How to show off your bra under summer clothes: 5 tips inspired by street style stars

Date June 3, 2016

Every summer brings the same set of problems. As we shed heavier layers, our bras are back to being front and center thanks to backless dresses, skimpy-strapped tops, deep plunging necklines and oversize armholes. When strapless isn’t an option (or you just don’t want to be hoisting it up all day long), the debate over whether to hide or highlight those straps gets real. The fashionable conclusion is that it’s okay to let things hang out (kind of). We’ve got 5 helpful tips for strap styling and the best bra picks to wear with summer clothes.

See our gallery of how to wear bras below.

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best bras for summer clothes

Monochrome

Keep things nearly concealed with a matching set under your outfit. A solid bra in the colour of your top won’t make an alarming statement if it slips into view and adds an intentional, extra layer of dimension to your look.

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best bras for summer clothes

Forever21 Wireless Mesh Bralette ($10, forever21.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

La Senza Lightly Lined Balconnet Bra ($20, lasenza.ca)

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best bras for summer clothes

Visible Straps

Be aware of bra straps and incorporate them into your outfit. Choose a punchy colour to stand out or a simple embellished strap that coordinates with your ensemble.

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best bras for summer clothes

Araks Antonia Cotton-jersey Soft-cup Bra ($75, net-a-porter.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Nasty Gal SKIVVIES by For Love & Lemons Elle Lace Bra ($166, nastygal.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Plunging Tops

Dainty or delicate bralettes work best with low necklines or open armholes. A flash of lace or a narrow band looks understated and sexy. Bralettes are on the low end of the support spectrum so they minimize cleavage and keep the look all class.

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best bras for summer clothes

Stella McCartney Blushed Lace Bralette ($110, anthropologie.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Free People Eden Eyelash Racerback ($127, freepeople.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Sheer

We’ve seen many bright or bold bras under sheer tops and while that works, we propose a fresh, unexpected approach. Keep undergarments and tops in similar tones for a subtle statement. Your bra will be visible without being the focus of the look.

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best bras for summer clothes

Luna Longline ($109, fortnightlingerie.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Thirdlove 24/7™ Lace Balconette Bra ($76, thirdlove.com)

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best bras for summer clothes

Bras as Tops

One up the crop top and bare it all with a bra as a top. For this look stick to sporty styles that offer full coverage and support. Layer a sports bra with unexpected pieces like a blazer or open shirt.

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