Once, girls would frantically signal to a friend whose bra strap was peeking out from under her top.

The embarassed one would then, as discreetly as possible, sneak the thick elastic strap under cover.

But now, girls are playing peek-a-boob and flashing their bra straps.

These are definitely not the tatty, nude-coloured passion-killers of yore. Instead, plastic transparent straps worn with strapless or spaghetti tops are being flaunted on the streets - never mind that others may think they look cheap and nasty.

Fresh options are shouldering their way in too - decorative beaded straps meant to be seen and bras too pretty to keep under wraps.

However, there's a fine line between a beautiful bra strap and a booby trap, say stylists.

Take singer Amy Winehouse: The only thing more distracting than her 'wingliner' eyes and beehive hairdo are her sloppy, floppy bra-straps in clashing colours.

But there are glamorous options galore here for those who are strap-happy (see below).

Lingerie designer Melanie Mah of the Mint by MelM label says her customers usually buy straps with different coloured crystals and pearls to match their clothes.

Over at lingerie shop Une Nana Cool, a subsidiary of underwear giant Wacoal, brazen bras are having their turn in the sun. It stocks a brand of the same name.

Designs, which include straps made of ribbons or metal, are meant to 'look like outerwear', says Wacoal assistant manager Gail Tay, 37.

Stylist Dolphin Yeo advises: 'It's best to make sure the colours of your outfit and bra straps match so that they look like an ensemble.

'For example, don't wear a bright green outfit with a bright red bra.

'If you insist on having a contrast, try a more playful clash such as a blue top with a bra with yellow straps.'

However, while stylists will forgive Winehouse because it's all about her voice and not what holds up her other assets, transparent plastic straps warrant a call to the fashion police.

The straps' clear, rigid lines are deemed as much a crime against good taste as visible panty lines.

Stylist Steven Kong says: 'They just aren't beautiful, classy or sophisticated.'

Stylist Jerome Awasthi's suggestion is to wear a strapless bra or, 'if you're wearing a spaghetti strap top, it might be more tasteful to just show off more decorative bra straps'.

The stylists also point out that some outfits just won't go well with bra straps. Yeo says: 'It's definitely not okay to flaunt bra straps with evening gowns.'

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This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on May 8, 2008.