How to wear a bralette the grown-up way

This lingerie is meant to be seen

The most unexpected approach came from Alexander McQueen (AFP/Getty)

Bras are supposed to be worn under your clothing, right? You’re not wrong but amid a preoccupation with boudoir dressing, unmentionables are quickly becoming impossible to keep under wraps.

While the idea of underwear as outerwear is nothing new – think Coco Chanel’s silk pyjamas and Madonna’s cone-shaped bra – this season the trend demands to be seen.

Forget subtle peeks here and there, the new way to wear the boudoir trend is with an all-out but albeit grown-up bralette.

We’re not talking sporty, stretchy crop tops here. Oh no, this time round the bralette is all about oh-so-delicate lace, silks and showy prints that are sure to make a statement.

Arguably Prada offered up the most convincing take on the trend with bra tops ingeniously worn over shirts. Some were plain or came in red and black plaid, while others wildly sprouted feathers.

Elsewhere, Alexander Wang experimented with ballet-esque wrap-around styles and Altuzarra gave them a retro feel with fun cherry prints and ruffle trims.

The most unexpected approach though came from Alexander McQueen where Victorian Gothic leather bralettes were worn over gauzy floral dresses.

If you’re new to the concept of boudoir dressing, flirt with the trend by allowing a bralette to peek out underneath a shirt. This way you’ll be able to add some detail without feeling completely exposed.

At Prada bra tops were ingeniously worn over shirts (AFP/Getty Images)

But the more daring among you shouldn’t be afraid to let the bralette be the focal point of your look.

Wear under a suit jacket with high-waisted trousers or take your cue from the runway and give a classic button-up shirt a little oomph by wearing a bralette over it, rather than under.