“Living flat” is the choice of many women (myself included!) following a bi-lateral mastectomy without reconstruction. Today opting for an aesthetic flat closure that rebuilds the chest wall shape after a single or double mastectomy has become more common. While I was satisfied with my medical decision, I found myself at a loss as to how to make peace with my new body and how to restore my appearance and self-esteem. Learning to develop my own style that accommodates my new shape comfortably and fashionably has gone a long way to making me feel happy in my own skin again.

One of the key steps to any type of smart dressing is to know your body shape. Body shape is not related to dress size but to your proportions. Essentially, it is the way that you are built. This advice from the organization Breast Cancer Now discusses how body type influences flat styles. (Pictures included!) Read on.

Excerpt from BreastCancerNow.org:

Body Shapes

One woman who has a mastectomy will have a different body shape to the next, and some may find that their body shape has not changed post-mastectomy. Body shape is about your proportions, rather than your dress size; someone who is a size 10 can have an ‘apple’ shape and someone who is a size 18 can have a ‘banana’ shape. Be ready to take a few sizes in to the changing rooms as you get used to what size you need in different style tops and dresses.

If your waist appears wider than your shoulder and hips, then you have an Apple body shape. Show off your shoulders and legs, and add volume across your chest to balance your tummy. Try:

• Halterneck, strapless and cold-shoulder styles

• A-line tops and maxi dresses

• Swing dresses and tunic tops

If your shoulders, waist, and hips are around the same size, then you havea Banana body shape (also known as rectangle, athletic, and straight). Highlight your waist, and add movement. Try:

Try:

• Layering colours, patterns, and textures.
• Gathered waistbands on tops and dresses.
• Waterfall jackets and cardigans.

If your hips appear wider than your shoulders thenyou have a Pear body shape. Show off your narrow top half by drawing attention to your waist, and balance your figure by adding decoration and volume across your chest and shoulder.

Try:

• Bright or patterned tops with plain bottoms.
• Wide neck, off the shoulder, and cowl necklines.
• Ruffles and frilly tops.

If your shoulders appear wider than your waist and hips then you have a strawberry body shape (also known as inverted triangle, and wedge). Highlight your waist, and add decoration down your centre and to your legs.

Try:

• Patterns or bright colours on your bottom half or down the centre of your body.
• Eye catching waistband or belt.
• High-waisted, A-line, or tulip skirts

Basic tips on how to flatter and decorate single flat and double flat chests:

Shape

To add movement and volume look for:

• A-Line tops and swing dresses which flare gently from the chest
• Bubble hem tops, or dresses with elasticated waistbands
• Off-the-shoulder, halter-necks and boat-necks can all add width across the chest
• Avoid darts and princess seams where you are flat as they may not hang properly.

Fabrics

Floaty fabrics such as crepe, chiffon and light cotton create movement; jersey drapes and gathers to create shape; lace and embroidered layers add interest, and textured knits add depth. Layer contrasting textures and colours to add depth and shape.

Detailing

Extra features which suit a flat chest include:

• Double breast pockets (or single on your flat side)
• Gathered or cowl necklines
• Frills and pussy bows
• Pleats and pin tucks
• Contrasting sleeves

Decoration

Be proud of your chest: Decorate it! Look for:

• Patterns to draw the eye around your outfit
• Contrasting patterns on the bib or yoke
• Appliquéd designs such as sequins, gems and beading
• Statement necklaces or long pendants

Asymmetrical Designs

If you have had a single mastectomy also look out for:

• Pleats, draping or frills from one shoulder
• Contrasting panels or bold patterns to decorate your flat side

Accessories

Scarves worn in various ways are also a quick way to do all the above. So, if you do not feel ready to splash out on a bold gingham cold shoulder blouse, or bright floral maxi dress, then build your confidence with your new style by decorating plainer outfits with bold accessories! Try patterned scarves, statement necklaces, and bold jackets instead.

Style Inspiration

Now you know how to flatter a flat chest, and what styles suit your body shape, it’s time to think about how your clothes can reflect your personality. Find your style icons in magazines and on television. Use Pinterest to search your favourite celebrities and designers, and save the looks that you like on your own boards (you can set these to private so only you can see what you are saving).

Most of all, have fun, experiment, and be confident.

For more suggestions and tips, read Cancer Be Glammed For Real, as survivor Tina Martel shares her “living flat” life and STYLE!