Bras and Blazers: It's a Controversial Look, But I'm Into It
From the industry's undying love for Katie Holmes's knitted bra and matching cardigan from Khaite (aka bradigan) through to the rise of lingerie detailing across the spring/summer 2021 runways, there's a mood for wearing underwear as outerwear and is doesn't seem as brash or daring as it once did.
Back in the '80s, it was all conical Madonna-style bras and corsets. In the '90s, barely- here slip dresses ruled supreme. During the '00s, the mode was to purely and simply use any opportunity to flash your underpinnings. Think of Carrie Bradshaw's ever-present peekaboo bra straps or the Hollywood party girls and their visible thongs highlighted thanks to low-slung jeans. Now? Well, now there's a more elevated approach, and it feels like a trend I'd actually wear.
You can, of course, wear whatever you want, whenever you want—I would never go so far as to say what is and isn't an appropriate amount of lingerie to showcase in public. For my own personal style and level of comfort, I've found that the route many influencers are taking with this trend speaks to me: There's something about a smart blazer layered over a casual bra top that just feels sophisticated and surprisingly doable for someone who likes to be fairly covered up at most times.
Adding tailoring to a look is actually a classic styling hack. A pair of perfect-fit trousers with a tee always looks cool. A blazer thrown over a dress adds a certain something-something. This particular bra-and-jacket pairing works within a suit, with jeans, alongside cycling shorts (well, why not?) and with skirts too. You can opt for a more traditional lingerie-inspired finish with lace and satin, a sportier crop top or a knitted spaghetti strap version that many of the hippest design houses (aforementioned Khaite, Jacquemus, and Alanui) are backing for spring.
Keep scrolling to get some bra-and-blazer outfit ideas, and perhaps you'll also find it's not as risqué as it sounds…
1. Blazer + Knit Bralette + Tailored Trousers
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2. Colourul Bra + Classic Blue Jeans
3. Leather Blazer + Crop Top + Jeans
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4. Summer Suit + Sports Bra
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5. Evening Blazer + Bra + Slinky Skirt
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6. Bra + Layered Shirt + Suit
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7. Blazer + Bralette + Cycling Shorts
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8. Oversized Tailoring + Party Bra
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9. Criss Cross Top + Blazer + Joggers
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10. Bold Jacket + Jersey Bra + Jeans
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11. Tonal Blazer + Maxi Skirt
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12. High-Neck Bra Top + Suit
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Next up, the coolest spring outfit ideas.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
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