I haven't worn a real bra in years and that's kind of the best thing ever haha. I just remember the days of my mom telling me to "hide my bra straps", so I love that bralettes are so cute that they can and should be shown off! Gone are the days of ugly bras and bra straps peeking out from under your clothes. Plus bralettes are usually cheaper then regular bras! I don't miss the days of wanting as much padding in my bra as possible, and now I just laugh about that. I'm so thankful the trend has changed towards a less boobalicious look. I love the boho style, obviously, which means less fitted clothes, more open backs, low cut tshirts, and all of that lends itself to having a good bralette! I have a whole dresser drawer full of bralettes, but it's taken a while to build up my collection because for one they can be pricey, and for two, finding super super cute ones can be challenging. Luckily, Three Bird Nest just launched a bunch of new bralettes and they have a crazy good selection at reasonable prices! I even wear a bralette on days that no one can even see it, because I find them so comfortable! Scroll down to read some Q&A about bralettes.
Below I'm showing some recent outfits I've worn bralettes with:
Wearing a bralette that has a fun back when wearing an open back dress: (grey Three Bird Nest bralette; here's a similar bralette since they don't carry the one I have anymore)
I used to hate open back shirts or dresses, because how the heck could I wear a bra with that?! Now I actually want an open back top so that my cute bralette can be shown! So don't be afraid of open backs next time you're shopping. Just keep in mind what kind of bralette you'd want to wear with it.
Need to wear a bra with a low cut romper? Wear a strappy bralette instead so your bra accidentally doesn't slip out: (rust colored Three Bird Nest bralette)
I could totally go braless with this romper since I don't have a ton going on in the bra region haha, but I know some people feel uncomfortable or do need the support. With some many strappy bralettes now, you can totally pull off a low cut shirt or romper by wearing one. There are usually a lot of colors to pick from, so I usually stick with bralette colors that I know will go with most clothes.
An alternative to a necklace is a high neck bralette, if you want to keep your accessories to a minimum but still make a statement: (high neck Three Bird Nest bralette)
Sometimes you don't even need to wear a bralette for any reason, but they can just be worn as an accessory. Here I opted for a high neck bralette instead of a necklace. I seriously want this bralette in all 3 colors in comes in because I love it so much!
Low cut basic t-shirt that needs a pop of color: (pink halter bralette from Urban Outfitters; similar bralette from Three Bird Nest)
I'm really into low cut, basic t-shirts with the intention of wearing a bralette underneath. I buy cute bralettes, then find shirts I can wear them with.
A see through shirt means you can't wear a regular bra: (white bralette from Three Bird Nest)
I think this is one of the most challenging shirts to wear a bra with until the bralette became a thing. Years ago, I probably would have worn a cami under this shirt, but not been fully happy with the look. Thankfully bralettes give you options for these kinds of shirts. Since this bralette is white like my top, it almost looks like its part of it. Another option is to wear a strapless bralette, in nude or white.
Adding a bralaette with an off the shoulder tshirt: (high neck Three Bird Nest bralette)
I'm a big fan of graphic t-shirts, and I usually buy them a bit oversized. To make this outfit more fun, I added a bralette and a choker. Accessorizing a basic shirt and shorts outfit can make a big statement.
Wearing a bralette a crop top with high waisted shorts: (crochet bralette from Coco & Jameson, from Plato's Closet; similar crop top bralette from Tobi)
Ok, not all bralettes should be worn as crop tops, but some can be! I have a crop top that I wear a bralette too, so they can be mixed around. When bralettes have a design on them, more coverage, or a unique style, I totally rock it as a crop top in the summer with high waisted shorts or a high waisted skirt.
Q&A
Q: Do you wear a strapless bra under your bralettes?
A: No I don't, but I know some people who do depending on the bralette. I don't need that extra support or coverage, so I'm fine without it. If you feel like you need more of a lift, I'd suggest a tighter fitting bralette (stay away from the lace ones or fully open back ones). The halter styles and high neck ones offer the most support.
Q: Where's your go to place to shop for reasonably priced bralettes?
A. Three Bird Nest has tons of new styles and runs sales quite often! I also find them from time to time at my local Plato's Closet.
Q: Do you ever wear a real bra anymore?
A. No I don't! I actually don't even own one haha. Bralettes have completely replaced them and I'm so ok with it!
Q: How do you wear a bralette without feeling like your bra is just out? Any tips to feel covered but trendy?
A. I think this comes down to getting the right bralette for you. Certain bralettes look more like undergarments, while others look almost like a crop top. If you feel uneasy about it, stick with ones that have more coverage and a more shirt like look. It also may just take some time to get used to, so try it out and you'll start feeling more ok with the fact that people can see your "bra"! The lace ones look more bra like also, while the plain fabrics ones just look like you're layering with some sort of undershirt.
