If lockdowns taught us anything, it’s that life is hard enough without having to wear a bra.
I mean, I don’t know about you, but being at home saw me wearing way more bralettes, sports bras, underwire-free bras than I ever have in my life. Sometimes, I’d even go bra free. And honestly, there’s no going back.
We get that a good sturdy, underwire bra has it’s place — sometimes you need a little bit of extra support — but when you don’t, embrace that free boob feeling.
As we head into summer, comfort is key. So, with the help of Bendon Lingerie‘s advice, we’ve pulled together 10 different and chic ways you can style a cute bralette this summer.
1. Bralette Over a T-shirt
The T-shirt and jeans look has been synonymous with effortless cool since the films of quintessential bad boy, James Dean. You can add a touch of femininity to this androgynous style by layering a slinky bralette over a slim-fitted tee. Start with a high neck T-shirt such as a crew neck, as v-neck and scoop necks can distract from the look. Then, layer a sheer, lacy longline bralette like me by bendon’s Captivate Me Soft Cup Bra, and finish it off with a pair of high-waisted denim or a mini-skirt for the ultimate chic effortless look.
2. Bralette Over a Shirt
The white shirt epitomises minimalist elegance and now, you can give it an edge with the clip of a clasp. The K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) rule applies here. Opt for high contrast, for example, an understated and oversized buttoned shirt and a simple bralette like the Bendon Tara Soft Cup Bra.
3. Bralette Under a Blazer or Jacket
Time to redefine the power suit. Whether you’re rocking this look for a girls night out or a smoking hot date, you’ll feel empowered, look classy, and be sure to stop traffic. You can stick to black-on-black for the ultimate sleek vibe, with a lacy bralette, structural blazer or leather biker jacket.
4. Bralette Under a Sheer Top
With this look, you get to be a bit riskay, while keeping a little bit of mystery. Give a subtle hint of your lovely lingerie for an understated allure. Find more confidence with the added coverage to try a bralette style that shows off more cleavage, or choose a bralette that has an interesting crossover, or simply cute and dainty straps to add a touch of geometric cool to your look.
5. Bralette Under a Loose Shirt
Hot summer day? Style up your favourite singlet top, cutout tank or muscle tee with a touch of lace and colour. Think New York Central Park in the peak of summer, this loungy yet cool and casual look can be created with a pair of jeans, shorts or skirt. Simply switch up your shoes from sneakers to heels to groove from day to night.
6. Bralette Under Overalls
Overalls are always a vibe, and there’s so much creativity to inspire with this look. Whether it is colour blocking, cool straps contrasting or you’re looking for a fashionable way to flaunt your summer bod, you are the artist and the open back is your canvas. Most bralette styles will work here. You can try a sporty bralette for a more active vibe or a delicate strappy bralette to contrast with the utilitarian look of overalls.
7. Bralette Under Knitwear
Is this an ’80s revival you ask? Yes, but even better. There’s something about the off-shoulder look that’s casually alluring, especially when you pair a chunky knit with the lightness of a bralette. The slouchiness hums “I don’t care” but the bralette sings, “oh, but I do”. So, let your bralette do all the singing under that wide neck jumper or fine open knit.
8. Bralette Under a Button-Down Shirt
The button-down shirt is the most timeless piece of clothing you’ll ever own and it comes in all the fabric, colours and shapes under the sun. What’s also great about it is that you can extend your wardrobe by “borrowing” your partner’s shirts, too. Try a classic white shirt dress with a lacy bralette like the Bendon Tara White Bralette for smart-casual chic, or a loose linen shirt with a sporty bralette like the Lovable Intuition Soft Cup Bra for a more dressed-down look. Contrasting the sensuality of a soft bralette with a straight-cut or oversized shirt is key here.
9. Bralettes as a Crop Top
Since we’ve got an ’80s revival on the list, how could we resist addressing the ’90s! Bare midriffs will never go out of fashion as long as summer festivals live. Long-line bralettes are a fave with this fun look, and you can pair it with anything from high-waisted pants, shorts, mini, midi or maxi skirts. Try the bright and cheery Lovable Indigo Rain Long Line Bra in Sunshine or Camelia and live your best life on the dance floor.
10. Bralette With a Matching Set
Give your twin-set a bit of a casual twist, by adding a bralette into the mix. Whether it’s knitwear, prints, colour blocking or chunky lace…twin-sets can almost always be paired with a bralette, and give off cute, thought-out but not over-thought vibes. Our favourite is the open-shirt and matching pants look, with a little bralette to break up the look.
