What Do I Wear With a Low Cut Dress

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You've found a dress you love. The only problem is that it has a low-cut neckline which may not be appropriate in a more formal setting, like work or an upscale event. There's no need to return it, though. With just one or two adjustments or additions, you can cover your cleavage and still look great. Whether you prefer to layer undergarments, add creative accessories, or get out the sewing kit, you'll feel like a million bucks in no time.

1. 1

   Wear a thin camisole in a complementary color. Avoid basic tank tops, as they may look too casual with a formal dress. Look for more luxe materials such as lace or silk, and stay away from anything too bulky, which might add unwanted lumps to the silhouette. Amazon has some options here.

   • Match the camisole to the color of your dress if you want it to appear as if it's part of the outfit, rather than something you added later to cover yourself up.^{[1] [2]}
   • Layer a bra under your camisole for support, or choose one with a built-in shelf bra for added coverage.^[3]
   • If you want something smoothing and slimming, look for a camisole that doubles as shapewear, like Spanx.^[4] You can find a variety of options here.

2. 2

   Let a pretty bra peek out. You might think showing your bra is a no-no, but if you choose the right fabric and style, it can be a chic enhancement to your outfit. Some even give the illusion of being a camisole or part of the dress, with the added benefit of support.

   • High-neck bras give even more coverage. Choose one with a pretty lace pattern to match your dress, or opt for classic black.
   • Bandeau bras are strapless and go straight across the chest, making them perfect for a dress with thin straps or layered over a more supportive bra for added modesty.^[5] These can also be found on Amazon here.

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3. 3

   Add a removable panel for coverage without the bulk. This is an easy option if you don't feel like shopping for new undergarments or adding extra layers.^[6] These pieces of fabric usually clip or snap onto your bra straps, so you can keep your preferred support without the risk of straps getting tangled together.^[7]

   • If you want to cover up a low-cut back as well, look for a half-camisole option that wraps all the way around.
   • Look for convertible bras that come with removable panels in the front, like the convertible T-shirt bra by the brand Le Mystère on Amazon here.^[8]
   • Check Amazon for "modesty panels," here or on the product websites for Chickies Cleavage Coverage and Snappy Cami.

4. 4

   Keep fabric in place with double-sided fashion tape like this. If you're worried about a wrap dress opening too much at the top or a plunging neckline exposing too much skin, this can keep things where you want and fix the gaping.

   • Peel off one side of the tape and place it on the skin of your chest beneath where you want the neckline to hit, leaving a little bit of space for the edge of the fabric so the tape won't show. Smooth the tape down, then peel off the other side and place the fabric over it. Do this on each side of the neckline as needed.
   • Use the prepackaged length of tape, or cut it to the size you prefer.^[9]
   • Don't tug too much on the fabric when you stick it down, as this could create tension and cause the tape to fall off.^[10]
   • Take some extra tape with you wherever you're going, in case it comes off and you need to reapply it.

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1. 1

   Layer a silky scarf or shawl around your neck or shoulders. A thick wool scarf might be best left for wearing over your coat in the winter, but a thinner scarf in a classic color or pattern can be a stylish addition to a work outfit or evening attire.

   • Drape a shawl over your shoulders and tie it in a knot at your chest. This has the added bonus of keeping your arms warm if you're wearing a sleeveless style.
   • Tie your scarf in a large bow at your chest for a statement-making look that also draws attention away from a low neckline.
   • Let the scarf hang long down your torso without tying it, and buckle a thin belt around your waist to keep it in place. This will also cinch you in and flatter your shape.^[11]

2. 2

   Add an attention-grabbing necklace. This can fill the space created by a plunging neckline, while also giving your outfit a little extra sparkle.^[12] Layer several strands of beads over a simple black dress to really make a statement, or opt for one bold piece.

   • Look for necklaces with adjustable chains so you can place them in the perfect spot for optimal coverage.
   • Bib necklaces are a great option to cover even more space on your chest. They can be made of overlapping chains or colorful beads and gems.
   • Don't over-accessorize. A bold necklace paired with dangling earrings or chunky bracelets may look overwhelming.^[13]

3. 3

   Use a brooch to pin a plunging neckline closed. If your neckline leaves enough fabric to pull closed, try fastening the two sides together with a sparkly pin. There's no need to add any other accessories — a brooch does double duty.

   • If you don't have a brooch that works, a safety pin can also do the trick, as long as you're able to hide it under the fabric.
   • Look for safety pins in the same color as your dress if you can't keep the silver from showing.^[14]

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1. 1

   Sew extra fabric into the dress. If you're skilled with a needle and thread, try this out yourself. You can even use fabric from an unwanted item of clothing like a skirt. Try matching the fabric to the shape of the neckline for an even more effortless look.^[15]

   • Pin the fabric onto the inside of the neckline while you're wearing it. Then take the dress off and sew the fabric along the neckline using a similar color thread to the dress. Cut the excess fabric, leaving about an inch of excess if you plan to hem it.^[16]
   • If you don't feel confident sewing it yourself, go to a tailor and ask what they can do for you.

2. 2

   Add a snap closure to a wrap dress for multiple options. Just because you want to cover your cleavage for a certain event doesn't necessarily mean you wouldn't opt for a more plunging neckline on another occasion.

   • Put the dress on and mark with a pencil where you want the snaps to go. Put one mark on top of the bottom layer of fabric and one on the underside of the top layer of fabric. Sew the snaps on by threading through the back side of the fabric where you placed your marks.^[17]
   • Take your dress from day to night by wearing it closed at the office and open when you go out.

3. 3

   Shorten the straps of the dress to pull the neckline higher. Sometimes, long straps make a dress hang too low on your torso, making it more revealing. By tightening the straps, you can add both modesty and comfort.

   • Cut the straps off the back, then cut off the excess, using the piece you removed on one strap to measure on the other strap. Sew each strap back in place with several knots, making sure it's not twisted before you start.^[18]
   • Avoid shortening the straps if your dress has a band or seam under the bust, as this could place it too high for a comfortable fit.
   • Keep in mind that this will also make the armholes smaller. Make sure they're at a comfortable position before changing anything.^[19]

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Add New Question

• Question

  How can you alter the amount of cleavage in a wedding dress?

  

  LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

  

  Master Tailor & Creative Director

  Expert Answer

  Ask the dress designer to make a modesty piece using material from the gown. You can also ask them to sew in some extra lace around the dress's bust!

• Question

  Can you alter the bust of a wedding dress?

  

  LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

  

  Master Tailor & Creative Director

  Expert Answer

  Possibly, but it really depends on your dress. Consult with a trusted seamstress to see if the neckline of your gown can be sewn closed just a bit.

• Question

  How do you stop cleavage from showing?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  If you're wearing a formal dress, you can use layers to help cover your cleavage and keep it from showing. Try wearing a camisole in a complementary color underneath your dress or a removable panel that covers your cleavage. You can also use double-sided fabric tape to hold the fabric in a position that covers your cleavage.

• Question

  How do you make a dress less revealing?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  You can wear layers under your dress, such as a camisole, to cover your cleavage. You can also use accessories like a silky scarf or shawl around your neck or shoulders to keep your cleavage covered. If you have a plunging neckline, use a decorative brooch to pin the 2 sides together so your dress is less revealing.

• Question

  How do you wear a plunging neckline dress?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  One way you can make a dress with a plunging neckline less revealing is to use a brooch to pin the 2 sides together so you're less exposed. You could also fill the space created by the neckline with a large, attention-grabbing necklace. Another option is to wear a shawl around your shoulders that covers your neckline and cleavage.

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Article Summary X

If you've found the perfect formal dress but it shows your cleavage a little too much, you can easily cover it with a stylish undergarment or accessory. Wear a camisole, high-neck bra, or bandeau bra made from a nice material, like lace or silk, underneath your dress. If you choose a color and fabric that complements your dress, it should blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, buy a removable dress panel that will clip or snap onto your bra straps and cover your cleavage. If your cleavage only shows when your dress moves, try sticking the neckline to your skin with double-sided fashion tape. Alternatively, layer a silky scarf or shawl around your neck or shoulders to elegantly hide your cleavage. For more tips, including how to alter your dress to cover your cleavage, read on!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Cover-Cleavage-in-a-Formal-Dress#:~:text=You%20can%20wear%20layers%20under,your%20dress%20is%20less%20revealing.

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