Finding the perfect bra to wear with your favorite summer dress or top can sometimes feel like a mission impossible, right? You want to feel confident, comfortable, and free, without constantly worrying about your bra straps peeking out. Trust me, I get it! As a fashion writer and a woman who loves expressing herself through clothing, I’ve been there, experimented with everything, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned. Forget rigid rules – let’s explore solutions that empower *you* to feel amazing in your own skin.

Unlocking the Secret: Bra Options for Low-Cut Styles

The key is understanding the cut of your garment and choosing a bra that complements it. Don’t think of it as hiding your bra, but rather harmonizing your undergarments with your outfit for a seamless, confident look.

The Balconette Bra: Your New Best Friend. If you’re rocking a dress with a scoop neck or one of those adorable Milk Maid dresses that are all the rage right now (I saw a gorgeous one at Anthropologie the other day!), a balconette bra is your secret weapon. They’re designed with cups that sit lower on the breast, offering support without the full coverage of a traditional bra. The straps are typically wider set, positioned closer to your armpits, making them virtually invisible under wider necklines. I swear by the Chantelle Rive Gauche Full Coverage Smooth Bra – I found mine at Nordstrom for around $70, and the quality is amazing! The support is great, even for larger busts.
The Plunge Bra: For Deeper Necklines. Got a dress with a deeper V-neck or a plunging neckline? A plunge bra is your go-to. The center gore (the small piece of fabric connecting the cups) is significantly lower, preventing it from peeking out. These bras often have angled cups that provide lift and support without interfering with the garment’s design.

Clever Tricks for Tricky Tops

Sometimes, even the right bra needs a little extra help. These simple tricks can make all the difference:

Tying It All Together. For tops that tie at the shoulders, like those cute little camisoles you see everywhere, try tying your bra strap into the bow. This will secure the strap, preventing it from slipping and becoming visible.
Fashion Tape to the Rescue! Micro stitch fashion tape, glue or even double-sided tape can be your lifesaver. Secure your bra straps to your skin or directly to the inside of your clothing. This is especially useful for those strapless numbers where you still want to avoid that unflattering bulge from not wearing any bra.
Straps in the Spotlight: Front-tie tops or dresses can be particularly challenging. Try tying the bra straps around the center gore of the bra. This pulls the straps inward, hiding them and providing extra support.

Beyond the Bra: Embracing Confidence

Ultimately, the most important thing you can wear is confidence. Don’t let concerns about your bra dictate your style choices. Explore different options, experiment with these tips, and find what works best for *you*.

Consider Going Braless (Sometimes!). The current trend of embracing comfort and natural beauty has made going braless more accepted than ever. If your dress or top provides enough support and you feel comfortable, go for it!
Invest in Quality. A well-made bra will not only provide better support and coverage but will also last longer. Look for high-quality fabrics and construction. I recently found some affordable and comfortable bralettes at Aerie for under $30 – they’re perfect for layering under sheer tops or wearing alone on a hot day.
Focus on Fit. A poorly fitting bra can be uncomfortable and unflattering. Get professionally fitted to ensure you’re wearing the right size. Many department stores offer free bra fittings.

Remember that fashion is about expressing yourself and feeling good in your own skin. Don’t be afraid to break the “rules” and create your own style.

Staying Stylish and Informed

And speaking of style, if you’re craving more fashion inspiration, be sure to check out these awesome resources for trends across pop culture and nostalgia, or how about exploring the design style, all available on my blog!

https://whatwillwear.com/pop-culture/

https://whatwillwear.com/nostalgia-retro/

https://whatwillwear.com/design-style/

In conclusion, finding the right bra solution for your summer dresses and tops is all about understanding your garment, exploring your options, and prioritizing your comfort and confidence. So go ahead, embrace your unique style, and rock those summer looks with pride!

video

here’s how to hide your bra if you’re wearing a summer dress or topin yesterday’s video I received a question about what type of bra to wearif you don’t wanna wear a strapless braand it was perfect timing for today’s lessonI would suggest a balconette or a plunge bra if you have a low cut dresssomething with a scoopor these corset like bodices that are super popular right nowwith the Milk Maid dress with the balkanapp brathese typically sit lower on the breastand instead of having the strap in the middlethey sit closer to the armpit so it’s hidden nicely with this type of dressif you have a top that ties like thistie the bra strap in the bow so it doesn’t move aroundyou can also secure the straps together with a micro stitch fashion tape or glueif you have a front tie top or dress like thisyou can tie the straps around the center Gore of the brait will help hide the bra and keep everything in placelet me know if you use these tricks and I’ll see you tomorrow