I have a long list of great full-bust topics to cover here, but all I want to do today is tell you about my current obsession: the Max Mara Liriche dress that I discovered before everything shut down.

Going by the photos on the company website, you wouldn’t think this was a bust-friendly dress.

I only tried it on because as I was studying the gussets (!) under the arms, the saleswoman told me, “This is a real ladylike dress.” How could I resist? I tried size 8. For reference, I currently wear bra size UK 32GG in the Fantasie Fusion (that I’ll also be reviewing soon).

She was so right. Ignore my tummy and underwear bulges–those can be smoothed away. Focus instead on the fact that it zipped right up without smashing my boobs! And thanks to the high armholes, supplemented by the gussets, there was no restriction on movement. The lightweight stretch wool fabric also made a difference. Also, have you noticed the seam up the middle, the two waist darts that end at the bust and the seamed waist? Together, these factors help accommodate a woman’s large chest.

Even with my new job, I couldn’t justify the $1050 price, so I reluctantly handed it back to the saleswoman. This dress in this color may be “the one that got away”, but it looks like this may be a continuity style. I’ve already found it in black for $125 on The RealReal. I forgive you if you snag it before I do. Just be sure to send me pics of how you wear it!