Once Controversial, This Trend Will Be the Coolest Thing You'll Wear This Spring
It's been over a year since Katie Holmes stepped out in her now-iconic Khaite cashmere bra and matching cardigan set. A photograph depicting the actress hailing a cab as her cardigan and strap fell from her shoulder subsequently went viral and put the underwear as outerwear trend back on the fashion map. Fast-forward to 2021 and the look's influence remains palpable—particularly on the designer circuit.
Moda Operandi has reported a 30% increase in popularity of bras for SS21 and found they were featured in 10% of all Trunkshows (new collection previews and pre-sales), compared to 3% in the previous season. Essentially, it's a look that's only gaining momentum, and although it might not be considered a "mainstream" trend, it's certainly one that's providing hard to ignore, on both the high-end and high street shopping circuits.
The big question is, how does one style a bra top? "The easiest way to wear the trend is with the straps and the top of a bra visible under a dress, as seen at Victoria Beckham," encourages Editor, Emma Spending. "Or for those who are more experimental, try layering a statement bra over a shirt or shirt dress as seen at Simone Rocha."
So while it does present the opportunity to show some skin, it's refreshing to hear that this isn't the only way to channel the look—especially after being largely confined to our homes in 2020, during which we've played it somewhat sartorially safe.
Scroll below to see the likes of Victoria Beckham, Acne, and Emilia Wickstead's visions for the bra top trend, then proceed to shop our edit of the best tops out there.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021'S BRA TOP TREND:
SHOP THE BRA TOP TREND:
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
I'm on the Lookout for Sexy But Comfy Bras Here Are 21 I Can't Choose Between
So pretty.
By Harriet Davey
-
Every Editor I Know Buys M&S Lingerie—Here Are the 24 Best New-In Pieces
It's time to find your perfect fit.
By Florrie Alexander
-
J.Lo Just Wore the £47 Bra That's Absolutely My Next Lingerie Purchase
Worth the money.
By Drew Elovitz
-
16 Seamless Bras That Are So Comfy You'll Forget You're Wearing Them
Supportive and flattering.
By Bebhinn Campbell
-
I'm Fussy When It Comes to Bras—Here Are 8 Brands That Look as Good as They Feel
To suit all cup sizes.
By Harriet Davey
-
I Live in Bra Tops: Here Are the 25 Most Comfortable I've Found
Comfort all day long.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I Didn't Think I Was a Sheer-Bra Person, But Then I Found These 15 Pretty Ones
The perfect addition to your lingerie drawer.
By Harriet Davey
-
I Know Good Bras—These 23 Plunge Styles Are Game-Changing
Styles that will work with any top or dress.
By Maxine Eggenberger