Do you dare wear an open back dress over 40? And no, I do not mean that the dress itself is over 40.
The plus side to a backless dress is that it (usually) allows you to cover your cleavage, which can start to look crinkly and, alas, just not that attractive as we age. An open back dress is a great option for sexy dressing for over 40s and 50s...
Unless you don't happen to have a pretty back. Some opt for back "facials" which is a terrific beauty treatment to give yourself (um, done by someone else), especially since it's hard to exfoliate back there! Back "facials" can refresh the skin and make it glow — an ideal start for wearing an open back dress.
But what about the obvious problem? Support. Yes, if you are over an A bra cup size, you will need support. Okay, I'll say it, and run the risk of getting yelled at later... otherwise it just looks trashy.
So, yes, there are bras for backless dresses, lots of them. You can find them everywhere from Victoria's Secret and Bra Smyth to your local department store lingerie section. The problem is, one open back bra does not fit all. It really does depend on the specifications of the backless dress. How low does it go? How far to the side is it cut?
Also, some of them are pretty complicated contraptions, with straps going up, down, sideways, and around the waist.... I've gotten tangled in them and needed help getting out (awkward!).
Adhesive Bras
To my complete surprise, I've become a fan of adhesive bras. No, they are not for everyone — over a D cup size doesn't really work, and some of them suggest stopping at C. But they really do help at stabilizing and offering support. Braza Bra, for instance, goes underneath the breast, covering most of the area, with tabs on the sides that lift it up.
Another company, Bring It Up, has adhesive arcs that anchor to the top of the breast, actually pulling it up, and making it look, well, perky. A friend of mine wears them in nightgowns to entice her husband when she's in the mood. There are a number of similar adhesive tape bra products that I suspect do much the same thing.
But again, upwards of a D, DD and higher are really relegated to the contraption bras if an open back dress is desired.
Allison Janney (above left), 53, looks stunning in a subtly sexy scoop open back, while Cate Blanchett, 43, has a sculptured futuristic gown — the open back gives it a more feminine, sexy edge.
Are you tempted to try an open back dress?
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