Revealed under an open shirt or worn on its own, the Bralette was designed out of necessity over a hundred years ago and has evolved to become anything from a statement essential to a building block.

I look to the 1950s for deadstock bullet bras and bustiers in cotton, or to the 1970s-1990s to find designer interpretations, from basic triangle bras, to lace La Perla bralettes, 1980s bandeaus, or more unique iterations from 90’s Margiela and Helmut Lang. 

Brands to look for: Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander, La Perla, Margiela, Moschino, Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Vivienne Westwood.

Key decades: Deadstock 1950s, 1970s-1990s.

Fabrics: Lace, mesh, silk, satin, cotton.

Colors: White, black, nude or a splash of color. 

Style notes: Wear a bralette with high-waisted pants, or under a blazer jacket, low buttoned or open shirt, or even on top of a tee or shirt.