A bralette is technically a bra, gasp! If you go shopping around online for one - rarely will you find a detailed, more conservative version that you’ll need to achieve the bralette look. I first recognized this piece back in FIT, I had to do some sort of presentation on Prada and it must have been circa 2001 shows that I went back to - where she showed the high waisted circle skirts and midriff baring coordinating tops. Some also might recognize the look from the Sex and the City episode where Carrie gets stood up at Il Cantinori for her birthday. The actual aesthetic stems from the 50’s with the high waists again, but instead of bra tops - think knotted shirts, very Beach Boys - showing just a sliver of skin. I love this look for the daring - pair it under an open front or low cut top for evening - or have it peak through a boyfriend cardigan on the weekend. If that’s still too much - layer on some heavy chains or a sweet neck scarf to complete the look and downplay the bust. My goal is to cut up some old H&M bustier type bralettes that I used to throw under wrap dresses - and instead tie a boyish collared shirt over it with some tailored shorts for the present. Peggy Sue who?

Urban Outfitters contrast stitch $12.99

Top Shop denim $36

ASOS color block $25

Cavalli rarely creates too much outside of the barely there box - he’s great when it comes to dressing starlets in sultry dresses for the red carpet (the JLo’s & Beyonce’s), but wearable pieces aren’t really his cup of tea. So, although this new statement isn’t the best definition of wearable, it’s moving in that direction. These pieces are definitely more editorial, so there will be more visibility and therefore expect to see trends trickle down from it, but I am loving how it’s this sort of urban influence mixed with vodka pipe dreams on the coast of Italy.

Shop Roberto Cavalli @ NetaPorter.com