The chic plunge

EVERY WOMAN needs to master the art of sophisticated, seductive dressing. Showing a little skin can be tempting, particularly on a night out, but it is imperative to do it in a tasteful way. This season, fashionistas are showing us how it is possible to have a plunging neckline, without looking like we are about to walk into a club at 3:00am. Designers are crafting beautiful pieces with this trend, particularly in lux fabrics. French fashion house Lanvin, creating a full length plunging neckline scarlet red gown. The piece features full length sleeves and a loose fit to balance out the neckline. To give shape, the fabric gathers mid waist for a knot, before cascading to the floor. Also in the red hue, celebrity favourite Oscar de la Renta created a plunging neckline dress with burgundy velvet. The piece features a minimalist cut with a hemline falling around the knee. The broad shoulders of the dress create an androgynous feel, offsetting the femininity and seduction of the deep plunge. Victoria Beckham, the wife of footballer David Beckham and mother to four children, is the absolute queen of power dressing. A piece from her line features a wool dark pink dress, with a low V neckline. The simplicity of the piece is set off by the impeccable tailoring, sure to look marvelous with a pair of sky high black suede pumps. And American designer Nicole Miller, whose bridal line is fashionably affordable and a must-see for anyone seeking out a wedding dress, created a beautiful gold sequin dress with a mesh plunge neckline. The simple cut and wide straps maintain the elegant feel. American actress Blake Lively, who is now wed to Ryan Reynolds, wore a stunning Gucci piece. The mustard yellow dress features a flounce skirt that falls just below the knee. The elbow length sleeves and colour offset the thin plunging neckline that extends to her waist. She elegantly paired with vintage-style yellow earrings and metallic pointed Louboutin heels. Reese Witherspoon, best known for her Oscar winning roll in Walk the Line about musical legend Johnny Cash, wore a tasteful bright orange Roland Mouret plunging neckline dress. The piece features white colour blocking on the side of the bodice with cap sleeves. She paired with block pendant earrings and naturally styled makeup. However – the best dressed award goes to Beyoncé and her sister Solange. Beyoncé wore a stunning plunging white jumpsuit paired with black block heels, while her sister wore wide-legged crème trousers with a tangerine orange plunge blouse. Beautiful ladies! This trend is pairing uncommon fabrics and simple colours. If you have a plunging neckline, keep the other tailoring conservative, either with long sleeves or trousers. To keep it sophisticated, stay away from other trends associated with seductive dressing: red, lace and satins. Keep your make-up natural, and your heels classic and simple. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda.