Bralettes have quickly become a go-to option of tops among women who are not shy to show a little skin. I think this is thanks to the casual sexy touch a bralette adds to any outfit. They come in both shorter and longer versions as well as a range of colors.
Whether you are pairing a cute bralette with a skirt or a pair of pants, there’s an additional sexiness it brings to an outfit, similar to a camisole.
So many of you might be wondering, what exactly is a bralette to begin with? And how does it differ from a bra or even a cami? Let’s answer these pressing questions first before we get into any bralette outfits and the different types of bralettes.
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What is a bralette?
A bralette simply refers to an unlined bra without underwires or a clasp. The British definition of the word states that a bralette is a tight-fitting crop top with thin straps. I think the most accurate description of this piece of clothing would be a combination of both definitions. A bralette is an unlined and tight-fitting crop top with thin straps and no underwires.
Many consider a bralette as a form of lingerie but not all of them are made the same and there are different types of bralettes. Some look more like a sports bra while others look more like a tank top. In today’s blog post, I would be showing you different ways to style these different bralettes to create sexy but cute outfits.
What is the difference between a bralette and a bra?
The main difference is a lack of wiring in a bralette. Some people actually wear bralettes as bras but for those who like more support from their bras, this may not be the best option. Bralettes are known for not having any underwires and so if you’re okay with having your breasts hanging more freely, then by all means, make bralettes your choice of bra.
Also, bralettes tend to be a little longer than bras and depending on your choice of outfit, this may interfere more with your look than a regular bra. They are also a great choice of undergarment to wear underneath backless dresses rather than wearing a full bra.
What is the difference between a bralette and a camisole?
A camisole is defined as a loose-fitting undergarment for the upper body, typically held up by shoulder straps and having decorative trimming. Camisoles and bralettes are more similar with a cami exposing less skin and acting more like a tank top.
Camisoles are typically styled in a similar manner to bralettes and I have post called 5 ways to wear a camisole if you’re seeking some outfit inspiration in that department.
Now that we’ve covered the most frequent questions with regards to bralettes, I would love to share some of my favorite places to shop for them. If you are looking to add a few bralettes to your wardrobe, I invite you to check out these options.
i) Amazon
Amazon offers a range of bralettes by different brands and one of the most popular ones is Calvin Klein. Their bralettes give a more sporty casual vibe and remind me of the ones Aaliyah used to wear. This triangle bralette would be a great option to pair with baggy jeans or cargo pants to create a sexy casual look with a 90’s vibe. It comes in a few other colors that you could easily pair with other items in your wardrobe.
ii) Nordstrom
If you’re seeking the widest range of bralettes in ne location, Nordstrom may be your best bet. They offer both strappy bralettes as well as ones with thicker straps which are great for women with larger breasts. THIS bralette by Free People features a lovely crochet design along with a crisscross back. It would be the perfect option to pair with maxi skirts or shorts during the summer months.
iii) Old Navy
If you’re on a tighter budget but would love to hop onto this fashion trend, I present to you THIS Old Navy bralette. It features thicker straps, which is great for my bigger busted ladies (C cups and above). The low cut adds additional sexiness so this is a great bralette to wear for date night.
iv) Everlane
Sometimes you really want your bralette to look and fit like a regular bra and there’s nothing wrong with that. A basic bralette such as THIS ONE would be great to wear under your t-shirts, with yoga pants or to create a casual look. I love the various neutral colors it comes in, presenting you with different options to spice up your wardrobe.
You now know some of the best places to shop for bralettes of different types. Now here comes the fun part. I would be sharing different ways to style a bralette under a shirt to create stylish outfits. Be mindful that bralettes are a sexy piece of clothing and so these looks are meant to be worn for less professional occasions.
1) Bralette with a maxi skirt
A great way to style a maxi skirt when it’s nice outside is to pair it with a cute bralette. This could be a pleated skirt or a cotton one. Consider going with a bralette in a color that compliments that of your maxi skirt. The balance between the cropped bralette and long skirt would be perfect if you’re looking to add just a little touch of sexy to your outfit.
Get the look HERE
Consider completing your outfit with sheer tops to keep the sexiness going but not show as much skin. For some more inspiration when it comes to styling sheer tops, check out my post: 7 ways to wear a sheer top.
2) Bralette with a pencil skirt
One of the best ways to create a chic look with a bralette s to pair it with a midi or maxi pencil skirt. You would be keeping things a little classy while showing off some of your curves in a body-hugging pencil skirt. For a casual look, add a denim shirt on top of your bralette and tie it at the front while leaving some buttons unbuttoned.
Get the look HERE
This would bring just the right amount of attention to your cleavage. You could pair a strappy bralette with lace detailing along with a black pencil skirt and a pair of high heels for a grown and sexy look.
Image source here
3) Bralette with high-waisted jeans
A simple way to put together a bralette outfit is to pair it with a pair of high-waisted jeans. Opt for skinny jeans if you’re going for a sexier look. Boyfriend jeans or mom jeans work great for a more laid-back look. A halter bralette works especially well with high waist jeans. Throw on a sheer blouse to cover your arms and make this look more stylish.
Get the look HERE
I encourage you to play around with different colors of bralettes. You could throw on a denim jacket to complete your casual look or add a sheer shirt on top if it’s nice and warm outside. A pair of white sneakers could be worn if you’re headed to a casual event such as bowling while a pair of ankle boots are a great option for a dinner meet up.
Image source here
4) Bralette with shorts
On hot summer days by the beach or pool, try pairing your favorite bralette with a pair of denim shorts and throwing on a kimono. This is such a simple way to create a head-turning bralette outfit.
You could also replace the kimono with a mesh top if you’re attending a pool party. Flip flops or flat sandals are great options of footwear to complete your overall look. This look also works with cargo shorts or linen ones as well if you find denim too restricting.
Get the look HERE
5) Bralette with high-waisted pants
If jeans are not your thing, you can always pair your bralette with a pair of pants. Loose-fitting pants paired with bralettes create the perfect look thanks to the contrast between the two garments. A racerback bralette would look great paired with flared pants, a button-down shirt and a bucket hat.
This is a fun way to make a bold fashion statement while being comfortable. A pair of white sneakers are the best shoes to go with this outfit. You could also swap your button-down for an oversized blazer to create another cute option.
Get the look HERE
6) Bralette with joggers
The ultimate casual look right here and one of my favorite ways to style a bralette. This sporty look works great with fitted joggers and a simple bralette. Save the lace bralettes for your skirts and pants and pair your simple ones with casual pieces in your wardrobe to create the perfect look.
You could add a plaid shirt on top or tied around your waist to create the perfect look for a trip to the mall or for karaoke night.
Get the look HERE
The right bralette needs to be paired with other clothing items to create the best bralette outfits. I hope that from this post, you have obtained lots of outfit ideas you can use the next time you pull out that black lace bralette.
See-through tops such as a mesh top are a simple way to style your bralettes if you’re going for a sexy look. To balance out the sexiness of your top, you could go for bottoms such as high-waisted pants or full maxi skirts. You can also wear your bralettes as bras if you don’t feel like wearing an underwire bra.
I invite you to check out my post: How to wear a black skirt for the ultimate guide on styling black skirts of different style and lengths.
If you plan on wearing a bralette as a top, check out my post: 6 Ideas of What to Wear With a Bralette.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen