The biggest lesson I've learned in my body positivity journey is how comparing your body to others can damage your confidence.
Your weight and the size of your belly doesn't define your worth or limit how poppin' you can look. And when it comes to fashion, there's no separating straight-size trends from plus-size trends. Anyone can wear anything and everyone will rock it in their own unique way. No competition, no comparison.
Since lingerie dressing is an unstoppable trend and bralettes continue to get prettier and prettier, we decided to wear ours as crop tops.
For bralette look number one, my work wife Brittany and I went for all black.
Brittany styled this $20 Modcloth bralette for a sexy date night.
"I LOVED this bralette's keyhole design (despite my lack of cleavage). This outfit exposed slivers — not chunks — of skin so I felt sexy without appearing inappropriate," said Brittany.
"This is by far my favorite bralette look," said Brittany.
"As per usual with my baby boobs, the bralette was a little too big in the cup area, but not to the point where I wouldn't wear it," she noted.
Sheer We Go Lace Bralette ($19, Modcloth)
I stayed a tad more covered with this $25 Torrid bralette.
However, I had to layer it over a strapless bra to avoid freeing the nipple in the office.
I tried a 3X and loved how much it covered. It made me feel comfortable wearing it as a top.
Mixed Lace High Neck Bralette ($25, Torrid)
LOOK 2: This time we really represented our personal style.
But we are clearly not going to the same party.
When I first saw this $25 pleather bralette from Torrid, I knew I wanted to style it with a fur jacket.
Surprisingly, my boobs felt super supported.
My biggest fear was that I would I have puddles of sweat under my boobs, and I was right.
Faux Leather Mesh Neck Bralette ($25, Torrid)
Meanwhile, Brittany was flashing back to a whole other decade.
"I felt like a young '90s woman running errands in this look (middle hair part and all). Although I never wear olive or florals, I fell in love with this bralette. It was an easy way to add a subtle feminine touch to my otherwise laid back look," said Brittany.
"All I needed was a scrunchy and an oversize mug and I'd be ready for the set of 'Friends," she joked.
Serene Surroundings Lace Bralette ($19, Modcloth)
LOOK 3: We call this, "the third date look."
Because you're dressed to dance at a concert or Netflix and chill.
Brittany was finally feeling comfortable being so exposed in another Modcloth bralette ($19).
"Ah yes, this is me in my natural element: all black, baggy joggers, and a leather jacket. This bralette wasn't padded like the other two, but thankfully my girls don't need much support," said Brittany.
Comfort and Charisma Lace Bralette, ($19, Modcloth)
The deep V back is so cute!
This soft pink Torrid bralette needed a color contrast so I grabbed a maroon accordion pleat skirt.
Strappy Mesh Bralette ($28, Torrid)
Though it was one of my favorites for design, this bralette definitely had the least support.
When a bralette is this cute, you can't worry about perky boobs. Sure, I felt more exposed in this look — my breasts weren't as lifted and my stomach was peeking out. Normally this would be a cause of stress, but why shouldn't my body be seen the way it is? All bodies are amazing.
LOOK 4: Time for lingerie dressing to meet athleisure!
Brittany was once again ready for the '90s. Catch her outside the Pearl Jam show!
"Clearly, I should've spent my 20s in the '90s instead of being born into the decade, but I had no say in the matter. I definitely channeled Pheobe from 'Friends' for this look. It's casual and comfy but more put together than baggy sweats and an oversize hoodie. Although believe you me, I still wear that on the reg," said Brittany.
The lacework on this $19 Torrid bralette is gorgeous!
Live Laugh Lounge Lace Bralette ($19, Torrid)
I was also feeling the athleisure vibe and mixing delicate lace with sturdy loungewear.
Textured Lace High Neck Bralette ($13, Torrid)
At $13, this bralette provided the most support and made me feel confident enough to drop the jacket and show off my round belly.
LOOK 5: For our last look, Brittany and I both rocked skirts.
"Before I even put this bralette on, I wondered why there were so many clasps," said Brittany.
"Never in my life have I worn a bra OR bralette with more than three clasps. My baby boobs don't need that type of support! Other than the oversize back strap, the bralette itself was fine. A little big, but I loved the deep cut," said Brittany.
Optimal Effortlessness Lace Bralette ($19, Torrid)
My back band was also bulky and had four clasps. But unlike Brittany, I needed the support.
The thick back strap and multiple clasps kept my boobs perked up and my back fat in check. This was a great way to end the try-on.
Black Lace and Mesh Longline bralette ($35, Torrid)
So... Should we all start wearing our bralettes as tops?
Sometimes for sure! I think it works best in extremes: either wear it super sexy for a date-night or go casual and give it an athleisure twist.
Whether you are as small as Brittany or resemble my body shape, you should feel comfortable showing off your belly. You don't have to rock bralettes as tops, but don't let your fear hold you back from having fun with fashion.
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