Chic Individuals Have Weighed In: Bra-Exposing Attire Is Making a Comeback, so I Decided to Test the "Controversial" Style for Myself.

      I recall in high school believing that a white tank top with a bra strap peeking out was the height of coolness. Every paparazzi picture of a celebrity in the early 2000s seemed to capture that laid-back look. This vibe of being tousled but stylish came to define "indie sleaze," the trendy uniform of the era. I wanted to embody this so much that I would sometimes wear a colorful bra beneath my tops just to let the strap hang out deliberately, showcasing it as a sign of being too cool to care. However, a few years after graduating college, my perspective on that look changed drastically. All of a sudden, the sight of a hair out of place would fill me with embarrassment. A bra strap showing became something to blush about rather than an intentional fashion statement. The rise of social media and the push for a perfect image essentially ended indie sleaze, leading me to tuck my bra straps discreetly under my clothes.

      Recently, during fashion month, I observed a transformation that seemed to start back in February at the Miu Miu fall 2025 show. Mrs. Prada showcased models who looked like trendy socialites, featuring exposed cone bras and straps intentionally displayed beneath sweaters while they carried fur stoles and top-handle bags. This updated version of the Miu Miu girl appeared busy and concerned about appearances, but not to the point of concealing the signs of life. Mrs. Prada appeared to be giving her followers the green light to embrace an undone style without feeling ashamed for lacking the time to present themselves as the flawless women society often expects.

      In September, the exposed-bra aesthetic was prevalent. At Simone Rocha, models showcased dresses that were undone at the side, revealing a sheer bra below. At Prada, models donned twisted bra bandeaus with chore coats and striking opera gloves. At The Attico and Tom Ford, models sported fully unbuttoned blazers to reveal lacy bras beneath.

      When the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show came around, bras were prominent, with some designs literally oversized, like the bra tunic from Vaquera. I observed that guests at the lingerie show embraced the style, particularly with sheer button-down tops left slightly undone to reveal glimpses of the bra underneath. I initially questioned if this trend stemmed from the lingerie show setting, but I've noticed many fashionable women in New York recreating this look on date nights and casual outings with friends.

      Curious to try the look, I paired a white button-down top with a black lacy bra underneath to see if it would evoke that high school excitement. And honestly, it did. While the outfit had a certain sexiness, it wasn't overwhelmingly so. It felt refreshing to style myself in a way that embraced a bit of imperfection without overthinking it for what seemed like the first time in years.

      Shop the look below:

      **The Shirt**

      Everlane - The Must-Have Shirt in Silky Cotton in Pale Blue

      Gap - Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt

      J.Crew - Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Lightweight Oxford

      Polo Ralph Lauren - Oversize Fit Striped Cotton Linen Shirt

      Madewell - Straight-Hem Shirt in Poplin

      Banana Republic - Cotton Poplin Balloon-Sleeve Shirt

      Aritzia - Casting Silk Shirt

      Polo Ralph Lauren - The Iconic Relaxed Fit Oxford Shirt

      Anthropologie - The Shrunken Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve

      **The Bra**

      Victoria's Secret - Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra

      Free People - Fiona Front-Close Bralette

      Intimissimi - Denise Lace Balconette Bra

      Skims - Stretch Lace Unlined Demi Bra in Soot

      Bluebella - Peyton Underwire Lace Bra

      Kat the Label - Maverick Underwire Bra

      Aerie - Show Off Vintage Lace Unlined Balconette Bra