Bralettes are lingerie perfection: they’re gorgeous, comfortable, and can be found in a wide range of prices (try Free People for tons of affordable options, and brands like Cosabella and Hanky Panky if you have a little more money to spend). At left is one of my favorites: the OnGossamer Black w/ Champagne Boudoir Blooms Bralette ($38).
Basically, a bralette is a soft bra (no padding or underwire) that often extends partway down the body to form a sort of crop-top. I once wore a sequin one in public (paired with silk harem pants); this isn’t something I necessarily recommend. You can, however, wear many styles as substitute camisoles and let the tops peek out over a button-down shirt (this look works best with bralettes in bright colors, as opposed to nude/white/black, which are traditional lingerie colors and may look…well, like your bra is showing).
Since they don’t usually have a ton of support, I personally prefer bralettes as sleepwear; they can be paired with anything from matching lacy bottoms to boxers or PJs, and if you choose one with more coverage, everything should stay in its place all night long.
Some more great picks:
Clockwise from top left: Rose Burnout Velvet Bralette ($38); Hanky Panky Signature Lace Retro Bralette ($35.90); Eberjey Winthrop Lace Bralette ($46); Urban Outfitters Mary Green Bralette ($36); Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette ($46; comes in lots of other colors); Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Bralette ($22.99).
