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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