Lessons in Lingerie.

The way I see it,

there are probably no such things as "rules"

There are situational norms, at best, 

and even those bear reassessing.

For this reason, I find it difficult to put the kibosh on any single style "law" - 

especially those regarding bra showage.

The logic you adhered to in 4th grade is likely not applicable in any other area of your life today (though that obviously doesn't thwart the infantile behavior of some of us) so why should that logic hold true for your sense of style?

I realize that a glimpse of the one prematurely pubescent girl's bra strap in Ms. Teisel's math class may have instigated some gossip of the juiciest sort, 

but I'd venture to say that today there exist several occasions upon which the visibility of the upper undergarment is more than allowed.

In fact, it may even be encouraged.

Here's my take of when I'd opt for outage:

*under LACY TOPS*

source 1, 2, 3, 4

not racy.

lacy. 

enough so that the va va voomness of the two cups beneath fail to entirely detract from the overall elegance.

I realize that "balance" is overrated and all

but it's sort of not

*with SPORTY ENSEMBLES*

source 1, 2

at the risk of getting a little too "juxtaposition"-y on y'all,

I'll leave it at this:

Pretty Woman would not have worn sweatpants with a black bra

so I would.

*intentionally PEEKING THROUGH*

  source 1,2

this is tricky, to be sure. 

not the peeking, but the "intentionally" so. 

Anyone and their sister can suffer a wardrobe malfunction, but it takes a certain innate chicness to achieve exposed bra esteem sans symptomatic sluttiness. 

Maybe just the donning of a black, rather than the nude, bra serves as half the battle. 

annddddd.....

*showing through SILKY/SATINY BLOUSES*

it's office hoe meets---

fine. it's just office hoe.

but a wee insider tip?:

unbuttoning it may be sexy and silhouette-forming, 

but leaving it all buttoned up like yours truly here will negate any sex appeal initially present

blouse: Jcrew, pants: UO (similar), boots: Etienne Aigner, bra: Vikki's Secret

that's if the polka dot pants and chunky boots didn't do so already.

Cheers.

photos by sheeds