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).
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‘Sistas’ Star KJ Smith Reveals How She Learned The Value Of Divine Timing
Actress KJ Smith's inspiring journey within the entertainment industry is a testament to how believing in oneself and trusting in divine timing can pave the way for success.
Over the years, Smith, whose acting career began in 2009, has appeared in various television shows and films before landing her leading role in BET's Sistas in 2019.
Since then, the 38-year-old's success has skyrocketed as she starred in other projects, such as Fatal Affair alongside Nia Long and Omar Epps, The Family Business, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Smith recently opened up about her experience during Black Love's The You Retreat discussion panel.
KJ On Success
In the panel last month, Smith revealed that despite her past achievements, she doesn't consider success to be a linear path but rather a continuous process.
The star shared that she gained this logic through the numerous times she auditioned for roles and has either received rejections or landed job opportunities. During that process, Smith added that she learned that if something was ordained in her life, that said thing would come to her.
"I think the phrase ‘made it’ is a little deceiving. It's a process of continuing to make it. How you know it's for you is when it's undeniable," she said.
KJ On Divine Timing
As the conversation continued, Smith recalled a particular moment when she didn't land an undisclosed role she thought was destined for her and expressed how heartbroken she was.
Still, the actress preserved and ultimately got the next gig she auditioned for a day after reading for that role.
"Actually, my first pilot, it was written for a white male, and at the time, I had just lost out on a role I had tested for. For something that I was like, 'This is actually me!' I tested for it, didn't get it. At the time, I was so heartbroken, " she explained.
“The next thing I booked... it was the quickest audition I had ever done. I literally went into the room. I did one scene, and then the next day, they were like, 'You're booked. We need you to fly to New Orleans.'"
Later, Smith mentioned that since that moment occurred in her life, she had shifted her mindset about not receiving certain things and that divine timing plays a role in "everything."
"That was mine, and no one else could have had that. That belonged to me, so now I'm like, 'No, it's going to be good thing, after good thing, after good thing, after good thing. Because nothing happens to me, everything happens for me," she said.
Smith continues to inspire her fans by using her social media platform to spread the message about trusting God's plan for one's life.
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Feature image by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
