Yes, You Can Wear Bra Tops as a Chic Adult—Here's How

While we’re of the opinion that you should wear whatever you please, we can also admit some coaxing is required for certain trends or looks. Confidence isn’t always infinite (as much as we’d like it to be), and there's one item that most of us could use some how-to-wear guidance on: the bra top.

Although they've been on the trend agenda for some time and don’t seem to be going anywhere this summer, many understandably have reservations about wearing something akin to their smalls in public—not just on the beach but in the city, too. 

We’re here, however, to quash those fears before you have time to talk yourself out of bra tops for good. Instead, we’ll show you how to wear them in the most grown-up of ways, with a little help from some trailblazing influencers. Keep scrolling to see six bra top outfits so good, you’ll be tempted to never wear a full-length tucked-in top again. 

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(Image credit: @naninvintage)

Style Notes: One of the sleekest ways to wear a bra top is underneath a suit jacket, as evidenced by Nan Nin Vintage. Just add a gold chain necklace. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Offset the inevitable skin that'll be on show on your top half by balancing it with a midi or maxi skirt on the bottom. Stick to a particular colour palette for the chicest approach. 

Related: Winter 2019 Trends: The Only New Fashion Looks You Need to Know

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(Image credit: @rikkekrefting)

Style Notes: Volumised city shorts offer an interesting play on proportions. Give it a Miami Vice spin with oversized sunglasses and a belt in a shade that matches your bracket.

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: Neon is big on the style agenda this season, and it looks its classiest when worn with neutral tones, as seen on Ada Oguntodu. Once again, wide-leg trousers will make for an interesting contrast to your fitted top half. Throw a blazer over the top for the perfect city attire. 

Related: The Hardest-Working Staples to Buy Now and Love Forever

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

Style Notes: Bra tops needn't stick to simple silhouettes—Tiffany Hsu's oversized bow style makes a real statement. Give it a casual spin with a straw tote bag and relaxed-fit, peg-leg trousers. 

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: If the thought of wearing a bra top on its own proves too daunting, instead layer a mesh long-sleeved top over it and tuck into your favourite denim. That way, you still get the full effect of the bralet while the transparent top provides the feeling of more coverage. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Pay homage to the sporty vibe of a cotton bra top by pairing it with some knee-length cycling shorts, much like Emily Ratajkowski. Open-toe mules and an oversized blazer add polished while an effortless updo finishes the look. 

Up next, 10 epic summer holiday outfits I wish I'd worn first.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews 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, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.