Sarah Jessica Parker’s Take on the Exposed Bra Trend Is Very Un-Carrie Bradshaw

We often talk about Sarah Jessica Parker‘s style as if it were an extension of her alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw.And although they share a lot in common, her latest outfit speaks more to her personal style than her character’s signature look.

There is some reference, of course, as the Sex and the City protagonist would have made good use of that semi-transparent shirt that Parker wore to the Torino Film Festival on November 22, though Carrie would probably have added more eccentric elements. Where she might’ve paired the sheer blouse with a tulle skirt and a few ruffles, the 59-year-old actor was content to sign her look with masculine-inspired pieces reinterpreted in the most feminine way possible.

That said, our analysis of her styling will have to pivot between both women—the real one and her fictional counterpart. If the overall aura of the outfit is serious and elegant, thanks mainly to Parker’s twist on traditional suiting, the added details still veer towards Bradshaw’s taste.

We see Carrie in the bejeweled bow sandals, which could fit perfectly within the character’s collection of desirable and vibrant heels—just like the bag, which also surrendered to sparkling crystals. The way she nonchalantly leaves the blouse unbuttoned is also very Carrie, as is that long pearl necklace. However, there’s the velvet skirt and the regal blazer to lend formality to these nods. Again, the scales are balanced.

As we debate which elements are best attributed to Carrie or Sarah Jessica Parker, here we have a perfect formula to combine a transparent blouse in the most sophisticated way possible. Its delicate and soft-draping fabric reveals a black bra with touches of lace—a piece of lingerie that is there to claim prominence, not to go unnoticed.

That is, precisely, how transparencies are best handled: boldly and showed off in all their power. The fact of showing skin should not go unnoticed, instead emphasized to make the intention fully clear. No half measures, let’s take the prettiest bra in our closet and let it become the star of the outfit.