Written Elsewhere: Necklines
I wrote a new style column for KOIT radio. It’s about the best necklines for certain body types. You should read it.
Update:
This column was originally written for KOIT radio in San Francisco. They don’t archive content so now I can share it with you.
Fashion is all over the place right now. Some necklines are high and tied, with a nod to the 1940s while others are how-low-can-you-go daring. French-inspired nautical knits whisper opposite flowing, dipping tunics. We’re going back, to all different decades. One of the most important components to staying current is an appropriate and body-concsious neckline.
I thought boat neck (or “bateau neck”) looked great on everyone, until a petite friend with a slim build complained about the glut of such tops on the market. These tops emphasize her narrow shoulders rather than create an hourglass shape as they do on average and busty figure types. But for most women, boat neck is easy to wear. Look for fine wool boatneck sweaters and even dresses. Regardless of how you’re feeling in your body that day, you’ll be comfortable showing off your shoulders.
This year’s flashiest look is the low scooped neckline. These deep plunging shirts and dresses are difficult for most women to carry well. The more endowed woman looks a bit too racy or eye-popping, and more athletic builds will find the low scoop gaps open to the sides and midriff. Women with more average figure types will find their bustline is enhanced by a plunging neckline. If you’re going to brave a low-scooped bodice, be sure to use a safety pin so your bra doesn’t show, or opt for one of the specially made bras which dip between the cups.
The prim, tie-neck blouse is transitioning into fall. These 1940s-inspired tops add a bit of sophistication. Women with round faces may find the look is too claustrophobic for them, so tie-front blouses that knot below the clavicle work best. Be sure to chose a color that works well with your skin tone, since the fabric is so close to the face. Solid colors and small prints are best.
Another retro look is the high, round neckline. The neckline is reminiscent of a T-shirt but without the knit band. It looks good on some people but not all. There are a lot of wool and crepe shift-type dresses for fall which feature this simple neckline. High necklines are surprisingly flattering on a larger bust and can even be minimizing if the sleeves are the right length, such as three-quarters. The simple sophistication of high neckline dresses are great for accesorizing with brooches and scarves.
Molly, pure genius! Your tips help the rest of us slovely slouches class up a bit.
Molly, as always you are so right,especially about the clauophia feel I have when I even try on the blouse with the knot at the neckline. ugh but feel great with a knot that is lower. glad to know what is to be this fall.
[...] One dear reader recently emailed that she receives compliments when she wears a boatneck top, but that she rarely wears it because her bra straps show. While I applaud her vigilance in keeping undergarments under wraps, I have to point out that not all bras are built the same. If a certain top doesn’t work with your bra, that means it’s time for a new style of bra. Don’t hate the neckline, hate the game. [...]
I’m a petite and busty girl, and i am considering buying a black wool boatneck coat. would you reccomend this? here’s a link to the coat: http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=3090&cat=103. it is very cute, but i’m not sure if it will be very flattering. your blog is a great resource! thanks!
I think that coat is a good choice for someone who’s busty because while the collar fastens at one side, the coat is not double-breasted (which adds extra bulk across the bust). Fun!