What to do with a cowlneck that is too low? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

What to do with a cowlneck that is too low?

Maya

Veteran

I wore my BR cowlneck yesterday and found that it is much too low cut for me. I am very short from my shoulder to my waist, and on top of that I am very busty, which means most tops that look nice and tasteful on most people look tarty and obscene on me. Normally I cure this problem with a camisole, but with a cowlneck it doesn't seem to look quite as nice.

I tried repeatedly to drape it a little differently, but it kept falling back into a V. I think I'm probably going to have to toss it if I can't fix it somehow, which is sad because the color is great and it works as a really nice layering piece.

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Antje

Veteran

Maya, can you post a picture with a cami? I've had that problem once (not that I'm busty but it still didn't look good so low and exposed) but then found that it looked quite nice with a cami. Don't give up yet.

JewelryGirl

Interesting, I have the same issue with my AT one's. I can do a cami with those but today I wore 2 together. The mutiple drapes in the neckline seem to bunch together enough that it takes care of the functional issue + creates a fun new layering combo for me. (Mine was brown underneath & white leapard on top). And, no I don't have a pic & won't be able to post one anytime soon. Sorry!

JewelryGirl

Also, I've found some cami's work better for me that others. If I just need coverage & don't care about layering I use the CK straight across modal cami. It tends to run small & hugs to me like a 2nd skin - great for something like this. If I want a longer layered look, I use one of my Caslon (Nordie's) cami's it's a bit more weighty though. So, I'm 2nd-ing Antje's suggestion on not giving up on it - you might have to experiment with different cami's also.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

What kind of cowlneck is it? I used a white button-down underneath a few cowl-neck tops last fall (the button-down had a mandarin-type collar with a pleated ruffle, not a men's shirt-type collar) and found it worked really well. Of course that doesn't help much in the heat.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I think you just need to find the right layering piece- cami, button down, crewneck tee, etc. Post a pic so we can see how it's cut.

shiny

Veteran

You can try layering over it too. Sometimes a scoop neck over top will hold the cowl in place and from slipping too low/into a V. And a vest works really well for this as well.

Another idea: can you pin a brooch on it somewhere, strategically? To hold it where you want it?

Lori

(website)

My first thought was a pretty cami, maybe one with a little lace or something around the top to make it look a little softer? I found a couple of those camis cheap at F21 and get lots of use out of them. I like the thought of layering a button down with it too.

~ Lori

Anonymous

I have this problem with cowl necks and think the cami works. Usually it's black under black and not a high necklined cami, so isn't very noticable but does the trick.

shana

Veteran

Maya, I have the same problem (short shoulder to bust measurement + large bust) with some of my cowlnecks so I end up with a cami and try to stick with one that is the same color as the cowl just to make it look a little more streamlined. I have also tried the lace trimmed cami which I like for a slightly dressier look. I hate having to wear so many layers - especially in the summer. This is why sometimes I think, to h^%$ with v-necks being more flattering, give me a crew neck!!!!!

marianne

Aside from layering ideas, if the style allows, I'd try adding a few stitches to keep it in the desired position. Maybe even at the shoulder seam. I'd be curious to see pictures.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Let's see it with the cami. I wear camis under my cowls and do not have drape issues.

Maya

Veteran

Hmm, maybe I just have the wrong kind of cami. Mine are all straight-across types from Ann Taylor. I also have some with lace but that's too much stuff going on in the neckline (especially since I like wearing necklaces).

I will post a picture tomorrow. But this is the top in question (it doesn't look low here because I have it draped appropriately, but I swear that it gets REALLY low without me constantly fidgeting with it--2-3 inches below the top of the bust):

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_1301.jpg

I was hoping these would be tops I could wear on their own, without the extra layer in the heat, but I guess that remains a far away dream for me. Sigh. I know exactly how you feel Shana.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya! It looks fabulous on it's own. No cami required.

Maya

Veteran

That's not how it normally looks though. I have to take that picture later. I just used this one to show the color and style.