15 Ways to Wear a Bralette With Everything
Whether you're new to bralettes or just looking for some inspiring new ways to wear them, here are our top tips—plus a few shopping suggestions.
Bralettes have been popping up—and peeking out—everywhere lately. You’ve probably seen them all over your Instagram feed, or maybe you’ve spotted one hanging on the rack in your favorite store. Even celebs have been getting in on the trend: Kendall Jenner wowed in a black lace bralette layered over a fitted white tee, Taylor Swift pairs hers with skirts, and Chrissy Teigen has been known to rock one, too.
At first glance, bralettes may seem completely impractical (too revealing—and what the heck are you even supposed to wear with them?) but that’s actually not the case. In fact, bralettes make the unwearable wearable. Ever wonder what to wear under an open-back top? What about an off-the-shoulder sweater? Or a sheer lace blouse? Believe it or not, a bralette is the answer to all of these problems.
What Is a Bralette?
If you haven't already been exposed to the bralette trend, you're probably reading this and wondering, “What is a bralette, anyway?” The answer is a little tricky because it’s more than just one thing. A bralette can be lacy, sporty, satiny, or even made of leather.
The best part about a bralette is that it doubles as innerwear and outerwear. You can wear yours in place of a bra (there’s no need to wear a bra under a bralette, unless you need some added support) or you can wear your bralette in public as a sort of mini crop top.
A bralette really proves its worth when worn under anything that has tripped you up before. Try it under a sheer T-shirt, peeking through a crochet sweater, and even as the perfect layering piece under a blazer. In short, a bralette is a workhorse, and one you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe.
How to Wear a Bralette
Need some inspiration to get you started? Below you’ll find 15 different ways to wear a bralette, along with outfit ideas, and where to shop for bralettes. No matter your style, bra size, or shape, you’re bound to find a version that works for you.
Peeking out of an off-the-shoulder top
Not everyone likes wearing a strapless bra, which makes wearing off-the-shoulder tops tricky. This is where a pretty bralette comes in.
With a sporty jumpsuit
An athletic-inspired bralette is the perfect complement to a sporty jumpsuit. You decide how much or how little you show.
Under a chunky cardigan
Who says an oversized cardigan can’t be sexy? Flaunt a lace bralette you want everyone to see.
Over a shirt
Too modest to wear one by itself? Layer a bralette over a white button-down shirt for a totally different take on the trend.
Under a shirt
Or reverse the look and let your contrasting bralette peek out from under a white button-down.
Wear a leather bralette over a fitted shirt or turtleneck
Tone down a leather bralette for daytime by layering it over a fitted shirt and wearing it with jeans.
To cover up cleavage
A high-neck bralette offers a little coverage and a lot of style when peeking out of a V-neck sweater.
In place of jewelry
A strappy high-neck bralette takes the place of a necklace when worn underneath a V-neck shirt.
With an exposed back
A lacy racerback bralette looks so much prettier than a bra strap when worn with an open-back top.
Shop: Strappy Bralette
Tucker + Tate Seamless Strappy Bralette: $16; nordstrom.com