Once Controversial, This Trend Will Be the Coolest Thing You'll Wear This Spring

It's been over a year since Katie Holmes stepped out in her now-iconic Khaite cashmere bra and matching cardigan set. A photograph depicting the actress hailing a cab as her cardigan and strap fell from her shoulder subsequently went viral and put the underwear as outerwear trend back on the fashion map. Fast-forward to 2021 and the look's influence remains palpable—particularly on the designer circuit

Moda Operandi has reported a 30% increase in the popularity of bras for SS21 and found they were featured in 10% of all trunk shows (new collection previews and pre-sales), compared to 3% in the previous season. Essentially, it's a look that's only gaining momentum, and although it might not be considered a "mainstream" trend, it's certainly one that's providing hard to ignore, on both the high-end and high street shopping circuits.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

The big question is, how does one style a bra top? "The easiest way to wear the trend is with the straps and the top of a bra visible under a dress, as seen at Victoria Beckham," encourages editor Emma Spedding. "Or for those who are more experimental, try layering a statement bra over a shirt or shirt dress as seen at Simone Rocha."

So while it does present the opportunity to show some skin, it's refreshing to hear that this isn't the only way to channel the look—especially after being largely confined to our homes in 2020, during which we've played it somewhat sartorially safe.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Scroll below to see the likes of Victoria Beckham, Acne, and Emilia Wickstead's visions for the bra top trend, then proceed to shop our edit of the best tops out there.

SPRING/SUMMER 2021'S BRA TOP TREND:

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Acne
(Image credit: Acne)

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Emilia Wickstead
(Image credit: Emilia Wickstead)

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Victoria Beckham
(Image credit: Victoria Beckham)

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Celine
(Image credit: Celine)

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Jacquemus
(Image credit: Jacquemus)

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Simone Rocha
(Image credit: Simone Rocha)

SHOP THE BRA TOP TREND: 

Next up, 4 very specific colors trending at Zara, H&M, and Mango right now

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.