Can we call for coverup?

Late last month in UK, fashion stores introduced two new accessories that can help women play sober from saucy in less than a minute. We think the products could prove a big boon back home in Bollywood, too, as stars tire us with all that flesh flashing.

Late last month in UK, fashion stores introduced two new accessories that can help women play sober from saucy in less than a minute. Bosom button, a crystal pin, can be clipped up to a low cut blouse to avoid a peek-a-boo whenever you want. The other product — the ‘modesty panel’ — is a lace-trimmed strip of fabric that can be slipped in between bra straps to cover up excess exposure.

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We think the products could prove a big boon back home in Bollywood, too, as stars tire us with all that flesh flashing. “For stars, flaunting a sexy status on red carpets can fetch brownie points, but a gaping show on all occasions is a cheesy and unfashionable trick to get noticed,” says personality architect Rita Gangwani. We list a few actors who push the sexy envelope too far, and ask designers how they must handle all that skin.Mallika Sherawat’s too-sexed-up-for-comfort look

"Given Mallika’s record for a daring display, it seems the lady has given decency a permanent leave. A cleavage show everywhere, from formal functions to store openings, could only get more catcalls than compliments. Toning down with a modesty panel would help her indeed," feels designer Anupama Dayal. Designer Troy Costa agrees: "Mallika’s dare bare dressing is often unnecessary, so a modesty panel would be good."

Sherlyn and her daring appeal
“Sherlyn’s over-the-top cleavage act makes one believe that while sexiness may not be every starlet’s calling, tastelessness could be. So, I recommend she buys not one but many modesty panels, in case she loses one,” says designer Anupama Dayal. Designer Troy Costa says, “It's abhorring to see Sherlyn wear a push up and then go on to wear a low cut; a bosom button is just the accessory she needs.”

Wear the low-cut look right

Shrug up: Keep a lycra shrug handy in a monotone colour, like black or white, to slip over a low-cut dress. It will help you cover up whenever you want to go modest, without looking too forced.

Avoid the obvious: Invest in good quality seamless innerwear. While sporting a low-cut top, wear a nude bra to avoid obvious garment outlines. Also, a T-shirt bra or a strapless bra will avoid any unwanted straps or seams showing up.

Make-up wise: Avoid shimmer powder or glitter dust on the bustline when wearing a low cut outfit. Unless of course, you want to make a wild statement. Also, no tinted moisturiser on the bustline, please — it looks good only on a beach holiday.

Not too bling: Never team a choker or a chunky necklace with a cleavage-revealing top. The idea is to look sexy without making it obvious. Keep your style discreet. Also, avoid oversized earrings; a smart bracelet should do the trick.