I know just how you feel because I was the girl who developed first in my class. I had a bigger chest than any other 13-year-old, and I was super, super self-conscious about it. I wore huge, baggy shirts all the time, and I hated running around in gym because I thought people were staring at me. Not only that, but I was never sure if guys liked me for me or because I had big boobs. Then there were always the idiots who made stupid jokes when I'd walk by them in the halls, which was pretty annoying. But the thing I didn't realize was that I was so busy obsessing over my breasts and freaking out about them and thinking everyone noticed them that I didn't realize that all my friends and classmates were busy being self-conscious about some part of their bodies. They weren't even thinking about me. And all the girls I envied because they were flat-chested and didn't need to wear bras? It turns out they were jealous of me and the fact that I filled out my shirt. So try to keep that in mind when you're feeling insecure. You might feel as if you look bad, but a) I'm sure you look great and b) you don't look half as huge as you imagine. Oh, and c) your friends love you for who you are, and anyone who cares about you couldn't care less about what size bra you wear. Really, take it from someone who knows what she's talking about on this topic!

Now, on to some practical matters. The good news is that fashion can be your friend here. The first thing to do if you haven't already is to find a decent bra shop in your town, like one at a department store. Ask your mom or an aunt or some other cool adult female to take you. A saleswoman will measure you to make sure you're wearing the right size bra (you may not be; a huge percentage of women are walking around wearing the wrong size). A good-fitting bra will make you look great in your clothing, instead of cutting you off in a weird way or not giving you the support you need. Make sure you get a high-quality, supportive bra instead of something really light and wispy that will do nothing. Also, stop wearing baggy clothing. It just makes your chest look bigger! You don't have to squeeze into some tube top if you're not comfortable with that (actually, is anyone comfortable in a tube top?). V-necks are a really great style for a chesty girl, as are outfits that draw attention to other parts of your figure that you're more confident about, like your athletic legs or elegant neck. Wear some earrings, too, to capture people's gaze near your face. Have fun, and try to celebrate the body you have!

— Andrea Pyros