The Super Cozy Bra Trend You Won't Get Enough Of
There are few things I value as much as a trend that has longevity, and the cozy bra trend is just that. Straight off of the spring and summer runways, the bralette, in its various forms and silhouettes, is the newest step in our evolution of wearing underwear as outerwear. A Parisian novelty that's finally caught the eye of American fashion, the bralette will be a huge trend again this year and especially for spring/summer.
Akin to a bandeau or cropped camisoles, the bralette is a fresh take on selectively showing a bit of skin. Over the past few months, this trend has exploded, in part escalated by the coziness of working from home and the adoption from IT-girls. There are a bevy of beautiful bralettes in various silhouettes floating around, available from almost every designer or retailer one can imagine. So, prepare yourself for a year of exposed bra straps and glimpses of delicate lace details. You may think bralettes are out of your arena, but I promise after reading this article, you'll be adding to your cart quicker than you think.
To get started, I gathered 6 easy bralette looks that you can pull off effortlessly.
That Kind of Beach Trip
There is such ease and comfort to the bralette that just can't be achieved with a traditional underwire bra on vacation. For a beach trip equal parts enjoyable and stylish, a bralette is most definitely needed. It's the perfect transitional piece from the beach to lunch to dinner; the bikini aesthetic without the wet, after-hours bikini feel. Add a pair of heels to immediately elevate the look.
The Coolest Cool Girl
You can easily elevate the bralette by layering it over any neutral piece of clothing, like a crisp button-up or your favorite fitted tee. While the overall look gives off 90s IT-girl, the clean lines give it a modern, updated feel. This is a combination you can repeat over and over, especially in the cooler months.
Easy, Breezy, Hot Girl
If the early '00s are your vibes, a bandeau bralette is needed in your everyday wardrobe. Reminiscent of Ashanti and Toni Braxton, the bandeau bralette effortlessly gives any outfit that easy, breezy, summer vibe. Whether paired with a maxi skirt or long-lined shorts like Tenicka, you can't go wrong with this staple in your spring wardrobe.
Brunch or Nah?
The season of breezy and light fabrics is upon us, which also means brunches and girls' trips are on the horizon. Bralettes are the perfect top for sipping Rose for hours with your nearest and dearest. You can easily add a color-coordinated cardigan or long-line duster to complete the look.
That Not-So-Professional Slay
There's no need to say you're a boss when you look the part. For my ladies who like to turn heads, a bralette with tailored business pants is the only way to do business. Opt for a neutral top and statement trouser to create a beautiful flow and silhouette.
Working From Home-Ish
When you have a Zoom meeting in 10 minutes and you can't be bothered to put on a real bra, reach for the bralette. You can easily bear with an oversized button-up and high-waisted jeans for a complete WFH look.
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Featured image courtesy of Courtney Simpson/Instagram
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
This post is in partnership with BET+.
Kingdom Business is back for its second season, with even more sermons, songs, and serpents. The series picks up where it left off, with actress Serayah as Rbel caught between the stripper pole and the pulpit. With the first lady of the church working desperately against her, Rbel must find a way to live her dreams and honor her friend while figuring out her faith in the process.
Season one served a collection plate of rivalry, deceit, and revenge –– among many other tribulations. Between the 28-year-old’s acting, conviction, and harmonious voice, here are a few reasons why season two of Kingdom Business is a must-watch.
If the Spirit Doesn’t Move You, Serayah’s Singing Voice Will
Rbel, formally known as Rebecca Belle, is a stripper whose life forcibly takes a turn after suffering a tragedy. Through her quest to find the truth, Rbel finds herself at odds with the head of a local church, First Kingdom’s Denita Jordan, played by the legendary Yolanda Adams. Rbel unknowingly emerges as what a faithful Christian embodies: a perfectly imperfect human who works every day to try their best while leaning on God. Although struggling with her faith, each ballad sung by Rbel can be felt, as the lyrics relate to personal struggles we all endure in different ways. Gospel songs hit differently when your life is in shambles, and chile, Serayah is singing new life into folks.
Serayah is a Formidable Opponent to The Yolanda Adams
As one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, it’s no easy task to take on the role of a person on the opposing side of greatness. Serayah’s Rbel does an excellent job meeting Jordan at her level while shining through her solos. Throughout season one, Rbel emerges as a top streaming artist, an accomplishment that begets something of a holy war.
Serayah’s Acting Range is Engaging
As a former stripper trying to make a name for herself in the gospel industry, you can imagine the struggles that could come with it. Rbel goes through a range of emotions, all understandable and relatable. Despite several crises of faith, Serayah ensures Rbel delivers a humbling performance that makes the audience root for her redemption.
The Kingdom Business Soundtrack is Everything
Streaming now on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, the Kingdom Business: Season 1 soundtrack is one you’d want to add to your playlist for high and low times. Aside from four soul-soothing songs from Serayah, the soundtrack also features singles from co-star/Hamilton’s Chaundre-Hall Broomfield, gospel artist Chandler Moore, and legend Yolanda Adams.
Serayah’s Rbel Makes You Root For Her
With First Kingdom beginning to crumble under the pressure of lies, infidelity, and deception, Rbel’s window to take that top spot seems wide open; however, the end of season one showed us the Spirit had other plans. Whether you believe or not, Serayah’s Rbel makes you want to see her win. Who doesn’t love a good underdog with a laid 22” bust down? Whether she seeks Him or not, God is proving to be on Rbel’s side. But is it enough to turn everything around for her? Will Rbel lean on faith or fear?
With secrets coming to light, success within reach, and the devastating conclusion of season one, you don’t want to miss season two––especially with more guest collaborations. Kingdom Business returns to BET+ on Nov 2.
BET+ Original | Kingdom Business | S2 Official Traileryoutu.be
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Nia Long On Her Final Decision To Leave Ime Udoka: 'Loving Myself Was Bigger And More Important Than Saving Anybody'
Jeezy has been pulling out all the stops for the promo of his new album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget. The iconic rapper tapped legendary actress Nia Long for an intimate conversation about love, trauma, and the Black family. The discussion provided insight into the “All There” rapper’s childhood, strained relationship with his mother, who has since passed, and his career mishaps. He also briefly spoke on his decision to file for divorce from Jeannie Mai, saying that he feels “saddened,” “disappointed,” and “uneasy” about it. However, he believes that God is leading him on a different path.
Throughout the conversation, Nia also opened up about her life experiences, including her relationship with her father, her sons, and her ex-fiancé Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“You know I had a really public breakup recently. It was a wake-up call for me in the sense that, like ok, you’re gonna do this on your own, and you’re gonna be fine, and you’re not gonna worry about what anyone thinks and has to say ‘cause the relationship was rocky for a very long time,” she said. “I don’t believe that another person can break anyone up like, I just don’t buy that.
When Ime was the Boston Celtics head coach, he was caught having an affair with a staffer and was suspended for the 2022-2023 season. This suspension ultimately led to his firing. However, the cheating scandal led to the public rallying behind The Best Man actress, which the mother of two revealed she was “shocked” by.
“I had to realize for myself that anything that happened in the…last year and a half of my life, that shit didn’t have nothing to do with me,” she expressed. “It didn’t have nothing to do with me. I was not embarrassed. The way that Black people stood up for me and the way that Black women were like, ‘Oh no, you don’t do that to her,’ I was shocked because I didn’t realize that what I had done or what I’ve done in my career had so much impact.”
While she did admit that things between her and Ime had been “rocky” for a long time, she was trying her best to make things work. But she soon learned that choosing herself was the best option. “I think my older son saw me trying to keep the family together, but I had to come to a place where loving myself was bigger and more important than saving anybody.”
While time has passed and both parties have seemed to move on with their lives, we all have our down days. Jeezy checked in with Nia to see how she’s truly feeling since the breakup and the scandal that followed. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be, which is some days I’m like totally good, and other days I’m like, oh God, this feels like so much work. And other days, it feels like women shouldn’t have to be this strong,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t want to be this strong sometimes.”
The former couple were together for 13 years and share a 12-year-old son together. Nia also has a 22-year-old son from a previous relationship.
Feature image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images
