Back in 2010, when bra straps were still a major “fashion don’t,” Allison Mercer created Strappy’s decorative and jeweled bra straps, which attached to a strapless bra. Since then, I have felt a little differently about exposed straps. When they are oh-so-pretty, why not? And, with the infinite variety of this spring’s side cut-out, low-cut, and backless tops, shirts and dresses, bandeaux and bralettes have taken the “exposed” concept even further.
What makes bralettes so different from the pretty bras already in your drawer? The bralettes that I have found are larger, more like a sports bra. So, they provide additional coverage. They also include attractive details that sports bras, because of their utilitarian nature, usually omit.
One that I recently received for my daughter is the crisscross cutout bralette from Simlu. This is absolutely adorable under a sheer-ish top or peeking out from a low-cut blouse. She can even wear it under her drape-y “concert” vests, which have elongated armholes.
The bralette is made of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex, so it is both comfortable and durable. And, there are so many cute colors! She chose teal, but other options include yellow, apricot, navy, black (shown) and cherry (pictured), plus many, many more.
Full disclosure: This particular piece is advertised as One Size – Shoulder: 6.3″ Chest Width: 11.4″ Length: 11.4″. However, it runs about a half-size small. The material does offer some give and is beautifully form-fitting, but it is definitely designed for a small-busted woman. Also, note that there is no padding or underwire support, so the bralette is much more like a sports bra than an actual bra.
Some of my daughter’s favorite ways to style this piece include:
- under a sheer white t-shirt or blouse,
- paired with a top that has an open or cut-out back,
- under a low-cut tank,
- together with a maxi skirt and a cardigan sweater, or
- under a drape-y or shoulder baring sweater.
The Simlu Bralette is available on Amazon for only $10.50. And, however you style it, this bralette is a fun, flirty way to embrace this spring’s skin-baring styles without baring it all!
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PHOTO: Used with permission by Simlu.
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this post. I did, however, receive a promotional sample of the Simlu bralette mentioned above in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers.
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