie Bauers (sale and clearance items can be reasonable priced. Also the petites are short enough for me but you might be too small for their size range).

good luck