This long weekend, we’ve been binge watching the second season of House of Cards. Claire Underwood’s look is now somewhat predictable, but she managed to blow me away with this architectural neckline in Chapter 17.
I doubt a DD+ woman could fit this dress straight off the rack; however I have no doubt that a DD+ woman would look amazing in this neckline if the dress were custom made for her. (Those of us with narrow shoulders might have a hard time hiding our bra straps, though.)
This Liz Claiborne top in fiesta rose is a more affordable interesting neckline that I tried last Friday. It definitely drew the eye to above my chest, and I loved it–except for the strum-strum factor that drew the eye right back down. You can even see the fabric pull marks on the model below.
From Claire’s dress and the Liz Claiborne top, we see once again that the issue isn’t whether full-busted women can look good in interesting necklines. The issue, as usual, is fit. So I’ve taken a quick survey of the interesting necklines available to us from the companies that cater to the full bust market.
First up, the cowl neck is a popular one.
Clockwise from top left:
- Biubiu Portimao (my favorite because of the cinching near the shoulders)
- Biubiu Solina
- Pepperberry Cowl Zipback Top
- Saint Bustier Blossom Dress
- Saint Bustier Clementine Cowl Neck
These asymmetrical draped necklines from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania are similar to the cowl, but more architectural.
Clockwise from left:
Next up, my favorite interesting neckline. . . the sweetheart.
Clockwise from top left:
- Urkye Mala dress
- Pepperberry workwear dress in black
- Pepperberry workwear dress in mink
- Saint Bustier Nigella dress
The Nigella neckline deserves a closeup.
Next, variations of notch and keyhole necklines.
Clockwise from top left, ending in center:
- Pepperberry notch neck dress in teal
- Pepperberry keyhole jersey dress
- Saint Bustier Rita dress
- DDAtelier Lisbon sheath dress
- Pepperberry check workwear dress
- Pepperberry notch neck dress in black
- Saint Bustier denim top
Finally, here’s a scalloped variation of the simple V-neck from Pepperberry that’s worth a mention. It also comes in black and a violet that could easily pass for “radiant orchid”.
This is a good start from the full bust companies, but I’d love to see more adventurous neckline offerings in the future.
Have you worn something with an interesting neckline recently? Please share!
Loving most of these! By the by, Stop Staring! makes a nearly identical dress to the Nigella from St. Bustier (in fact, Nigella Lawson wore the Stop Staring dress, and I bet that’s why it’s named Nigella), for less than half the cost (and half the cost of their super expensive shipping). I wore it to my husband’s Christmas party. It’s very flattering to the bust, but it’s also definitely a dress that draws attention directly to the bust, and will definitely get looks.
They also make a much less expensive version of St. Bustier’s Rita dress. Honestly, it’s like St. Bustier took a look at the dresses Stop Staring! makes, and copied them almost exactly, but for double the cost. If anyone is interested in Stop Staring! dresses, they’re sold on ModCloth’s website and Unique Vintage’s website. Good brand, runs small (I am a size 6, 28H/30GG, and wear a large). I like that they have a body conscious version of the dress as well as one that flares out at the hip for those of us who don’t like our waistlines much. I bought the Christmas party one in navy and it’s really something. I found an eggplant version (one with a flared bottom) on eBay and it’s my favorite dress.
I promise I’m not a shill for Stop Staring! I just hate when designers/companies copy clothing nearly exactly, especially if they are charging much more for them.
My favorite architectural lines are definitely found in Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomania collection. Wish they were affordable!
good to be reminded of the various choices out there…It is easy to get stuck in a rut.
Size 6 is large? I don’t stand a chance at size 12.
And 12 is an XL on the Saint Bustier site, so I REALLY don’t stand a chance–except I know I’ve fit into one of their dresses, so it’s worth checking with the store itself.
Do you know who designs the one Robin Wright is wearing in Chapter 17?
I don’t, but other sources say her character wears a lot of pieces from these designers, so it could be one of them: Zac Posen, Antonio Berardi, Theory, Akris, The Row, and L’Wren Scott.