As I was out shopping with my girlfriends this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice that a fellow shopper browsing the accessories display had made a serious fashion faux pas. “What is that?”, I thought, “a black bra beneath a white tee?!” Oh dear. I then started thinking of the rules of bra-wearing and thought that the information begged to be shared. Here is what you should know about wearing a bra.
DO: Keep your bra on the down-low. Black bras are meant to be worn with black tops. Period. If you are wearing a white tee, or any other light shirt which might reveal your bra, opt for a nude color bra. Avoid white under white as you also run the risk of revealing your bra if the shirt material is too thin or somewhat sheer. Also, simply because you can’t see your white bra beneath that black shirt now doesn’t mean it won’t show up later. I learned this the hard way, after the fact, when I saw the pictures. Yikes.
DON’T: Cram your ta-tas. It is extremely important to wear a bra that fits properly. First of all, you (and your “girls”) will be much more comfortable by wearing a properly fitted bra. Secondly, you will look better in your tops. Wearing a bra that is too small or tight creates nasty bulges and makes your bosom look odd.
DO: Hide your under-bits. Some tops are more revealing that others, so it is important to mind your bra when putting on any top. There are a number of lovely, lacy, colorful, patterned bras from which to choose, but the bottom line is that bras are undergarments. Skip the peek-a-boo session with your bra and make sure it’s always tucked in and out of sight, even if that leopard print bra of yours is just too cute.
DON’T: Turn your strapless into a strappy top. This is a huge no-no, ladies. Some celebrities have done it before, but this does not make it OK. If you are wearing a strapless dress or top, wear a strapless bra. Some dresses or tops have built-in support, so that’ s a plus. Never – and I mean never – wear a strapped bra beneath anything strapless. It’s just plain tacky.
DO: Wear stick-ons. If a certain top won’t entertain the idea of a bra, do not disregard the need for coverage. Heaven forbid your plunging neckline shifts over where it shouldn’t and reveals part of, if not both of your ta-tas! Embarrassing. If you are abundantly endowed in the chest area, always wear stick-ons to provide enough support and coverage. On the other hand, if you are “petite”, you can pull off going bra-less, but still take any preventative measures to avoid any embarrassing moments.
DON’T: Let your bra lines show. Some bras are covered in lace and frills, or are designed with lots of seam lines, so always take a double (or triple) look in the mirror before heading out the door. Letting your bra lines show through is never good, plus it can ruin the look of a pretty top or dress.
DO: Dare to go shear. All contingent upon the occasion, of course, don’t be afraid to wear a sheer black top. A sexy selection for evening or late night events, wearing a black bra beneath a black sheer top is très chic when worn with a high-waist skirt or pants.
DON’T: Wear brights under darks. Contrary to the DO above, never wear a brightly colored bra beneath a sheer top. There’s nothing chic about it and you just might scare people away. Remember, black on black.
So there you have it, mes amies. The fundamentals of wearing bras, no fuss about it. Even if that brand new hot pink lace brassiere is too cute to not show off, let’s always remember two basic rules about bras; they are meant to be worn hidden beneath our garments, or alone behind closed doors (wink wink).
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