- Layer a thin camisole under your dress for maximum coverage. Opt for a camisole in a similar shade to your dress if you don’t want it to stand out too much.
- Add a statement necklace to bring attention to your jewelry rather than your chest. Go for a bib-style necklace if you’re looking to cover the most surface area.
- Use a safety pin for a quick full-coverage fix. Simply fasten your pin or brooch to the neckline of your dress at the height of coverage you’d prefer.
Layering Under Your Dress
Wear a thin camisole in a complementary color. Avoid basic tank tops, which 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. 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. Layer a bra under your camisole for support or choose one with a built-in shelf bra for added coverage. If you want something smoothing and slimming, look for a camisole that doubles as shapewear.
Let a pretty bra peek out. You might think showing your bra is a no-no, but modest, full-coverage bra options like bandeaus and high-neck bras can enhance your outfit and keep you comfortable. These bra options 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.
Add a removable modesty 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. 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. If you want to cover up a low-cut back as well, look for a half-camisole option that wraps all the way around.
Keep fabric in place with double-sided fashion tape. 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 the tape or cut it to the size you prefer. 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. Take some extra tape with you wherever you go in case it comes off and you need to reapply it.
Adding Well-Placed Accessories
Layer a scarf or shawl for added coverage. An airy scarf or shawl in a classic color or pattern can be a stylish addition to a work outfit or evening attire. Most importantly, it’s an excellent way to cover both your chest and your arms for a more modest look. Drape a shawl over your shoulders and tie it in a loose 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.
Add an attention-grabbing necklace. This can fill the space created by a plunging neckline while also giving your outfit a little extra sparkle. 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.
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.
Altering Your Dress for Coverage
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. 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. If you don’t feel confident sewing it yourself, go to a tailor and ask what they can do for you.
Add a snap closure to a wrap dress for versatility. Just because you want to cover your cleavage for a particular event doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t want to opt for a more plunging neckline on another occasion. Put the dress on and use a pencil to mark 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. Take your dress from day to night by wearing it closed at the office and open when you go out.
Shorten the straps of the dress to pull the neckline higher. Sometimes, long straps make a dress hang too low on your torso, resulting in a more revealing look. 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, ensuring it's not twisted before you start. Avoid shortening the straps if your dress has a band or seam under the bust, which could place it too high for a comfortable fit. Keep in mind that this will also make the armholes smaller. Make sure they’re in a comfortable position before changing anything.
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