The red carpet is currently dominated by a daring new trend that’s redefining daring necklines! We're talking about the “veavage,” a bold, V-shaped plunge that goes significantly deeper than traditional cleavage, reaching all the way down towards the navel. This striking style made a major statement this past weekend at the SAG Awards, gracing the likes of Kristen Bell, Jenna Ortega, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Paulson, Odessa A’zion, and Lauren Miller. Whether it was a whisper-thin top or a form-fitting second-skin dress, the veavage was undeniably the star. In a surprising turn of events on the red carpet, this deep plunge seemingly overshadowed traditional cleavage by a ratio of 2 to 1! We've also spotted this daring trend on other fashion-forward celebrities like Zendaya, Emma Stone, Elle Fanning, and Erin Doherty recently. Imagine a look that blends the edgy vibe of a boyband with the dramatic flair of a classic film, all executed with the precision of high couture – that’s the essence of the veavage.
But here's where it gets truly interesting: The real talking point isn't just the garments themselves, but what they don't reveal – namely, the breasts in their usual placement. The beauty of the veavage trend is that you don't actually need a prominent bust to pull it off. In fact, it's arguably more impactful without them, and definitely without a bra! While nipple tape might be a practical addition for warmth, one could also view it as a clever way to conserve fabric – a sort of minimalist fashion statement, wouldn't you agree?
We're living in fascinating times for décolletage. To criticize the display of cleavage can easily make one appear old-fashioned, while showing too much can feel like you're on the wrong side of evolving fashion norms. Consider the case of Lauren Sánchez, who at Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025 sported a skirt suit so low-cut it revealed not only her cleavage but also the bra top beneath. Then there's Sydney Sweeney, whose décolletage became a focal point, sparking debates that seemed to link her style to broader cultural conversations. One article even boldly claimed that with Sweeney’s look, “humor and boobs have returned,” as if these two elements were intrinsically linked.
A woman's décolletage often feels like a battleground in broader societal discussions, and the veavage trend suggests it's also being strategically employed by culture itself. Cultural analyst Bridget Dalton from Truth Consulting highlights the prairie dress as a prime example. "Think about the low-cut sweetheart necklines on those dresses that have been so popular lately. They're all about the bust, right? Accentuating your figure, framing your face – but fundamentally, it's about the breasts," she explains. "It’s no surprise that this then became the unofficial uniform for the 'trad wife' movement."
And this is the part most people miss: This could imply that wearing a revealing outfit that ultimately conceals the very feature it seems to highlight is another form of power play. It’s not necessarily about aligning with any particular ideology, but rather about subtly challenging the viewer. By wearing something that appears daring but reveals very little, you can, in a way, shame the observer for their gaze. Dalton suggests, "Veavage is cleavage plus privilege – it’s quite a 'bra-burning' statement and points towards a certain type of white feminism."
On the flip side, for many women, the presence or absence of breasts isn't a matter of fashion choice. While modesty might seem like an outdated concept in many contexts, to truly rock the veavage look, one needs to be exceptionally thin, possess unwavering confidence in that thinness, and, it seems, be affluent. Research indicates that individuals earning over $100,000 (£75,000) are more than twice as likely to be users of GLP-1 medications, which are often associated with weight loss. Dalton aptly describes the veavage as "a thin thing. And it’s about defying age. It’s super-human."
As with all trends related to the human form, the pendulum is bound to swing back. At the recent Gucci show in Milan, a highlight of the current fashion season, veavage was a rare sight, with only one notable example: a sea-blue lace halter top featuring strategically placed threadwork to cover the nipples. The next frontier for revealing fashion? Apparently, it's the bum crack. Exciting times ahead!
If you already have some deeply cut pieces in your wardrobe, don't fret! This isn't the first time V-necks have plunged to such dramatic depths. Back in its heyday, American Apparel was selling more deep V-necks than any other retailer, a trend now retrospectively known as “indie sleaze,” which itself is part of the broader social media resurgence seen around 2016. The key difference then? This daring style was primarily seen in menswear.
What do you think about the veavage trend? Is it a bold fashion statement, a commentary on body image, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your perspective!
