In praise of Bra-Friendly Black Dresses
because sometimes you can’t go without
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Who am I kidding - most of the time I can’t go without. Apart from throwing on a cover up at the beach or slipping out for an early morning dog walk dressed in half-pyjama mode, it’s rare that I forgo a bra now. A point underlined when, after the try on session from my summer box, three dresses that demanded a strictly no-bra situation, promptly found themselves edited out and sold on. I live in the real world - the one where I no longer kid myself that gravity will prevail… and said dresses live happily in the wardrobe of either a braver (or a much smaller/perkier boob’d woman) than myself. Everyone wins.
In their current (and any future) place, only dresses that permit the wearing of a bra will be allowed to take up hanging space - much like the one I’m wearing here. I bought it at John Lewis back in May and wearing it feels like a dream. Light, airy, made from taffeta, can be played up or down and best of all, I don’t feel like my boobs reside on my tummy whenever I sit down in it. Or stand up for that matter. Welcome to fifty-five!
At this juncture I feel I should point out that this new rule has been set in stone following frequent discussions (and photos of the summer dress try-on shared back and forth), with my friend Lou. I’ve come to think of our sartorial musings as a kind of style council - with an agenda geared specifically toward style from the point of menopausal bodies. Discussions have included the numerous benefits of eschewing a bikini top made of fabric triangles in favour of a structured bra-like version or good halter neck style and tailored trousers to accommodate a midlife tummy capable of inflating like a balloon. We both pondered why it seems too much to ask for a waistband with hidden adjustable buttons on the inside. Although upon closer inspection of my own wardrobe, I was pleased to discover that a couple pairs of COS tailored trousers I own have this function… but then I’ve always considered COS ahead of the curve when it comes to good design on the High Street. Good for when my own “curve” looks more like I’m six months pregnant some days.
The other criteria I began to apply to black dresses some time ago was versatility - i.e. not deeming them day or evening. Being able to waft about all day in comfort but also elevate it enough for a night out is a big deciding factor. Key style notes worth bearing in mind: Linen is a nighttime worthy fabric, a simple but oversized pendant necklace is a game (and dress) changer and shoes and bags are generally the things that dictate whether it’s worn at sunrise or a sunset. To make the dress I’m wearing here more daytime friendly, I’d lose the pendant, opt for this bag and swap the sandals for my black Havaianas or much loved taupe suede Birkenstock Arizonas.
Below are a selection of bra-friendly black dresses that work for day and night… and will pass the test of time and seasons without having to take into account gravity. Because despite my best imaginings, I will not resemble the model on the retailer website whilst wearing the No Bra dress!
more bra-friendly black dresses
1 & Other Stories | 2 COS | 3 Nobody’s Child | 4 H&M | 5 Anthropologie | 6 COS | 7 H&M | 8 Toteme | 9 Reiss | 10 Mint Velvet | 11 Lou Lou Studio | 12 M&S
Accessories for day…
Woven Tote | Minimal Sandal | Straw Bag | Leather Flip Flops
Straw, raffia, texture and woven - all my favourite words when it comes to summer bags. The Sezane Paloma bag is perennially popular - I also love this one that I’ve owned for a couple of months and load it up everyday that the sun shines. If you’ve seen any of my summer outfits on Instagram of late then you’ll know that I swear by these minimal footbed sandals or flip flop styles like this pair with extra cushioning. Spoken as a former sufferer of plantar fasciitis - cushioning is everything!
… and night
Shaped Necklace | Raffia Clutch | Drop Earrings | Snake Effect Bag
I’m a big fan of the no jewellery apart from a pair of oversized earrings - the bigger the better! If the pendant necklace is your weapon of choice, the idea of layering one or two as expertly styled at & Other Stories holds plenty of elevated detail appeal. And speaking of simple black linen dresses for evening - can you imagine the COS offering with that snake-effect bag, slicked back hair and a deep red lip? That was added to my outfit note list before I’d even finished typing the sentence!
