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 twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.