While I’ll allow 10 seconds for you to regulate your breath after reading the topic of this post and gasping from the very thought of exposing your mid-drift in public, the bra top (or, bralette) trend is incendiary, and leaving people in the dust that aren’t in the know. Roll your eyes if you must, this trend is definitely not for everyone. I’m still debating if I have the cojones to pull it off, and nervously gag when I think of doing so. However, many have (pulled it off), and many continue to do so. The damn thing just won’t go away.
Then…
Sure, we’ve seen this look before, over and over again as it reinvents itself almost every decade. However, for the majority of the audience reading this post, a good point of reference (one that you’ll remember) is the 1990’s when supermodels like Cindy Crawford sported those iconic, lavishly embellished Versace bustiers. Conversely, around the same time, sub-cultures expressed their own version of a loose-fitted, more bohemian, Courtney Love grungy deconstructed cropped top. The Spice Girls (RIP) and Britney Spears made them famous thereafter.
And Now …
Most recently – and perhaps, more notable than my friend, Nicole – Prada, Nina Ricci, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Betsey Johnson, Badgley Mischka and Timo Weiland are just some of the designers that featured this trend in their Spring/Summer 2012 collections, and correspondingly garnered the adoration of young celebrities and style makers from New York to Los Angeles.
303 Fashion Director, Tracy Bozarth, commented, “I would put together this look by focusing on the lines of the pieces. I would say a bralette is never OK alone unless it’s a fancy dress party and the attendee is going as a tart. I think this look can be sophisticated, but cut-offs and a bralette won’t do.”
I spoke with five celebrity stylists and national style experts that weighed in on the trend and gave their best tips for how to wear it.
- Your Body is a Wonderland. Well, it should be explained stylist, Heidi Meek. “Be sure that your body is in tip-top shape. What you need to consider is where you plan to wear your bra top. Sitting for example can be fairly unflattering even if you have the most toned midsection. You need to be aware of the skin that can fold below the bra top. Try sitting in the fitting room before purchase. Also, consider a spray tan. Baring your shoulders, arms and midsection is A LOT of skin. Being sun-kissed is never a bad thing,” she said.
- Top it Off. Fashion Ace, Kelsey Panicco, suggested, “High-waisted denim or trousers is a given. Try wearing it ON TOP of a sheer or opaque bodysuit, even while sporting your high-waisted shorts or trousers. Another great way is to wear a very low scoop or v-neck dress, that will display the sexy/creative cropped top bandeau, without showing your midsection or too much skin.”
- Day to Night, Do it Right. “For a comfortable look, a flowing pleated floor length skirt or a bold pair of cropped colored denim will work just fine. I do not suggest wearing this look to the office,” warned Colin T. McDonald, celebrity stylist and commentator. He continued, “Some of my favorite looks for this trend include a more formal presentation that can be achieved by pairing with a shapely pencil skirt or loose fitted trousers. Add a blazer or bolero style jacket to cover up a little more.”
- Master the Balancing Act. “This cool look best translates to everyday women by balancing the bareness of the top with a fuller or more covered bottom – this keeps the look chic and not trashy,” explained certified image consultant, wardrobe organizer and personal stylist, Lindsay Weiner. “Another great thing about this trend is that there are variations on the look. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a straight up bra top, you can opt for one that’s a bit longer and shows only a sliver of midriff or choose a cropped top instead,” she instructed.
- Don’t Hate, Variate. If you’re not ready to bare it all, try a variation on the trend. Jene’ Luciani, National TV Lifestyle Correspondent and author of The Bra Book said, “Take a sheer black top, tie it just above the waist, and wear a really pretty black lacy bra underneath. Just the right amount of age-approp peek-a-boo – a variation of the trend, that’s not blaringly obvious. Pair with high-waisted pants or jeans – but definitely NOT a mini skirt, cut-offs or short shorts.”
If you’ve learned one thing from this post, or from the undeniable fact that history repeats itself – especially in the fashion world – it should be that the bralette is back (again). As summer approaches and the weather heats up, the bralette is also a great option for the 303 Pool Party on July 1, in lieu of a bear-it-all bikini. I’ve selected some of my favorite bralettes at every price point to inspire your shopping.
Fashion Friday – What's the verdict on the bar top, ladies? Check out 303 —
*bra*
Loveeee this blog! The bralets are beyond adorable!