Why I Favour Modest Fashion (But Didn’t Actually Realise I Did Until Recently)

Why I Favour Modest Fashion (But Didn't Actually Realise I Did Until Recently)

A comment left on this post a few weeks ago by the lovely Samantha made me realise something about myself where my style is concerned.

This comment of hers really struck me in an “OMG, she’s absolutely right” kind of way:

 

I always admire the way that, as a woman with a more “ample” bust, you never have it the focus of attention. In evening wear and at Christmas events, especially, cleavage is often ‘out-there’. You, however, always look feminine and elegant, NEVER overtly sexy, always demure. Not “look at my boobies!!”, just “Look at my fabulous outfit!”. It is a real skill to balance a figure and give the illusion of perfection using clothes.

 

It goes without saying that it was, of course, a lovely compliment (lots of lovely compliments!), but the part I’m referring to was the fact that I never have cleavage as the focus of attention. I’m just “not that kind of girl”, for want of a better expression.

I could if I wanted. Without wanting to get all over-sharey on you (and this may come as a surprise to some considering some of the outfits I do wear that make me look less so), but I am a large-boobed lady: A 30F bra size, if you will. A tiny back with hefty breasts, and plenty of cleavage when it’s not covered up. Maybe a little TMI, but it’s information relevant to this post.

Not Dressed As Lamb | Why I Favour Modest Fashion (But Didn't Actually Realise I Did Until Recently)
Samantha’s comment reminded me of a couple of things said to me in the past about my style. I never really knew it before, but I actually favour what’s known as “modest fashion” – not on purpose, and certainly not for any religious reasons (I’m an atheist). It’s a totally subconscious decision.

 

I NEVER REALLY KNEW IT BEFORE, BUT I ACTUALLY FAVOUR WHAT’S KNOWN AS “MODEST FASHION” – NOT ON PURPOSE, AND CERTAINLY NOT FOR ANY RELIGIOUS REASONS (I’M AN ATHEIST).

 

This is one blogger who you’ll never, ever see in a bodycon or deep cleavage dress – Kim Kardashian style is not the sort of look I go for. If I were a celebrity you would never catch me in an extreme flesh-baring ensemble, even if I had an absolutely banging, toned and tanned body. Nosiree.

To explain:

 

The moment I realised I should change my style

Many, many years when I was about 25 and working in retail, I had a store manager with whom I really got on and respected. He was leaving for another company and chatted to each of the managers and supervisors in turn (I was the latter) privately before he left to say how much he’d appreciated our hard work, to wish us luck, etc. (Told you he was a great boss.) During our conversation, he asked me about my plans for progression in my career and what I wanted to do.

At the time I really had no other ambitions apart from wanting a job with more responsibility in order to earn more money, but he gave me two great pieces of advice which never left me.

Firstly, he said if you want to become a manager, you need to act like a manager first. Excellent advice.

Secondly – and this was not at all said in an inappropriate way – he said that, with the greatest respect, in terms of my working wardrobe he would advise me to adhere to the rule of “No armpits, belly buttons or cleavage”. Whether or not you agree with that totally is up to you, but I looked down at my 90s crop top and realised that showing off my (pierced) belly button and cleavage while working in a smart store in the heart of London’s Chelsea probably wasn’t appropriate. He’d never once mentioned my wardrobe to me up until that point (we didn’t have uniforms), but I knew he was absolutely right and it changed my way of thinking about my style right then, at that very moment.

RELATED  How I Like to Layer For Warmth AND For Style in Autumn/Winter

 

[AGE 25] I LOOKED DOWN AT MY 90s CROP TOP AND REALISED THAT SHOWING OFF MY (PIERCED) BELLY BUTTON AND CLEAVAGE WORKING IN A SMART STORE IN THE HEART OF LONDON’S CHELSEA PROBABLY WASN’T APPROPRIATE.

 

It was a light bulb moment for me, and the first time that I remember thinking that what you wear should be appropriate for the occasion, and nothing else. If I’d worked in a fashion boutique on the King’s Road a crop top might have been perfectly acceptable, but this was a classy furniture and homewares store – and pierced belly buttons on show at my place of work suddenly seemed quite inappropriate.

 

Why you’ll never see my cleavage

The other incident happened a few years ago after I’d been blogging for about a year or so. An old friend – male, someone I’d known for many years – messaged me to say well done on the blog, etc. etc. (It was one of those weird moments you realise that people other than your mum and complete strangers look at your blog – people that actually know you. People you haven’t seen for a few years but they get to see what you currently look like on an everyday basis.)

The comment may not seem like a compliment from a boy’s point of view, and to me it was neither flattering nor insulting, but he observed that for “someone with an ample chest” (luckily I know him well and knew he wasn’t being lewd) that I rarely showed off my cleavage. In fact, I never did.

 

FOR “SOMEONE WITH AN AMPLE CHEST” I RARELY SHOWED OFF MY CLEAVAGE. IN FACT, I NEVER DID.

 

I didn’t press him for more information (continuing a conversation like that with a male friend who is also straight could become awkward) so said Um thank you, I think? – but it did get me thinking. Or rather, it got me looking back over all my outfits to see if he was right.

And yes, he absolutely was. Discounting the bikini post I did last year (cleavage there is inevitable) the nearest I ever got was this post in 2014 where there was the merest hint of it. In fact it’s so subtle probably no one noticed at the time, but I remember thinking “Ewww no one wants to see that!” when I was editing the photos, and it worried me a little. And that was even after I sewed up the v-neck a little so the dress was less booblicious.

But if you compare my cleavage to what we see on the red carpet or at celebrity events, my style couldn’t be more different. Katy Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, Kelly Brook, any D-list reality TV star… It is far easier to find female celebrities that flash flesh than to find ones that don’t (in fact I was hard pushed to find a “modestly” dressed celebrity. Even two I thought were – Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman – have, in the past, flashed more cleavage now and then than I’d ever dare).

 

IF YOU COMPARE MY CLEAVAGE TO WHAT WE SEE ON THE RED CARPET OR AT CELEBRITY EVENTS, MY STYLE COULDN’T BE MORE DIFFERENT. IT IS FAR EASIER TO FIND FEMALE CELEBRITIES THAT FLASH FLESH THAN TO FIND ONES THAT DON’T.

 

RELATED  Pandemic-Related Life Struggles and Why I Neglected the Blog

Now don’t get me wrong – I am in NO way saying that these women – famous or otherwise – should not wear bodycon dresses or cover up their assets. Those who follow the blog will know I started the #iwillwearwhatilike campaign (and hashtag) because I believe exactly that: Women should be able to wear whatever they damn well please, regardless of age or social expectation. I do believe in dressing appropriately for the occasion, however – for me, at the office is not the time or place to wear a revealing bodycon dress with cleavage spilling out.

 

Women should wear whatever they want

But for a night out? Go for it, if that’s what you want to wear. (Note I also don’t believe women should restrict their style because of the sort of “unwanted attention” they might attract. The behaviour that should change in that situation is that of the men, not the women – but that’s a discussion for another day.)

Anyway – my point! The point is, I just don’t “do” revealing clothes. I’m simply not comfortable in them. I’m happy to show off my arms as they’re pretty good for my age, and when I’m more toned (not right now) I’m happy to wear a crop top or show my middle. But you’ll never see me sporting a crop top, shorts and high heels on a daily basis.

Why? I guess that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I just don’t know why. Is it a confidence thing? Have I actually been affected by comments in the past? I do remember having comments from boys about my growing chest when I was young (aged 14 I was already pretty busty, and fairly self-conscious about them).

I’ve just never wanted to show off my boobs. Some women do, and good for them, I say. I just know that personally, I’m super happy with clothes that make me look flat-chested (or, at least, less busty). It explains why I love dungarees, loose t-shirts and dresses with just the right fit to make my assets look a little bit… littler.

I also would be very, very self-conscious in a totally figure-hugging dress like the bodycon dresses I mentioned. Many of you left lovely comments for me about my figure in my bikini post (still blushing now about that), but even if I were back to the more toned look I had a couple of years ago I’d still want some part of my outfit to be looser. Back then I wore skinny jeans with looser tops or tanks with a full maxi or midi skirt. I once wore a tight midi dress on the blog, and looking back it just wasn’t me (I’ve never worn that dress since), despite being much, much slimmer than I am now.

 

It’s all about choice

So as always it simply comes down to choice and personal preference. And how great is it that in this day and age we, as women, have that choice. We can cover ourselves head to toe, or we can flaunt what we’ve got, whether it’s legs, boobs or bellies – or all three.

Choice is a wonderful thing, and I choose (slightly more) covered up.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW ABOUT HOW REVEALING YOUR CLOTHING IS? WHAT DO YOU THINK INFLUENCES YOUR CHOICES? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB – I THINK THIS WILL MAKE FOR A REALLY INTERESTING DISCUSSION…!

Catherine

P.S. Like this post? You might also want to read 10 Ways To Keep Fit in Your 40s (Or at Any Age)!

Share:

50 Comments

  1. 4 July 2018 / 10:42 am

    Women should have choices to make for their clothing and this makes them free to wear anything. This post makes me want to continue with what I want to wear. Thank you!

    Munira x

  2. 30 April 2018 / 8:56 am

    The way you explained modest fashion is so adorable and decent. When you need to look for the modest clothing just remember one thing go for the clothes that you are comfortable with. By the way thanks for telling all this.

  3. 29 February 2016 / 11:20 am

    I'm a bug bust girl too and never really went for revealing clothes in my 20's because it didn't match the style I liked. I was more fashion trend orientated then, and a lot of high fashion isn't cut for large busts. I also couldn't stand men staring at my exposed cleavage. Now at almost 40yo, I show off my bust more because I'm more comfortable and can handle (or deflect) the attention. Also, I'm around 10 kilos heavier, so for practical reasons a v-neck or a scoop neckline is more comfortable to wear.

    • 16 March 2016 / 11:54 am

      All such good pints, Lee – and I love that you wear what you want because of your confidence,and not because of how you think you "should" dress. Everyone has their own different reasons for dressing differently, and staying true to yourself is the most important thing of all! Thank for sharing xx

  4. 27 February 2016 / 7:04 pm

    How have I only just seen this a month late?!? Loved reading your thoughts on this topic, and reading the comments too. Also, your down to earth body confidence really comes through in your writing, which I really admire. If I have your body when I'm your age I'll be so happy!

    As for my thoughts on 'revealing' clothing – I totally agree that being appropriate for the occasion is the main thing. I'm 18 and if I want to wear a short tight dress in a nightclub, why the hell not! I work really, really hard in the gym and eat pretty healthily – not that body shape has anything to do with what you 'should' wear – so if I feel confident in a bodycon dress or short outfit, I'll wear it. In fact, midi length bodycon outfits are some of my favourites, as I like the way they show off shape without flashing too much skin and having the 'is my skirt creeping up?!?' paranoia! As long as you know which occasions to draw the line for, it's fine. I know when smart trousers and a nice blouse are the best option, and there are days when I'm feeling more sluggish and want to wear boyfriend jeans and jumpers too.

    I always enjoy your thoughts on body image etc.! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Lily x
    jolihouse.com

    • 16 March 2016 / 11:53 am

      Oh gosh Lily you're such a sweetheart – thank you!! You sure have a sensible head on the shoulders for such a young girl, and I think your approach is very healthy. Not least because you look after your health and fitness so well for someone of any age, never mind a teenager!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts my lovely xx

  5. 7 February 2016 / 5:03 pm

    Such an interesting read, thank you for sharing! I personally love to wear lower cut shirts, front and back, but I have small C cups and wear bras without a wire most of the time and the cleavage is not overwhelming. I just really like my upper chest/collarbone and back, and showing them makes me feel elegant (maybe it's the fact that I'm a dancer)! But I almost never wear short anything, and like to wear looser clothes up top or on the bottom. I really enjoyed this post!

    • 7 February 2016 / 6:08 pm

      Thank you Elizabeth for showing another side to this! It's wonderful that you love that part of your body and don't feel a reason to cover it up. I think the phrase about "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is very applicable here – some may say to me that my cleavage is nice (for want of a better word) and shouldn't be covered up, and while I don't think it's unattractive it's just not "me" to show it off. Ad it's interesting that you never wear short either… I love hearing everyone's opinions on this!! x

  6. 4 February 2016 / 11:57 pm

    I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now, but (I think) this is my first time commenting. Anyway, I just wanted to say that you've struck a chord with me here. I've never been one for revealing clothing, and certainly not in the cleavage department (the fact I don't actually have one is another story!), because it really doesn't suit my looks or personality. I feel self-conscious in it, and so I look uncomfortable, and in fact give the impression of a kid who has dressed in her older sister's clothes. I do think my legs are probably my best feature, so I'm happy to wear hemlines above the knee, but always with opaque tights or leggings, so that they are at least partially covered.

    • 5 February 2016 / 5:36 pm

      Hi Fran, and thank you for your first comment!! You're definitely right when you say it's about personality… I'm a pretty confident person but I'd feel really wrong with my cleavage out, like it's not "me". I'm glad you have a great feature that you love to show off, so keep rocking those legs as long as you want!

      Hope to hear from you again xx

  7. 4 February 2016 / 12:46 pm

    I was once told that if you'd wear it to a club or to garden / DIY etc, then it wasn't appropriate for work. Really useful advice when trying to figure out if something might fly in the somewhat conservative place where I work. Also, it's light-hearted enough to pass on in the odd moments I've had to mention the unspoken dress code to someone else.

    • 4 February 2016 / 4:06 pm

      That's a really good rule, Mrs T!! I love that those two pastimes are the total opposite end of the spectrum style-wise… And work is right there in the middle! Thanks for your comment! x

  8. 3 February 2016 / 6:15 pm

    Great post and a subject I go on about a lot. My size now is 36D. It used to be 36DD for the past year but fortunaly I dropped weight and it hit that spot too. Now the funny thing is that I always had a very modest bosom. Until I was 34. Then I gained some weight, which was good cause I was far too skinny and my girls just grew and grew. I always wished for that to happen when I was a little girl. Now I say "be careful what you wish for". As hardly any jacket or dress fits. It really pxsses me off. I would never have guessed that you were so well endowed. You hide it very good. Strange. As Suzanne says: it shows much more with me (and her) than with you.
    As for the cleavage…. it is a good thing I have so many wrinkles on my chest…. otherwise I might have been tempted to show just a little too much. I was never much of a cleavage girl or woman but then again, I never had much. The temptation to show when they finally arrive might have clouded my judgement. I actually like cleavage on a woman, but as you say it is a choice. Thank God.
    Greetje

    • 3 February 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Hmm your weight going up and down makes a big difference to most of us in the boobage department, doesn't it Greetje..?!! I love your "be careful what you wish for" warning to yourself! I can't say I ever wished for big boobies, I got them really early so I think I have my paternal grandmother to thank for mine ;))

      But yes – choice is good. Choice is great! Thank you so much for commenting, loved reading your views! x

  9. 2 February 2016 / 11:28 pm

    I'm kind of late to the discussion (my crazy traveling schedule) but what a great post, and very well written. I'm one who covers up as well, always have and most likely always will. I just feel more comfortable doing so. I must be another who enjoys "showing off the outfit" more than the body. After a while and with this many years it's just a natural step in choosing my wardrobe. But don't get me wrong, all you other readers, who feel differently, I never judge your choice of clothing and what you choose to bare, in fact, most the time I totally admire it.

    • 3 February 2016 / 4:25 pm

      Better late than never, Trina (there's no end time anyway, is there)! Thank you for the lovely compliment, I like what you said about "showing off the outfit more than the body"… That's a great way of explaining why I prefer dressing modestly, so thank you!! x

  10. 1 February 2016 / 8:09 am

    I too am not really the type to go too overtly sexy. Subtle sexy, with a hint & a glimpse yes, but the whole shebang? No thank you. I always say, my outfits need to permit me to sit or lay down anywhere, at any time (do you hear the timboy speaking here?). Certainly I don't want to end up pulling garments up or down all the time. But that's just who I am, I think. On the topic of cleavage, I don't like them hanging half out, however I do avoid too low cut tops because mine are small & humble and this gets really evident if I wear low necklines without adding a push up. V-necks are especially flatlining for me.

    And by the way, I too think you are doing a really good job at making the ladies look smaller. When you mentioned your size I was like "huh what?". Yes, I've seen the bikini pics back then, but still. This is very likely because they usually are not "in the face" all the time.

    Alex – Funky Jungle

    • 2 February 2016 / 9:43 am

      Oh wow I'm glad they seem smaller to you, Alex – I'm giving the illusion they're smaller so I'm pleased!! And yes, maybe people would think of me as much bustier if I were to show them off all the time… Just not me. Dressing them down is certainly a much easier option than a reduction, which I did consider a few years back!! Thanks for your comments! 🙂

  11. 31 January 2016 / 11:29 pm

    Great article, Catherine. I do see you as modest and ladylike, without sacrificing a bit of modernity. And you do look like a slice of heaven in a bikini too! I had a code for wherever I worked: nothing too low, too tight or too short. And in retirement, I prefer to cover most of my parts : >

    xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • 2 February 2016 / 9:41 am

      That's another good rule to abide by for work, Patti! And thank you, you are very, very kind…!! x

  12. 31 January 2016 / 3:15 pm

    I don't have a smashing figure but even if I did, I would never anything that would show off it either. Like you, it's just not my style. I work in a very conservative office (banking) and it always surprises me when I see someone baring their cleavage at the office, just feels inappropriate. Great post!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    • 31 January 2016 / 6:36 pm

      Oh I wouldn't say you don't have a smashing figure, Alice – even so the important thing is you know exactly how to dress it to look utterly fabulous (I mean, those legs)!! But yes, it seems you agree with me about the occasion appropriate thing… cleavage and office environment just don't mix IMO! Thank you sweetie x

  13. 29 January 2016 / 1:54 pm

    Really interesting post, Catherine! I also tend to get described as a "modest dresser", and am always seeing my outfits pop on on Pinterest boards about modesty, which always surprises me, because, like you, it's never been a conscious choice I've made – and I'm also an atheist, so it's definitely not motivated by religious belief, either! I think, as you say, it's really just about what makes you feel comfortable: I will wear bodycon dresses, for instance, but only if they have high necks and low hemlines: I'm almost completely flat chested, but my boobs seem to be very high-set (no idea how to describe it!) so even a normal v-neck, that would look perfectly "modest" on someone else will be really revealing on me, with my bra constantly peeking out the top, so I just avoid anything even remotely low cut. I'm not keen on anything too short either, although, like Porcelina, I'm more likely to wear shorter skirts etc on holiday – it somehow feels like the normal "rules" don't apply when I'm away from home, for some reason!

    • 31 January 2016 / 6:34 pm

      Gosh, yes of course, Amber – you are a classic example of someone who dresses very modestly but without screaming LOOK AT ME I WEAR LONG HEMLINES AND DON'T SHOW OFF CLEAVAGE!!!! You have such a distinctive style but it's never "obvious" (if you see what I mean) that you tend to cover up a little.

      And I've seen your bodycon dresses, they're still in keeping with your style. Hmmmm this is all so interesting…!! Thanks for your input! x

  14. 29 January 2016 / 1:04 pm

    I've definitely become more of a 'modest' dresser as I've grown older – I guess I'm just not comfortable showing off more of my body than I used to, which is weird because I'm actually happier with by figure now than I've ever been!
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 31 January 2016 / 6:31 pm

      Gosh you're another, Suzy – meaning another woman who chooses to cover up a little more… There are more than us than I realised!! Your description of your attitude towards your self-image sounds pretty much like a match for mine… Funny creatures, aren't we…?!!!!

      Thank you for commenting :))

  15. 29 January 2016 / 11:42 am

    I was never one to go for much cleavage, but now I dress very carefully because of a surgical scar, and I don't feel that limited not being able to show off my cleavage – in fact I don't like the obvious change in the way I am treated on the rare occasions I do wear a lower cut top. I've never understood the whole "Busty women must not wear high necks thing" either, it's so limiting and can be worked around as you show yourself so elegantly in that gorgeous checked dress! Red carpet fashion is often super tacky imho! I'd rather aim for ladylike too 🙂 xo

    • 30 January 2016 / 12:22 am

      Oh thank you Steff – that's interesting that the scar affected the way you dress (and the way you are treated by others). And yes I always thought I had to follow that rule about not wearing high necks, and when I *did* start wearing higher necks I guess it affected my confidence (in a positive way) so of course I looked better!

      Lots of interesting things to think about here… thanks sweetie! x

  16. 29 January 2016 / 4:04 am

    Wonderful post .. I always think you look like a lady 🙂

    Monica.

    • 29 January 2016 / 11:58 pm

      Aww Monica thank you – I know I do tomboy chic quite a lot but if only I could be Grace Kelly all the time, hehe 😉

  17. 28 January 2016 / 8:17 pm

    I don't have cleavage so this is not much of a question for me, although I have never liked wearing tight-fitting tops. When I see women who wear outfits with their breasts falling out of them I think, is that the best you can do? It has always seemed a short-cut to getting attention (says the woman who mixes plaids and stripes). I do absolutely celebrate the fact that we have the choice to bare all or not. Great post.

    • 29 January 2016 / 11:57 pm

      I think it takes guts to have them spilling out, Melanie(!!) – as you said it's choice, and choice is great :))

      Thank you, so glad you enjoyed the post! x

  18. 28 January 2016 / 8:16 pm

    Such a great post! I know exactly what you mean and agree with you. Thank you for sharing with us. : ) Ana

    • 29 January 2016 / 11:54 pm

      Thank you Ana – I'm so surprised at how many commenters think the same about themselves…!!

  19. 28 January 2016 / 8:01 pm

    Catherine….to say I am DELIGHTED that you used my quote is an understatement!

    I have to admit to worrying that I had offended you (in some way) because you had not replied to my initial comment.
    I do have a tendency to say exactly what I am thinking without really thinking it through first.
    I suppose some people would call it honesty, some tactlessness.

    I am also often guilty of sharing "Too much information"….a big mouth, so to speak.
    So when you did not reply I worried that perhaps I had hit a nerve or mentioned the "unmentionable".
    I know some people (women especially) can be sensitive about their bodies.
    I hoped I had not caused offense with my straightforwardness.
    So, you can imagine my delight at reading this post!!

    I also find myself favouring modest dressing. I do tend to be covered up and have never been a cleavage person.
    Although, I would struggle to make one!
    I sometimes "expose" legs (in summer) or arms and decolletage but never both.
    And, more often than not, neither!

    Another interesting aspect was some of your reasons for covering up.
    I think, as women, we have a tougher time being taken seriously and "getting ahead", especially at work.
    Despite HUGE leaps and bounds it can (unfortunately) still be a man's world.

    I can imagine the comments from boys when you were younger (I have had hair-raising chats with my son about such things) and they must have made you feel very self conscious.
    I did not have that experience in school (I was a late developer) but had plenty of sleazy men in my late teens and early 20's making a whole host of remarks/gestures, despite being fully clothed!

    We struggle (as females) to get a balance between being feminine/attractive and being valued as intelligent individuals.
    Men judge us and so do our peers.
    It is a minefield!
    Thank you for this honest post, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
    XXX
    Samantha
    fakefabulous.com

    • 29 January 2016 / 11:52 pm

      Samantha your comment inspired the whole post (yet again)…!!

      I'm so sorry I didn't reply to the original comment – not because I didn't want to, I just got so behind (and I get many more comments on the link up posts) that I never got a chance to go back to it. I'm kicking myself now!! But your comments were not taken AT ALL, I hope you realised from this post that I rather liked it, it was more observational (and hell – there's no denying that I got boobs)!!!!!!

      You're right – it is an absolute minefield. I think the comments from the boys when younger maybe affected me more than I knew; it's just not an area I want to draw attention to. But I know women who do: Good luck to them I say!!!

      So thank you for such a great comment (this one as well as the original one), I'd like to think it inspired a worthy post…!

    • 30 January 2016 / 3:13 pm

      I agree! We should be able to cover up or "get the girls out" as and when we WANT to. women should be able to make their own choices without feeling self-conscious or insecure.

      I have just remembered a funny story….

      I was out dancing at a club (in my very early 20's) post break-up.
      On a mission to have fun.
      I was giving it "large" on the dance floor…wearing my new plunge bra and chicken fillets, parading my faux-cleavage…feeling like a sex-goddess.
      I am enjoying the attention from a small group of hot guys.
      When I suddenly realised the REAL reason they were looking at me!
      My "chicken fillet" had slid out of my bra and was halfway down my top (I was wearing a body with boning).
      They were not looking thinking "Wow, check her out, she is hot!"
      They were wondering how on earth I had one large boob on the left and two small ones on the right!!! O oo
      The shame….
      Needless to say the Chicken fillets hit the bin that night and I resigned myself to my modest 32B's.
      Pride certainly comes before a fall. :oP

    • 31 January 2016 / 6:29 pm

      Samantha that story is PRICELESS!!!!! I'm so sorry but it did make me laugh, but it does sound like you got over it and (hopefully) see the funny side now…!! heehee x

    • 3 February 2016 / 6:08 pm

      Been there (well, similar), done that. Haha. I was 17 and had to get rid of the filling pretty damned quick, snuggling that good looking guy in the wardrobe (TMI). Never filled anything afterwards.
      Greetje

  20. 28 January 2016 / 7:27 pm

    I think elegant style isn't about revealing. It's more about enhancing your curves. I don't follow trends and it never crossed my mind to reveal my boobs. I actually find it unatractive. But that's me. I'm more about casual chic. I have specific shapes that I know suits me and play with textures and fabrics. Now thinking about it, the lowest I ever went for was a DVF wrap dress. I can't go lower than that. I just wouldn't feel comfortable!! Xkb

    • 29 January 2016 / 8:50 pm

      It seems many of you think similarly to me, Karolina – it has quite surprised me! I thought I was one of the few women with boobs that doesn't like showing them off. But as I said I'm all for us wearing whatever the heck we want: It makes life more interesting, doesn't it?!!

      Thanks for the comment, sweetie! x

  21. 28 January 2016 / 6:14 pm

    Very interesting post Catherine! I tend not to wear plunging necklines, but for completely the opposite reasons to you, as an A cup!! I think since I've been into vintage styles, I've automatically become more 'modest' – dresses tend to be midi length etc. However, the exception is that my passion for vintagey lingerie and nightwear means that now and again something a little bit more cheekily revealing appears on my blog. But that's just in the comfort of my own home, and I wouldn't wear a sheer nylon babydoll down the street.

    Do you think the British weather has something to do with it too? I get far more free and easy and wear little shorts and no bra when I'm on hols!

    xx

    • 29 January 2016 / 8:47 pm

      Hmm that's interesting what you say about the British weather, Porcelina – but then it doesn't stop girls wearing what I'd call the "Essex look" of bodycon dresses and short skirts…? Plus there there are plenty of towns up north where that sort of look is very common, so I don't know. Maybe I'm just a southern wuss, haha!

      Thanks for your input! x

  22. 28 January 2016 / 6:08 pm

    I'm totally with you on this! I've never felt comfortable showing off my cleavage, so I decided it's mine and no one else's to show. I love loose shirts, high necklines in dresses, scarfs, the whole nine-yards. I love your style-so keep it up!
    Katelyn // The Suitcase Blonde

    • 29 January 2016 / 8:40 pm

      Aww thanks Katelyn for the lovely compliment, that's interesting that you share the same view as me, but I'm glad (as I mentioned in the post) that we have choice! x

  23. 28 January 2016 / 5:03 pm

    This was so interesting. I remember being rather shocked at your bikini pics when I saw what a rockin' bod you'd been hiding so very well.

    For a woman in an F you are doing amazing at minimizing that. I'm just a 34 DD and seem to look much chestier than you when I'm wearing loose or baggy clothing. In fact, that is truly why I wear form fitting clothing. I don't want to look larger than I am. It defines where my body ends. When I wear oversized sweaters, or dresses not only do I find my chest looks larger, it basically looks like from my chest down is filled with more of my body turning me from an okay size into borderline obese. I've had people ask me if I'm pregnant before when wearing oversized clothing. Granted, that was a while back, I'm sure it wouldn't happen now as I'm past that age, but I can see that it left an indelible mark on my subconscious with my clothing choices. Probably as you mentioned, the same for you with the comments about your chest when you were growing up.

    Very interesting honest post.

    Will be sharing on my social media.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    • 29 January 2016 / 8:38 pm

      Oh gosh you saying I'm minimizing my boobs makes me so happy, Suzanne – thank you!!

      But that's pretty awful about what people have said to you, don't they always say you should NEVER ask a woman if she's pregnant – let her tell you! (Unless it's truly truly obvious and she looks like she's about to drop any second. Even then I'd be hesitant.)

      Thanks for your comments, really glad you liked the post! x

  24. 28 January 2016 / 4:14 pm

    I totally understand your feelings about 'modest' outfits. Like you, I'm not comfortable showing too much skin or cleavage, even though I like a v-neck (that is not too low) and a body skimming dress. I usually wear a tank top under a wrapdress and insist my skirts are knee-lenght. Anything too tight or revealing makes me really self-conscious, and I think clothes should be something you don't need to think about and certainly not fuss about. If something doesn't 'feel right', I never wear it again.

    • 29 January 2016 / 8:35 pm

      I know what you mean about some things not "feeling" right, Tiina – no matter how much people tell you it looks great, you *have* to be comfortable (meaning in your comfort zone), don't you…?

DISCLOSURE: Items marked* are PR products (I never accept anything I wouldn’t choose for myself) and my opinions are 100% honest. I also use affiliate links where I may earn commission if you click through and buy, at no cost to you.