RULES OF CLEAVAGE
Jennifer Lawrence and Myleene Klass both proudly flaunted their assets this week but when it comes to taking the plunge, how low is too low?
WFriday February 23 2018 HEN it comes to showing off your cleavage, how low should a girl go? Judging by their outfits at this week’s Brit Awards the answer for the likes of Ellie Goulding, Abbey Clancy and Myleene Klass would appear to be “as low as possible”.
While Klass was sporting a jumpsuit slashed to the naval, Clancy’s frock resembled a silky nightie with a plunging neckline. Two days earlier actress Jennifer Lawrence made eyes pop when she stepped out for a photoshoot wearing a very revealing Versace dress. Though they may all be in their 20s and 30s, slim and technically able to get away with it, particularly at an “anything-goes” party such as the Brits – experts say there’s a fine line between classy and trashy, whatever a woman’s age. RULE 1 If showing off your cleavage, put everything else away Cleavages have been seen as seductive since the beginning of time. A heaving bosom was fashionable during the Regency period and in Victorian times women flaunted generous cleavages but showing off their legs or even their arms was deemed scandalous.
There are no such boundaries today and according to personal fashion stylist Karen Kay, that’s one of the problems: “If you’re going to expose your cleavage don’t have every other erogenous zone on display as well – a plunging neckline, a low back and a thigh slash all in one dress.”
She references busty model and actress Kelly Brook and the “ridiculous” pink Julien Macdonald dress she wore to the 2000 premiere of her then boyfriend Jason Statham’s movie Snatch.
“That dress showed her bum, her boobs and pretty much everything else,” Karen reflects. “What’s sexy and alluring is giving a glimpse rather than putting the whole lot on display. Most men I speak to agree.” RULE 2 Wear the right underwear or corsetry “Cleavage is certainly not an age issue,” Karen adds. “You only have to look at Sophia Loren, Helen Mirren and Susan Sarandon who, at the ages of 83, 72 and 71 respectively, wear their cleavages spectacularly well on the red carpet. But you do have to get the right support in your underwear or outfit.
“If you’re young and slim you can get away with a bit of tape to hold your boobs in place beneath the fabric. But for older women generally, unless you’ve had a lot of cosmetic enhancements, it’s not that straight forward.
“So don’t wear a flimsy, bias cut slip. Wear something structured and supportive that gives you the confidence to walk into a room with a bit of va-va-voom. Helen Mirren wears a lot of Dolce & Gabbana – sexy grown-up clothes for real women – and they have a great internal structure to hold everything in.” RULE 3 Consider the occasion… and practicalities Still, it’s not as simple as deciding you’re going to get your cleavage out and put your legs and bottom away.
As etiquette expert William Hanson points out, close attention must first be paid to the occasion and the company you’ll be in. “More is definitely not more when it comes to baring flesh,” he says. “True ladies won’t show everything off. Sadly, by the looks of it, the Brits were not attended by very many ladies.
“Although you may be able to get away with showing cleavage at a party, displaying it at a funeral, a business meeting or important dinner would not be appropriate. Plus, you must ask yourself, is it really practical? Are you going to be dancing at the event, or dining or having to lean over other guests? Do you want people to engage with you and take you seriously? Nothing should distract from your personality, not least your cleavage.” RULE 4 Put it away during the day Not all experts agree with his sentiment. In 2016 research by a scientist in Paris found that women who apply for a new job with a picture of themselves wearing a low-cut top are five times more likely to get the role. But Lucy Hume, associate director of social etiquette experts Debrett’s, says this is a no-no: “Showing too much cleavage at work may get you a reputation rather than a pay rise. There are necklines that are suitable for day wear and daring plunges that should be saved for evening wear. A little décolletage can enhance an outfit but sometimes less is more.” RULE 5 Style it right and don’t clutter your cleavage Once you’ve decided how much cleavage is appropriate, styling will determine whether you carry it off, according to Karen.
“You can wear a wonderfully plunging or bateau neckline or a strapless bodice top that pushes everything up but it has to be done in a way that’s classy and suits your body. Much will depend on how big your boobs are and whether you have a fantastic shoulder line and toned upper arms. Don’t clutter your décolletage with jewellery.” RULE 6 Don’t get your cleavage out all the time “Once you’ve mastered the art of showing off your cleavage, don’t be tempted to do it every time,” Karen adds. “It just looks predictable, vain and attention seeking. Helen Mirren gets it right because often she covers up. It’s natural to want to show off your best parts but sometimes your cleavage is best kept under wraps then unveiled occasionally as a surprise.”