Are Plunging Necklines Worth It?

Rules are meant to be broken - especially by the young for whom most fashion is created.

Today many young women, and I am including those up to the age of 40, seem to be happy wearing plunging necklines for everyday wear. What happens if you want to look smart but for whatever reason, you do not feel comfortable wearing a plunging neckline? What do you do?

Here are three modern dressing tips for business and professional women over 40 so that you do not have to miss out on wearing some lovely modern fashions. These dressing tips can also apply to girls and women of any age who feel that the plunge is not for you.

Wear a Cami or Singlet Top Underneath

If you find a dress or top that plunges past your comfort point, consider buying or wearing a smooth-fitting cami or singlet top underneath. Both of these look smart and you can match, blend or contrast with the colour or pattern to your dress, skirt, pants or jeans. A fitted cami gives you the modesty you want. Make sure that the cami or singlet covers just the top of your bust. One that ends close to your collarbone looks old-fashioned.

If you prefer a cami to a singlet top, ignore those that have stretch straps as these do not hold the cami firmly in place. The cami can slip over time and you are back to revealing more of the plunge than you may prefer. This can attract unwanted comments from some men, especially if you are short like me. Yes, I learnt that lesson from experience. Stretch camis with built-in bras are a better alternative. If you want good support, wear a proper bra under these camis. As long as no one will see your bra straps, it does not matter.

I am not a fan of lace-top camis for a professional or business look as I believe they come across as either too casual or too sexual for a professional situation.

Be careful of beige and skin-toned camis or singlet tops as your neckline will still look plunging from a distance. Beige and skin-toned camis are great to wear under normal white tops, blouses or shirts when you do not want your bra to be visible.

Wear a Strapless Cami or Boob Tube Underneath

Some women wear boob tubes or strapless camis under revealing V necklines and low sleeveless underarms. You see the cami at your bustline, under your arms and across your back. Try them to see if you feel comfortable wearing them. If you have to keep hitching them up, do not buy them.

Ignore Plunging Necklines

Sometimes you just have to say - it is lovely but not for me. Even when you were young you rejected some fashion styles as not you. Be prepared to reject some plunging neckline styles and go look for something else.

Modest flattering swimwear can often be hard to find. One-piece swimwear and bikinis plunge a lot. Check out one-shouldered designs or swimwear with sheer front inserts that give a veiled glimpse of a plunge rather than an obvious view.

Bonus Tip

Try a classy back neckline plunge for one outfit only. The depth of the plunge is your choice, depending on whether you are wearing the top or dress in a professional, casual or night-time situation. A plunging back is unusual enough to be stylish, individual and timeless.

Rules are meant to be broken with style by smart women. Good quality camis and singlet tops can be very versatile fashion items. Let your personality shine as you turn plunging necklines into modern business dressing.