If, like me, you weren’t blessed with an exquisite bosom, you might sometimes feel left behind by fashion. Everywhere you turn, there seem to be models, actresses and musicians with voluptuous figures. It can be hard not to feel like a walking surfboard when every other woman in the crowd seems to have a glorious set of baps.

However, having magnificent mammaries isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There are plenty of lovely ladies who were considered great beauties, even though they weren’t well endowed in the breast department. King Henry VIII wrote letters extolling the virtues of Anne Boleyn’s “pretty little breasts”. Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick were all flat as tacks, and they still looked utterly brilliant. Even today, stars like Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani and Kate Hudson rock small boobs.

Although it might not always seem like it, small breasts are just as lovely as large ones, and there are vast arrays of fashion options that suit and flatter a small bust. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, throw on one of these ensembles and take the first step on the road to loving your body exactly as it is.

To start with, you might want to invest in a good bra. A decent bra that fits well will give your breasts support and shape. You can also get a huge range of excellent push-up bras if you want to enhance your chest a little more. The Playboy Bunny Bra is an amazing push up bra, but sadly it is quite pricey. Target and Kayser both have a wide range of push up bras in many colours and to suit any budget.

Prints also give the illusion of a fuller chest. Choose small floral prints, tie-dye or wild psychedelic pucci print to enhance your bust line.

Many of the flat-chested icons that I mentioned earlier were from the 60’s, so it stands to reason that the fashions of this era tend to suit petite figures. Smock dresses are great for smaller-figured women, as they cover the bust and play up the legs and arms instead. Wide mod stripes also help to enhance the chest, as they give the illusion of fullness.

The neckline of your top or dress can play a huge part in the overall impression of your outfit. If you are small chested, it’s usually not flattering to wear a low-cut top, as it will only draw attention to what you don’t have. That doesn’t mean that you need to spend the rest of your life wearing turtle-necks though. Round- or boat-necked tops that show off the tops of the shoulders or the décolletage are very flattering for those with small breasts. Roll-necked or cowl-necked sweaters look truly beautiful against a flat chest. Alternatively, super-low plunges can look wonderful on girls with a lack of cleavage, as they show off your neck and chest while lengthening your torso. Just remember to secure plunges with plenty of double-sided tape.

If you have a small waist, try nipping in your top or dress with a belt, a vest or a corset. This will create an hour-glass shape and make you look like you have more up top than you actually do.

If you are self-conscious about your breasts, rather than trying to make them look bigger, think of another feature that you like and play to your advantages. If you have killer legs, why not try a tunic-dress with a pair of brightly coloured tights and stilettos? If you love your shoulders, try an off-the-shoulder t-shirt. Why not give the front of your body a rest by pulling up your hair and wearing something with a daring plunge…in the back. Rather than focusing on the bits of your body that you don’t like, focus on the bits that you do and show them off.