Taking the plunge

Showing skin is nothing new in the realm of style — the world’s most famous faces have long been baring as much as they can get away with, both on the red carpet and off. But we’ve been noticing an especially brazen kind of skin-baring this season: ultra-deep cleavage.Plunging necklines are back in fashion and are being sported by celebrities, making bold style statements with accessories.

From bridal wear to casual lace up tops, bearing cleavage seems to be the all new rage! “The trend is making a comeback this season. But the trick is to keep it elegant as it is very easy to go wrong and look trashy,” opines Roshini Shah, a local designer. “Plunging necklines best suit maxi dresses as short ones can look a little vulgar, since there is already so much skin showing.

An easy way to covering up in a short dress, is with the help of sheer fabric or lace which can make the look go from trashy to classy,” says the designer. The trend has also trickled down to daily wear with even sweaters and tops having plunging necklines! “This can also be a great way to layer clothes, considering it’s winter. So a black slip under a white v neck sweater, spells out chic,” adds Roshini.

The look has been sported by celebrities of all ages. From Deepika Padukone and Jhanvi Kapoor in Bollywood, to Kim Kardashian on the streets of Hollywood and Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscar red carpet, plunging necklines are everywhere!

“I think this is look is all about being super daring and a little more edgy,” opines Aditi Sarin, a fashion influencer. “There is an art to balance the look and a way to style it without overdoing it. It’s very important to wear a proper bra – can’t really show off the bra with a neckline that deep!” she advices before adding, “Accessorising is key to this outfit. Minimal, thin jewellery adds an extra something. Leave the neck bare and accessories with heavily embellished ear rings. A sparkly clutch and some strappy high hells are all one needs to complete the look!”

To carry off this trend successfully, confidence is key, according to stylist Sonia Ajit Prasaad. “I think today plunging necks is not just about baring it all. It’s sexy, sensuous but its got to be tasteful and classy! To avoid looking vampish or trashy, the look can be balanced out by donning   low cut tops or shirts and teaming it up with stunning pleated trousers or culottes.

For cocktails, beautiful velvets in low cut dresses – instead of the long red carpet gowns, one could go for a shift dress or a skater dress. Another way of showing off the plunging neckline is also pairing it with shirts or high neck tops underneath. So here there is less skin exposed and still looks beautifully appealing,” says the stylist from the city about the edgy trend.