How to Create the Blazer & Bra Look

It’s been causing a stir for decades, and it’s still a daring fashion statement that’s guaranteed to make waves wherever you take it: the bra and blazer look. Blazers are a wardrobe staple, of course, but you might think of them as stuffy or straight-laced. That’s not the case when you throw your classic blazer on sans shirt and rock some major décolletage.

The bra and blazer look is all about showcasing the bra as a fashion statement and layering it with a perfectly fitted blazer for a sleek, put-together, and oh-so-daring lingerie outfit.

Whether you’re looking for a way to make a splash at a party or just going out for drinks with friends, the bra top under an oversized blazer is always a show-stopper. Here’s how to add a blazer with a bra outfit to your regular wardrobe rotation.

Where Did the Blazer and Bra Look Start?

The lingerie as outwear trend has been around longer than you think. For all our bra-and-blazer fans out there, here’s a quick lesson in fashion history:¹

• 1983 – Brooke Shields was one of the earliest a-listers to show off the blazer and bra style at a Hollywood movie premiere, establishing herself as a fashion icon at just 18 years old.

• 1990 – Madonna made the style even more famous (and controversial) when she Vogue’d in a black blazer and bra top.

• 2016 – Decades later, the style is still bold enough to ruffle feathers, as Susan Sarandon demonstrated by causing controversy with a stunning white-blazer-over-black-bra at the 2016 SAG awards.²

• Today – Blazer and bra show no signs of breaking off their long-term relationship in 2023. Celebs like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Issa Rae continue to embrace the trend. Better yet, the sexy-yet-stylish combo is becoming more welcoming to people of all sizes and shapes, according to stylist Mecca James-Williams, who rocks her blazer and bra in a size 36DD.¹

5 Ways To Wear the Blazer and Bra Look

While the look still has an edge, you don’t have to be headed to the Met Gala or Hollywood bash to take a bra-and-blazer outfit out for a spin. Here are 5 ways to put together a bra and blazer outfit for a variety of events and moods.

#1 The Night-on-the-Town

Whether you’re meeting up with a new match and want to make an unforgettable first impression, or you’re reconnecting with an old flame and want to remind them what they’re missing, the blazer-over-bra look delivers.

Ready to ramp up the sex appeal and the high-fashion polish? Here’s how to do both:

• For the glam factor – To keep the look elegant, make sure you choose a fitted blazer that is tailored to emphasize your waistline. This can be long or cropped, but it shouldn’t be too slouchy or baggy.

• For maximum mroww factor – Try a red or black bra in a demi-cup or balconette style with plenty of lace and ribbon detail.

• The finishing touches – Pair with dark, straight-leg jeans or flowy trousers to create a longer leg line. Finish with your favorite heels, boots, or strappy sandals—you can go neutral here, add a pop of color, or opt for a metallic tone.

#2 The Girl-on-the-Go

For those days when you’re rushing around running errands, and you want to look put-together, but you don’t want to feel constricted, uncomfortable, or overdressed. Bra and blazer combo to the rescue! (And this trendy look comes with a hidden bonus: it’s the perfect combo for beating the heat as the days get warmer.)

Here are some style tips for creating a toned-down version of the bra and blazer combo that will keep you looking fresh during your busy day:

1. Choose a looser blazer – For this look, you want a blazer that’s less fitted, and flowier. Look for oversized, boxy cuts and long-line blazers that fall at the hip or mid-thigh.
2. Play with fabrics – While this look can work with heavier suiting materials like wool or tweed, a lighter-weight material like cotton or denim feels more playful and relaxed.
3. Keep it simple – Choose a bra with minimal detail, like a bralette or sports bra, in a relaxed fabric like jersey or spandex. (More details like lace and underwire look more dressed up.)

#3 The Fashionista

Got a special occasion coming up and wants to go for the full runway-ready blazer and bra look? The best way to do it is with a stunning, perfectly fitted blazer and skirt or trousers.

Here’s how to make this look come together:

#4 The Comfort-Comes-First

The bra and blazer look doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions. You can make it as relaxed and comfortable as any other weekend outfit. Here’s how to take inspiration from the bra and blazer style, but dress it down for shopping, brunch with the bestie, or any other low-key outing:⁴

• Start with a comfortable bra – We love a stretchy, super-comfy rib-knit loungewear bra or spandex sports bra.
• Relax the blazer – Trade the tailored suiting blazer for a lighter jacket, shirt jacket, or relaxed fit blazer in an easy fabric like denim, cotton, or velour.
• Pair with comfortable bottoms and shoes – All you need to finish the look is a comfy pair of jeans or shorts, cute sneakers, and a simple tote bag. You’ll look stylish, but not like you’re trying too hard.

#5 The High Contrast

The tone of your outfit can be completely changed depending on whether you opt for an comfortable but sexy underwire bra that coordinates with your blazer, or pair contrasting colors. For a high-energy outing to a club or party, try a high-contrast look that guarantees you’ll stand out from the crowd.

Direct all the eyes to you with these tips:

• Aim for contrasting, not clashing – Go for bright tones that contrast yet coordinate by making one piece a bright color and the other a calmer hue. Try a soft blue blazer with a sunshine yellow bra, or a hot pink bra with a deep blue blazer.
• Pair a patterned blazer with a bright bra – Add a fun pattern like a floral or houndstooth to your blazer, but keep the bra a solid color. This lets both the blazer and bra stand out without competing. Pair with a skirt or trousers in a neutral color, but feel free to add another pop of color to your shoes or bag.
• For daytime, go brighter – Don’t be afraid of trying bright, bold colors like oranges, pinks, and greens.⁵ Vivid hues make a big impact that’s perfect for an afternoon soirée on a summery afternoon.

Tips for Assembling Your Bra and Blazer Look

If you want to create a truly iconic bra and blazer look, be sure to start by choosing your pieces intentionally. The blazer and bra you choose can completely transform the look, from high-fashion to laid-back.

Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

1. Start with the basics – A relaxed-fit blazer with cropped jeans, ankle booties, and a black or white bra is an easy choice that works for just about any setting. Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, change up the blazer style, bra style, and accessories to perfect the look for any occasion.
2. Find your blazer – Get a classic blazer in a neutral color like black, white, or beige first. Pair it with a matching bra for a versatile monochromatic look, or a contrasting color when you want a bolder statement.
3. Expand your blazer collection – Once you’ve gotten comfortable with a classic blazer and bra look, try different styles of blazers. Blazers come in an incredible variety, including tuxedo cut, oversized, cropped, patterned, and in fabrics like velvet, leather, corduroy, and everything in between. Each style has a different vibe.
4. Try on different textures – Experiment with different fabrics and textures to add interest to your outfit. A leather or velvet blazer will give the look a luxurious edge, while a denim or corduroy jacket will keep it casual.
5. Vary your bra selection – The more structured the bra, the more dressy your outfit will feel. Patterned bras like florals and animal prints can make your look more playful, while colors like black and red amp up the sexy edge. Relaxed styles in stretchy fabrics like cotton and spandex are perfect for creating a laid-back weekend vibe.
6. Don't forget accessories – If you’re a little worried that your outfit might look less like a fashion statement and more like you just stepped out of the house without remembering to put on a top, add a statement necklace or pair of earrings. This will instantly elevate and complete the look.

The Most Beautiful Bras Come From Gooseberry

Whether you’re dressing to the nines for a once-in-a-lifetime event or just spending time with friends, the bra and blazer look can do it all. The idyllic combination of pieces, and how you combine them, start with the perfect bra—the centerpiece of this fashion statement.

For your next centerpiece, shop at Gooseberry. From casual loungewear for a relaxing weekend to stunning creations in silk and lace, we have the intimate apparel you’ve been searching for to complete your dream blazer and bra outfit.

Sources:

1. Harper’s Bazaar. Go ahead, wear your blazer with nothing but a bra underneath.https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a39454889/bra-and-blazer-trend-story/
2. Hollywood Reporter. Susan Sarandon responds to Piers Morgan’s SAG awards cleavage criticism.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/susan-sarandon-responds-piers-morgans-862301/
3. Bustle. Here’s exactly how to style a blazer and bra.https://www.bustle.com/style/blazer-and-bra-outfit
4. Nylon. How to style a bralette for any occasion.https://www.nylon.com/fashion/how-to-wear-a-bralette
5. The Zoe Report. Why bras & blazers are summer’s superhero pairing.https://www.thezoereport.com/fashion/how-to-style-a-blazer-and-bra