Parenting Pointers: Helping You and Your Kids Avoid Bra-Paus

Gwyneth Paltrow recently announced on her website Goop that she wishes in previous years she'd worn a bra to an awards show. It's easy to make mistakes that involve this undergarment, and I had a chance to interview Jené Luciani, fashion journalist and bestselling author, about bra-paus.

1) What are some of the biggest bra-paus that people tend to make?
The biggest one is wearing the wrong size! That can lead to a slew of other bra paus like boob spillage (out the top and over the sides!), slipping straps, and even looking heavier or older than you actually are.  Also, many women opt to go WITHOUT a bra in some cases which can lead to embarrassing problems like nipple poke through or visible sagginess under a dress or top! 


2) Many prom dresses have tricky designs that make regular bras difficult to wear. What solutions do you suggest for strapless or backless dresses?
There are backless strapless bras that are self adhesive which get you through the night without a hitch! OR you can opt to pick up foam cups at any craft shop and have the seamstress or dress shop sew into the dress whenever possible, so you have SOME support and coverage. ALSO BE SURE TO ASK YOUR BRIDAL OR DRESS SHOP FOR SUGGESTIONS! There are often experts right at your fingertips who have seen it all and the trickiest of dresses. David’s Bridal is amazing at this, and their stores are everywhere!
 
3) Why is it important to avoid bra-paus?
Bra paus can cause embarrassment and mental distress – imagine you make one on your prom or wedding day and it lives on forever in photos??  
 

4) What are some ways people commit bra-paus with less formal wear and how could they be avoided?
I think this is pretty much covered in the first question above but you can avoid any bra paus by remembering to care for your bras properly, get a fitting once a year and toss out any stretched out, old or tattered or ill-fitting bras with every season! (that way you remember to do it). So for example, when you’re putting away your winter sweaters, make that the time you also go through all your bras, try on and toss whatever isn’t good anymore. 



Jené Luciani appears regularly on NBC¹s TODAY Show and has appeared on NBC'S New York Live, The Style Network, Better TV, CNN Money, ABC News, Fox News Channel and Good Day NY. Luciani recently guest starred on an episode of the hit show Mad Fashion, wearing a Chris March-created dress made out of 200 bras. Aside from the national and local news outlets Jene is regularly on, her TV credits also include the The Nate Berkus Show, Access Hollywood, The Wendy Williams Show, The Dr. Oz Show, The Style Network's Look for Less and How Do I Look?, Oxygen's Jersey Couture and Discovery Channel's Go Ahead, Make My Dinner.