In case you haven’t heard, skin is in. You’ve likely seen Miu Miu’s ultra-mini skirts or Megan Fox’s many “naked” dresses. The silhouettes of the moment are meant to highlight the human form. Depending on your personal comfort level, they can be approached in subtle ways (via tasteful cutouts) or in more extreme fashions (see Supriya Lele’s low-rise skirts with built-in thongs). It can also be styled more formally. Just take cues from Zazie Beetz, who attended New York’s National Board of Review gala last night, wearing a saucy yet polished piece.
Forgoing a traditional glitzy dress, the actor hit the step-and-repeat in a cream knit bra top by Isa Boulder. Though stars like Katie Holmes have given the abs-revealing piece a more casual spin (Holmes famously paired hers with a cardigan and jeans), Beetz gave it a dressier feel, thanks to her black floor-length skirt by Orseund Iris, with thin strapping around the abdomen. Bottega Veneta shoes and jewelry by Grace Lee, David Yurman, and Senia rounded out the chic look.
There’s something fresh and modern about the idea of wearing a bra top in such a buttoned-up setting. It’s a confident move, for one, but it also says, “I don’t play by the rules.” A traditional ball gown? Never heard of her. Rihanna and Zendaya have also taken an evening wear approach to the bra top. The latter wore a red bra top and peplum-style skirt by Vera Wang to the 2021 CFDA Awards. But in a black and cream colorway, like Beetz’s ensemble, it feels as classic and timeless as an LBD. Just infinitely cooler.
This post originally appeared on Vogue.