NYFW Trend Report: Bras and Bralettes Move from Underwear to Outfits

What happened at NYFW

New York Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2027 shows leaned into lingerie as intentional outerwear. Designers across the schedule put bras and bralettes in visible roles: under jackets, beneath sheer layers, or as the primary top. The result was a mix of discreet peekaboo styling and full-on bra-as-top looks, suggesting this will be a wearable trend for the coming season.

Who showed it

Designers and brands that highlighted the look include Sandy Liang, Khaite, Ella Mae, 7 For All Mankind, Altuzarra, Grace Ling, Vettese, and Aknvas. Kaia Gerber opened the Khaite show in a white padded bra paired with a high-waisted leather skirt, a clear example of bra-as-top taken onto a major runway.

How designers approached lingerie-forward styling

• Triangle and colorful bralettes appeared under lace dresses, loose layers, and skinny scarves. Brands such as Aknvas and 7 For All Mankind used this method to add a pop of color or texture beneath other pieces.
• Balconette and bandeau shapes were styled under outerwear at shows like Altuzarra and Grace Ling, creating a structured, classic silhouette with visible lingerie details.
• Some collections featured fallen straps and layered looks that blended bras with non-lingerie pieces, as seen in Ella Mae's whimsical mixes.

These approaches show two primary directions: subtle layering to reveal parts of a bra, and intentional exposure where the bra functions as the main top.

Practical ways to wear the trend

• Lace bralette under a low-neck blouse or unbuttoned shirt for a controlled peek.
• Padded balconette beneath a tailored blazer or trench to add structure and shape.
• Colorful triangle bralette under sheer or crocheted garments for pattern and contrast.
• Longline bralettes or deep V bras paired with high-waisted skirts or pants when you want the bra to read clearly as a top.

When you prefer a bolder look, pick a bra with deliberate design details: extra straps, striking prints, padding choices that flatter your silhouette, or architectural shapes like balconettes and longlines.

Quick styling rules

• Balance exposure with coverage: when the top is more revealing, pair it with higher waists or more coverage on the bottom.
• Use layers to make the look appropriate for different settings: blazer or overshirt for daytime, bare for evening.
• Match the bra's formality to the rest of the outfit: luxe fabrics with tailored pieces, sporty bralettes with casual denim.
• Fit matters: choose bras that offer the support and shape you want because the silhouette becomes part of the outfit.

Items and brands to consider

Why it matters for everyday dressing

The trend gives a straightforward set of options rather than a single prescription. You can adopt it incrementally with subtle layering or embrace bralette-as-top outfits when you want a statement look. The runway examples supply concrete mix-and-match formulas that translate to real-world outfits with attention to fit and proportion.