Sheer inserts and bra straps

Mander

After last week's interview outfit panic I have set out on a mission to buy a blouse or two that is not knit and will go with my striped jacket. I've seen a couple of tops that I like the look of but they have those funky sheer mesh inserts on the top.

I don't mind the look but I don't know what to do about bra straps. Strapless is probably not going to happen, since I have never in my life managed to find a decent strapless bra. Certainly not one that I would trust to stay in place for a job interview!

How are you meant to wear this kind of top? With a tank top to cover the bra straps, perhaps?

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11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from jurocha

columbine(erin)

Veteran

You could try a cami or tank or clear bra straps, but I can't help thinking this sort of top would look best without straps visible. Hopefully someone else has a better idea.

11 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I tried on a top like that and my nude-color bra actually didn't show. I was surprised. But the top I tried was black - that might not work with white.

The shift to visible bra straps and more recently visible bras (among college-age people) is something I can't really get used to but I never know if I'm being too stuffy or just being age-appropriate. But for an interview, of course, you probably want to be at your most cautious.

11 years ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I've also worn nude bras with sheer-shouldered tops and they don't show enough to bother me. I'd keep it if I were you, but save it for non-interview occasions.

11 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I think if you are planning to wear this under a jacket, then there should be no worries, the jacket would cover any straps

11 years ago

shemarie

Active Member

I actually really love the look of these type of tops, and as an IT, think they somehow "lighten up" my shoulder line, if the fit is right. They also work for my climate, so I have several, in blouses, knit tops, and sweaters. I agree w/others that I'm often surprised how a nude strap disappears or doesn't show enough to notice. Otherwise, I do wear a tank or cover with a jacket, which for a conservative workplace or interview situation I'm sure would be required. I also think they look great under blazers as they give a bit of visual interest.

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Eh, I just let my bra straps show. It doesn't bother me. I will try to choose a bra with pretty straps or skinny straps though.

For an interview I would probably cover it with a jacket though.

11 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I was just wondering if I was missing a trick! I have a blue top already with a mesh top like this and I hardly ever wear it because not only the bra strap but also the top of the cup part (where the strap attaches) is visible. So far I haven't found a bra that is cut the right way to not show.

Guess that's another thing to add to my list of stuff to look for.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I would look around for a bra that has removable bra straps, and then you can replace them with clear straps.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I'm with Diana - I find they either don't show through enough to bother me, or I pick a bra with nice straps and just go with it. Not an interview top though, in my mind.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I don't buy these kind of tops for this very reason. I just don't like the look of straps showing through. Maybe it depends on the bras you wear - mine have hefty straps, not elegant narrow ones.

I agree with others, though, in any case this isn't what I'd wear to an interview for an office job. Too many lingerie associations with sheer fabrics.

11 years ago

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

I have a very similar top in white and one in nude (long sleeved, though) and I either go strapless or let the straps show (as Diana said, just choose a bra in the same colour of the shirt and with thin straps).

If you won't go strapless, what about a tube top with a built-in bra? Would that be easier to find in a fit that pleases you?

11 years ago

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

Regarding the interview setting, if you are going to cover up a bit more (no bare arms!) with a blazer (maybe pairing it with a tailored skirt or trousers)... I really don't see why it should be a problem. Even in more traditonal industries such as banking or law offices.

11 years ago

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