Bralettes are similar to camisoles. They tend to be worn underneath other tops due to their more revealing nature. Some consider bralettes to fall under the category of lingerie. Nowadays, bralettes can be worn as tops to create chic casual yet sexy outfits. These bralettes tend to be longer in nature than the ones you tend to find online.
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.
A bralette is normally worn as a replacement for a traditional bra however, in this blog post, I would be sharing bralette outfits for those of you who are interested in wearing a bra as a top. They don’t have to strictly be worn under a sheer shirt, you know.
Typically, if you’re wearing a bralette as a top, you won’t need to wear a regular bra underneath. The bralette should provide enough support on its own.
If you are going to be wearing a bralette as a top, do note that your outfit is going to be considered more casual. I would not recommend showing up to a formal event or to the office in a bralette unless it is well-hidden underneath a button-down shirt or a blouse. For the sake of today’s post, we are going to be focusing on more casual outfit ideas.
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Before we dive into the different ways to wear a bralette and what to style one with, I would like to share some of my favorite places to shop for bralettes. Most times, you would have to go to the lingerie section of a website to find bralettes. Don’t be alarmed if you can’t find them under ‘Tops.’ Keep reading to find out how you can easily put together a stylish look with your favorite bralette.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
Where to buy bralettes
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. I also love the lace bralettes they sell such as THIS ONE. These could be worn as a crop top and paired with skirts for a chic look.
ii) GAP
GAP offers a nice selection of more athletic bralettes that can be worn as bras or as cropped tops. I’m a sucker for a strappy bralette and so THIS one is a great option to pair with jeans a denim jacket. It comes in multiple colors so feel free to grab a few to pair with different bottoms in your wardrobe.
iii) Nordstrom
If you are looking for a simple bralette that offers full coverage and great support, check out THIS V-neck bralette by True Body. It’s a great option for women who are full-chested and worry that a triangle bralette with thin straps may not fully support them. It fits more like a sports bra and so I wouldn’t wear it with dainty pieces such as lace skirts.
iv) Everlane
Everlane is another great website to check out if you’re looking for comfortable bralettes. You could wear their Invisible Square-neck bralette under a sheer top instead of a regular bra. I love the neutral colors this seamless bra comes in – perfect to pair with see-through tops.
Now that you have an idea of where to shop for bralettes in cute designs, let’s talk about the cute outfits you can put together with one. By the end of this post, you should be comfortable rocking this fashion trend and ready to put together a sexy look with any bralette style.
What to wear with a bralette
1) Maxi skirt
A great way to style a maxi skirt when it’s nice outside is to pair it with a cute bralette. Feel free to play around with different styles of maxi skirts such as pleated ones or pencil skirts. Consider going with a bralette in a color that compliments that of your maxi skirt.
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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. Consider completing your outfit with a sheer blouse if you do not wish to how too 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) A pair of jeans
The simplest way to put together a sexy casual look with a bralette is to pair it with high-waisted jeans. Boyfriend jeans or mom jeans work great for a more casual look. A halter bralette works especially well with high waist jeans. Throw on a sheer top to cover your arms and make this look more stylish.
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During the colder months, add a denim jacket on top to keep warm yet sexy look. A black lace bralette would look great paired with black skinny jeans and a pair of heels. This is a great look for date night or to head out with your girls.
3) Cargo pants
One of the best ways to style a bralette during the warmer months is with a pair of cargo pants. This is a good idea if you don’t want your overall look to come across as too sexy. Choose a pair of loose-fitting cargo pants for a more casual outfit. Complete your look with a pair of white sneakers. Wear this look to head to the mall or for a coffee run.
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Of course if you want to create that sexy outfit, choose a pair of fitted cargo pants. A pair of heeled sandals are a great choice of footwear. Add a denim shirt or unbuttoned white shirt on top for an edgy look. Don’t forget the sunglasses and face cap.
4) A mini skirt
This is the sexiest outfit option when it comes to bralettes. If you’re not one to shy away from showing off your curves, then by all means. Choose a short skirt that flatters your waist to avoid unnecessary belly fat from spilling over. You can always opt for a longer bralette if you want it to look more like a tank top.
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A mesh top could be worn on top of your bralette to create an edgier look. Throw on a pair of ankle boots such as combat boots to take things up a notch. A pair of black tights could be worn underneath to add some warmth as well as edge to your outfit. In terms of bralette style, I would recommend one with a low cut if you plan on wearing a transparent top on top.
5) A pair of pants
One of my favorite ways to style a bralette is by pairing it with a pair of pants in the same color. This creates a monochromatic look that can be worn to semi-casual functions. You can add a structured blazer to make your outfit slightly more formal. High-waisted pants ensure less of your belly is on display.
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Complete your look with a pair of sandals or flats during the warmer weather. You could even opt for a pair of sneakers if you’re headed to a casual event. Some great lounge sets come as bralette and pants sets so this is a look you can wear to chill at home.
6) Shorts
Looking for an outfit you can wear during festival season? Try pairing a racerback bralette with a pair of denim shorts. You could add a kimono on top to make your look more stylish. Feel free to replace your jean shorts with bike shorts to still achieve a stylish look. A pair of sandals or flip clops compete this laid-back festival look. Don’t forget the crossbody bag and large sunglasses!
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I hope you have gotten some great style tips you can put to good use the next time you’re thinking about wearing a bralette. Remember that your lacy bralette can also be worn under your dress shirts and sheer blouses to prevent a wardrobe malfunction. For this post, I was focusing on the bralette top. Which of these looks was your favorite?
Do check out my post: 6 Ways to Style a Bralette Under a Shirt if you’re looking for how to style your bralette with a shirt.
I also have a post: 5 Ways to Wear a Camisole which would give you some outfit inspiration for styling a cami.
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Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen