Kristen Bell Taught Me These 6 Style Tips for Small Boobs That I Now Live By

A simple yet effective style tip for small boobs that I’ve learned from Bell is to create the illusion of a bigger bust with blouses that have a lot of volume. Tops that incorporate ruffles, cowl necklines, ruching, bow embellishments or pleats will draw the eye toward the excess fabric—which, in this case, is preferably around the bustline—creating the appearance of a fuller chest. Just make sure to keep the bottom half simple, so as not to draw attention away from the main goal.

Contrary to popular belief, people with smaller busts can absolutely rock plunging necklines and deep V-cuts. In fact, I find these daring and sexy styles easier to wear than some of my friends with big boobs, since there's less ‘boobage’ to support. Bell often opts for simplicity—an effective choice if you want the focus to stay on the face—but sometimes, like in the far right picture above, she adds details like a lace trim to create more visual interest and draw attention to the chest.

You know that saying, “If you’ve got ‘em, flaunt ‘em?” Well, Bell has proved time and time again that anyone can tastefully pull the sheer trend off regardless of cup size. No stranger to showing some skin (peep the aforementioned plunging styles), Bell wears many sheer outfits and uses the see-through material to her advantage. While she doesn’t go so far as to copy the runway looks that bare it all with free-the-nip styles, Bell does wear slinky bandeaus and plunge bralettes under sheer tops to make her boobs stand out and appear larger. I know that sheer fabrics can be wildly intimidating and exposing, so I appreciate how Bell also proves that a hint of transparent lace overlay can achieve a similar effect if you’re not into showing off your undies.

When you’re not experimenting with lace, tulle, thin knits or other sheer fabrics, consider leaning into pieces that showcase skin through cut-outs. Bell often opts for this style, demonstrating how a keyhole dress or top can draw attention to the chest and collarbone while simultaneously breaking up the simplicity of basic fabrics that might otherwise flatten the chest. Backless garments are also a fantastic and flattering option, especially if you prefer to divert attention away from your front entirely. Plus, they offer the bonus of going braless with ease.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t have to show even a hint of your boobs to prove that you have any semblance of a chest. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed that Bell loves to do, it’s show off some collarbone. She wears a lot of off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder blouses and dresses, and while these asymmetrical styles cover her chest, they don’t dimmish it in the slightest. In fact, the daintiness of the décolletage creates the illusion of a fuller chest below because of the cut and fabric.

One of the many perks of small boobs: You can make loud prints and patterns work to your advantage. OK, it may not be for the faint of heart but it’s *definitely* for the small of chest. So maximalists, listen-up, because busy prints like floral and foliage or checkered and houndstooth will effectively camouflage your bust area, taking the attention off your bra size and focusing it on the fabric itself. Bonus points if you opt for items that double down on any of the rules above if you want to go the extra mile. Bell executes this to perfection, using an interesting neckline to show some collarbone and ruffles for embellishment and volume.