Spectrum and serendipity,
Yes I have to downplay my phyical assets if I want respect. I was always curvy, being of italian descent. Big on top, smaller waist, big hips. My daughter who is 13 is the same way. Most people can't believe she is so young, they constantly mistake her for a 16 year old. I have to watch what bathing suits I buy for her, even though she gets upset because she wants to wear the same styles as other kids. But, while her girlfriends look cute in some styles, she looks way too sexy because of her natural curves. If I want to look sexy thats ok, but there is a time and place for everything. And I think there is a such thing as sexy but appropriate and also the sexy sleazy look which I do not want to be mistaken for.
I remember a few times right out of college when I was working some office jobs, I would be talking to my boss or other men in the office and they would be totally staring at my chest. Now, I am not timid by nature (I am a native New Yorker though I live in MA now), and I would say as loud as I could "Hey buddy, the part talking to you is up here! (done in my NY, Italian accent) And then point to my mouth. They would usually get the point the first time, and after that make sure they were looking at my face and nothing below the neck when I talked to them!