Would You Wear… a Visible Bra?
Here’s another trend for you guys to debate in this week’s installment of Would You Wear.
Celebrities, models, and style bloggers alike are jumping on a hot summer trend.. showing off a lacy bra under clothing. The visible bra look has been in and out for years, but it’s especially trendy right now, appearing in many a fashion editorial this season. It’s caught on with bloggers and celebs too: Rumi from Fashion Toast has been rocking this look constantly over the past few weeks, and just today Rihanna was spotted wearing a hot orange lacy bra under a cute button-down top in NYC.
Personally, I think this look is cute and fun for summer, so long as it’s worn the right way. A lacy bra worn under a loose, basic top is sexy and fashion forward, while a satin push up bra hanging out of a too-tight top is NOT. This trend has the potential to go very wrong, very fast, so it’s important to make an effort to wear it right if you’re going to attempt it.
What do you think? Would you rock a visible bra? Or will you leave this one to the models this summer? Do you think there’s a right and wrong way to wear this trend? Post a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Posted on on June 30, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Blogs, Bras, Celebs, Rihanna, Summer 2009, Underwear, Would You Wear?
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emma
Not only is this trashy in so many ways, it also is not very flattering. Because you need to wear it with a looser top, you lose any shape you may have. If you don’t have the shape- you shouldn’t be trying the trend anyway.
I think it looks awful, and I wouldn’t wear it. It’s def a trend for celebrities and models to stick to.
Elle
I don’t think it looks bad on everyone. But I feel like it’s just one of those things that only certain people can pull off. I think Rihanna looks great. And Rumi is always fabulous. I too have noticed she’s been rocking visible bras a lot lately. But I think it looks really good on Rumi. She has the look and confidence to pull it off.
Even InStyle recently suggested letting your bra peek out of a top. Although, that’s different than it being completely visible. I think you should leave something to the imagination.
I myself would not wear a visible bra. It’s not really my thing. Not to mention, I live in a small town and I know I would get all sorts of crazy looks from people!
Elle
It’s actually now reminding me of when I was in high school… I used to always wear this hot pink bra underneath a white shirt. Haha. I thought it looked cute I guess.
But when you think about it… In a way, it’s just like wearing a shirt over a bikini top. Which is something a lot of us would do. I think maybe some people just think about it differently when it’s a bra, not a bikini.
Kristen
I definitely like the look when done tastefully. I would try it!
Jane
Not for me, but if you have the look and confidence to do it, why not?
Missaa
I think I would!
Casha
I’m not entirely sure I could pull it off, but I think it looks great if done the right way.
candice
I like it :) What lots of girls are doing now as well – instead of the lacy bra, a bandeau top underneath a loose tank?
So, I don’t know – I don’t really find it that trashy! Dig.
Jessica
I would try it! :)
Alicia
I would try it. =]
I think it true that it looks trashy on some girls but mostly… i think it just looks cute!
And i think that it’s all about balance… if you wear it and let it be the focus of your outfit while making the rest more toned down and a little more covered up then it doesn’t look slutty. But if you wear a really tight shirt with your bra showing and a supper short miniskirt with hooker heals then yes, that WILL look slutty. However, as long as it is done tastefully, it is a really cute trend and i will most definitely try it.
Elisabeth
I think bandeau bras are the best for this situation – they are still risque to keep that sexy edge but are not as close to the cusp of a hooker appearence than regular bras. I think the visible bra with a button-down shirt is too reminiscent of a porno but I am favorable to the “btw I’m here” bra beneath a loose tank top. I usually try to avoid showing bra straps unless they’re colorful and add to the color scheme of an outfit.
Jennifer
I don’t think I’d wear it personally, but there are a couple of times when it doesn’t look too bad. i’ve noticed at a local store that they are selling tube tops that only go around the breat area in bright, day-glo colours. I think they might be for use with this look and it might look good, but personally I’d prefer not to show my undies while I’m wearing clothing.
Sherin
This is an interesting one. I don”t know if I’d do it personally, but I have to admit Rumi really puls it off. I’m not to sure how much I like it on Rhianna though.
Luinae
I think if it’s well done and tasteful, it would be pretty good. Although it kinda reminds me of beach cover-ups. And a lacy bra peeking out of a shirt would be o.k, but others may become trashy. Not lovin the look on Rihanna
lalalanifarley
yesyesyes. I think worn properly it gives off a great urban city girl vibe, but choose when and where you wear this trend…it can easily become very trashy.
justbex
I am by no way trying to sound like “modest mama” but really? Showing of your UNDERWEAR? Its just not cute. We wear bikinins…to swim in yes. It is hot, and u r in water…there is a purpose for the bikini.
I just cant see any purpose for this fashion trend other than to say … “hi…here is my bra…isnt it cute to see me not fully dressed?” Just kinda looks trashy in my humble opinion.
Little Red
I don’t think the look is always trashy. I think it could look very stylish if done in a tasteful way. I think Rihanna looks fabulous by adding a splash of color with her orange bra. And Rumi always looks great! That girl can truly pull off anything!
I think as long as you have the confidence and the look, you can totally work this trend.
Although, I’m not sure I will be rocking a visible bra anytime soon. Much like Elle said, I took live in a small town and don’t need the crazy looks!
Maria
No no no I wouldn’t wear this where I live. But on vacation, at the right place, I’d try this look. Rihanna’s orange bra looks kind of trashy.
btw, the link to Rumi is faulty. it should be http://www.fashiontoast.com, not fashionstoast.com.
Winnie
I’m sorry, but I really just think this looks trashy and awful. I think it is something that celebrities can maybe get away with, but for “real women” I don’t think it works so well. What happens when you are wearing this around campus and run into one of your professors, or an employer? Maybe it is edgy in terms of style, but I don’t think it’s really appropriate. I doubt most people would want to go somewhere with their underwear sticking out of their jeans, so I don’t really see how it is ok for your bra to be showing under your shirt.
Ista
I’m a little old school when it comes to this. My mom always told me never to let my undergarments show. So, I couldn’t bring myself to do this trend. I like the small bandeau tops that look like strapless bras underneath a tank top. I just couldn’t bring myself to wear my bra out in public like that.
Zephyr
It’s so interesting to see all of the different opinions on this one! I think in general it’s probably easier to pull off in a city where everyone’s so diverse – those of you who live in small towns seem to dislike this trend more, which is totally understandable!
Oh and Maria, I fixed the link, thanks for letting me know! That’s what happens when you write a blog post right before bed.
Calico
If done right, I’m pretty sure it’ll be just fine :) I’ve done it a few times myself, but only when going out clubbing or partying. I can understand why some people qould consider it a bit ew-ish, but I live in a city where just about anything goes in the summer. Then again, I could just be the weird minority; me and the lappy are actually sitting in front of a window with me wearing a bra as a top right now. It’s crazy hot out.
Little Red
I agree, Zephyr. It probably is a lot easier to pull off in a city. I think people can get a way with a lot more fashion-wise when living in the city. Although there are fashionistas and risk takers in small towns, there aren’t many where I live. If you’re willing to deal with the crazy looks, then go for it! Haha!
The people where I live definitely aren’t the most stylish. I might give them crazy looks sometimes for their outfits. And I’m sure they would do the same to me!
Trisha
Yeah, not sure I’d go for it myself, but those pictures are pretty! I think I might try the fluorescent tube top under a loose or low tank, but that’s the limit. These pics make me think I should update my bra collection.
Jenny
I’ve worn it before like the girl in the third pic. I don’t like the rest and wouldnt wear it like them but I like letting cute straps and the corners of your bra peek out over a loose top.
Quinn
not a fan. I figure you can accomplish the same look with a camisole under a shirt and you don’t have to let your undies show. They’re called undies for a reason after all. just me…
Jojo
I like it, but I can see why people are skeptical about it.
It could either look awesome or awful.
It all depends on the bra, the outfit, the girl ….
I would probably try it though …
lucy
I would like to try if I find the right outfits fit BRA:)
chickdowntownLee
I’m into it. It looks more promiscuous, but fashionable.
Emily
I think that you already have to have a certain style before you could try this look. I personally dont like it at all and coming from an attitude where I’d like to look classy, not cutting edge, i wouldn’t look right trying it.
But if you come from like a punk rock look or something harder, you could possibly do this look without people batting an eye. Maybe. I definately dont think its sexy though — at least not sexy in a classy way.
Celebs get away with alot of stuff that would make normal people look like uhm ‘women of the night’ haha
justbex
Emily….I honestly just had a moment there with my H2O going out the nose at your “woman of the night” comment. Way to cute. lol
As for the bra thing, my previous opinion still stands. I was a flight attendent internationally for a while and have been to many many MANY places and can say in honesty, I didn’t see alot of women ever trying to show off their underwear. :)
However for those who would do this look, the first picture above is the best…so maybe go for it in that way? Rihanna looks trashy…and the third chika kinda looks anorexic in my humble opinion. The first girl looks a lil gothic and more edgy, which makes it seem more like it is a “look” instead of an accident.
charlotte
I think it would look cool as long as you can pull it off. I would wear one with sparkles or sequins on it so people know it’s not an accident that my bra is showing.
nikki
I would maybe because I have small boobs and I can get away with it I think its cute and sexy
Arielle
I think it’s tacky for the most part.
Arielle
Although I think Rihanna looks alright. It looks more like a bandeu top. But I hate the first and third pics. I know I’m going to get slapped for this but….I think Rumi looks tacky and trashy nine times out of ten…
*runs and hides*
Rayna
leave it to models, honestly. I know you don’t think body type should affect what you wear, I think you really have to be pretty thin to pull this one off.
Jen
I agree with Arielle. I browsed through a few pages of Rumi’s blog and find her style to look “trashy,” using the most polite term I can. I dread to see more girls following this “trend.”
Perfection Is Human
The only reasons this is being called a fashion trend is because celebs can get away with the most ludicrous outfit choices… creative licence and all that ;)
Let be honest, if you walking down your street and saw a girl dressed like Rihanna in the mid pic, what would you think??
Underwear on dispaly screams trashy :(
amber
Never. Ever.
Somehow i dont think showing people your underwear is cool. What next – wearing panties outside? It’s sending a very, very wrong message.
Can you imagine some kid pointing at it and asks “Mommy, what’s that?”
Allie
I feel like if i saw a non-celeb wearing it i would think she had a rough night. it reminds me of the walk of shame XD
i think celebs are more privileged when it comes to the trends they can pull off, but this one they are welcome to keep. i try to avoid looking like i just rolled out of someone else’s bed (when i can! XD), but some girls take pride in that so i guess its just a matter of how you want people to perceive you.
Kimi
Regardless of whether you have the confidence to pull it off, IT’S SO TRASHY!
chickdowntown.com Angie
Honestly, I wouldn’t wear the visible bra. It just looks sloppy and anything but put together. Some celebs can rock it in photo shoots and such but out on the streets? Big no-no.
Kortnee
A little bit of lace is kind of sexy, but it’s such a small gap over to Skankville that I don’t think I’d risk it.
Adele
I think its perfectly fine!
especially if you wear a strapless bra underneath so youre not loosing support. I went to two clubs & a party and for allof them I rocked the bandeau underneath a loose tank, in contrasting colours. Got alot of compliments.
Def not trashy, cept if its a normal bra under some random shirt..thats showing, THATS not cool.
Samantha
okay, so after reading comments posted here, i have a few of my own to make…
1) some of you have said that a bra is not okay to show but a bandeau is. what?! if anything, i think a bandeau is worse because its not structured and therefore you hang out all loosy-goosy and nippy and stuff. i think that wearing a structured, coloured bra that is detailed and fits well is a lot better than a flimsy piece of fabric.
2)yah okay, not everyone can pull this off, but that’s true of many fashion trends. i mean, lets be realistic, if you’re pretty well endowed in that area, showing that much skin is probably not a good idea and will look trashy.
basically, i think pulling off a trend like this depends on your body structure and style choices.
Alex
Hhhmmm…I don’t think I’d wear it. I would feel very uncomfy with my underwear peeking out.
=)
Miley
I would wear a visible bra as shown on the picture on the right out in New York City at night probably but not at other times. And I would wear something like Rihanna’s outfit on vacation, but probably not a bra, instead I would substitute it with a bathing suit top.
Mani
This look is adorable on the runway, but I would NEVER sport this in public. Only Carrie B can get away with a look like that and she’s not even real! It can be done tastefully, but if it’s not done exactly right you’ll look like a street walker. Not cool.
Valeria
I loved the thrid pic! I think she can pull it off in a very chic and classy way ^^
But uugh the first picture looks,… I don’t know… not so classy
Rihanna looks just fine.
That shows me how hard is to pull this trend off :P But I’m definately gonna try! Who knows :)
Allizhon
To me, this look says “I didn’t put any effort in this morning, so I’ll make up for it by showing too much so all the guys go gaga over me.” Especially in the second and third pictures. Sometimes, I have to put off wearing a top because I don’t have a bra available that will go neatly with it. I suppose wearing a tube or bandeau top over the bra to conceal it, but underneath another, looser shirt would be okay, but I wouldn’t wear it even then. I prefer to wear tanktops with a bit of lace at the top if my bra is at risk of being seen. :) Modest, yet cute, I think.
Chiara
I don’t think it’s a bad thing but I wouldn’t purposely wear it. It would be more like a “I need one item from the store and I am spending the rest of the day at home” look.
naomi
I think its really hard to pull off,but the pictures all look great.I personally wouldn’t wear it cause I think you have to have a certain style or it looks trashy
Sophie
People with smaller boobs can pull this off, but if your on the bigger side, i think its just looks like your trying to get attension
x
danielle
I love this. The key is to keep everything else somewhat basic and simple so that it’s clearly a purposeful thing and doesn’t look sloppy (of course in my opinion, at the end of the day the rules are there are no rules… but in general, I guess). I would definitely try it, but carefully.
astrid
I think it looks really cool on Lily Donaldson and Rumi, but then again they can pull off most looks. I don’t like it on Rihannah..But I’ve never been a fan of her style, so that could be why. I don’t know how it will work “in real life” but I’m definitely willing to try, but like in a subtle way like Rumi. I have to say I agree with Sophie, it’s propably harder to pull this off if you have big boobs, simply because it’s easier to look sexier with big boobs (and trashier…). But most importantly if your going to try out this trend: confidence is the key, as it is with most other things… Because unless your living in NY your going to get som weird glances. But thats their problem, not yours. ;)
xo
maggie
regardless of how cute the shirt or bra is or how confident or shapely you are or are not, it’s still trashy. it’s perfectly possible to look nice without hanging out everywhere. so i definitely wouldn’t.
Elizabeth
I’m kind of confused here….in your article entitled “8 Fashion Rules you Should Follow,” you say that visible undergarments are never ok, and that if you are going to wear a white shirt you should wear a nude bra. Which is it?
Madison
No. This is never a classy look.
katy
Its not classy, but it is sexy. I love it, a baggy white tank top with a black lacy bra and jeans just give you a bit of sex appeal if you are someone like me who doesnt like mini skirts
Amanda
Models only, this one is to easy to have it all go wrong
Ashley
I can’t believe that this look is actually a trend. I mean, come on! This look is totally TRASHY! This look doesn’t work on anyone.
farmgirl
I would totally wear this, I have been looking for a nice lacey bra to do exactly this. It can look really nice and kind of understated sexy…just having the lace peek out from a cotton tank or tee
aish
nice
but i prefer showing the lacy ones from the side of a loose long tank top