Lisa Armstrong is The Telegraph’s head of fashion. She began her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of Arts in London, and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.

Each week, she responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below.

Dear Lisa, 

I have just had a double mastectomy and am gradually getting used to the weight of the prostheses and becoming less self-conscious. I can wear most of my clothes but am stumped for swimwear and skimpier dresses and tops. Any suggestions?

– Sheenagh

Dear Sheenagh,

You sound admirably pragmatic and I’m glad you’re feeling more confident about wearing most of your old clothes. 

The right bra will help when it comes to wearing skimpier summer clothes. Provided you look for armholes that are high enough cut for your bra to show and a scoop neck that isn’t too low,  there’s no reason you can’t wear a striped tank dress like this one from Nobody’s Child, if you want to. 

Black and white stripe dress, £42.50, Nobody’s Child

There are lots of shirt dresses around this summer. This one from Zara strikes a good balance between chic and playful and doesn’t have too much fabric. I like how you can unbutton it to your own comfort level. 

Shirt dress, £49.99 Zara

For a similar reason, this jersey dress from Jigsaw caught my eye. It’s more of a late summer/autumn option but it’s elegantly draped and I love the little cut-outs around the waist.  A lot of mastectomy wear seems rather matronly. This isn’t.  

Asymmetric dress, £165, Jigsaw

This is another good, timeless option. 

Tie-front dress, £119.95, The Shirt Company,

Vest tanks are wonderful in the summer – cool and versatile. Wear them with flared high-waisted trousers for a figure-sculpting look, or with bias cut skirts. These soft ones from Uniqlo, in five colours, won’t rub, are quite high cut under the arms, and get top rating – a bargain at £9.90. If you want more coverage, shrug on a little cardi. On cooler days, toss on a cotton, masculine shirt for a very contemporary look. 

Ribbed vest, £9.90, Uniqlo

Oversized shirt, £65, Cos

Come autumn, you can layer it under a blazer. Waistcoats are another stylish option where you get to show a bit of skin while keeping everything neat and tidy. Many come with an adjustable belt at the back so you can customise the shape. 

High Neck Waistcoat, £34.99, Aligne

Corduroy waistcoat, £99, Aligne

As for swimsuits – this one from cult British label, Hunza G is terrific, has prosthetic pockets despite the skinny straps, and also comes in black and a lovely bottle green. Hunza G is known for its forgiving, stretchy one-size-fits-all styles and zingy colours. The only drawback? It’s not cheap.  

Post-mastectomy one piece,£185, Hunza G

Here are a few options from specialist brands as well. 

Tankini, £47.99, Betty and Belle

Bikini, £42, Nicola Jane

Paisley one piece, £110, En Vie

Happy shopping and let me know how you get on,

– Lisa 

Do you have a style query of your own? Ask Lisa here 

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