"Hmph," I thought, casually feeling myself up as I sat at the Milly show, models strolling by in sweaters complete with bras on top. Sure, it was a trend I'd seen on bold street style [1] pioneers like Taylor Tomasi Hill, but the Fall '16 [2] variation felt fresh. Suddenly, I was more in tune with my breasts than before. I was perplexed — did I want to make a statement that highlighted my chest, drawing attention to what I usually keep covered up?
Since I do have a relatively small chest [3], I was drawn to last season's braless look [4]. But while those easy, breezy outfits inspired me to shed an article of clothing, this one asks me to add one more — and further, to swap the order in which I clothe myself.
Immediately, I began tracking the lingerie-as-outerwear trend through New York Fashion Week and watched it pop up in London and Paris, too. But in between shows, I'm admiring the way it's pulled off IRL: a hot-pink satin bandeau sitting atop a gingham print button-down as if to say, "I'm the boss now." Aurora James's floral corset covered a casual tee and jeans at her own presentation [5], insisting her ensemble's fancier than you thought.
Read on to see a handful of examples pinned to the mood board inside my head and join me in drawing attention to the girls. Because after digesting my styling options — from the subtle to the superobvious — I think I'm ready to layer away with my bustier.