In the words of Jennifer Lopez in 1997’s Selena, “It’s not a bra! It’s a bustier!” And whether you agreed with her outfit choice at the carnival or not, J.Lo was absolutely right: bustiers are not bras. For one thing, bustiers can be worn as tops with printed, high-waisted skirts in the summertime, or under “normal” clothes for reasons of your own (some women prefer bustiers over bras—unless you’re resident bad gal Rihanna and opt for neither most of the time). But bustiers have a seriously chic and sophisticated side (we would never kid about this) that most women weren’t even aware of, let alone tried out for themselves.

Instead of wearing your bustier on its own in the summer (and tucking it away to make room for your zillion fall sweaters), try wearing your bustier on the outside of your outfits—for example, on top of your white oxford shirt (like this Gap classic).

Via GAP
Via GAP

Just leave the top button open, and shimmy into your favorite black bustier (like this looks-good-with-everything number from Nasty Gal).

Via Nasty Gal
Via Nasty Gal

Pair the look with distressed boyfriend jeans (like this Denim& Supply pair from Ralph Lauren) and your go-to pair of pumps or ankle booties.

Via Ralph Lauren
Via Ralph Lauren

If you’re torn between killing it in a bustier, and schlubbing it in your favorite sweater (like this cashmere light gray one from Halogen), why not bring the two worlds together for a fashion-blogger-approved look? The bustier-over-the-sweater looks chic (not trashy) and means you don’t have to bow down to the biting temperatures for the sake of fashion.

Via Halogen
Via Halogen

All you need is a pair of classic black pants (like these pajama-like ones from Charlotte Russe), and you have a fresh take (using basics you already own) on an outfit that no one else will be rocking.

Via Charlotte Russe
Via Charlotte Russe

Have we convinced you to go out and rock your bustier the way a fashion blogger would? Or are you still on the fence about this unconventional (but extremely stylish) look?

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