How to Wear the Body-Con Trend
Short for “body conscious” (think super tight bandage style dresses, Hérve Léger, etc.), body-con is a huge trend for fall.
From skintight pencil skirts (or bodycon skirts) to figure-hugging dresses and even form-fitting high-waisted jeans, the body-con silhouette will have you showing off your shape if you choose to partake this season.
But how do you wear it? Will it be flattering? How can you keep your look sultry, not trashy? Are there cute pieces out there that don’t come with a Hérve Léger price tag? Read on, chicas! I’ll let you know.
General Body-Con Tips:
- Don’t be afraid! The thought of tight, figure-hugging clothing probably inspires fear in the majority of women, but it shouldn’t! Most body-con pieces are actually pretty flattering, due to the fact that they suck you in, smoothing out your shape. Still self-conscious? Try wearing Spanx (Jessica Alba swears by ‘em) or even high-waisted sheer footless tights under anything you feel is too tight or short.
- Play with proportions. As I’ve stressed in previous articles, if you’re wearing a tight item of clothing, it’s a good rule to balance it out with an item that’s not as form fitting. Wearing a tight skirt? Try a colorful, loose-fitting tank tank top for balance.
- Choose what to showcase. Sure, a tight bandage dress is a great option for a night at the club, but it’s not for every day! For normal wear, it’s best to decide what assets to flaunt and cover the rest! Example: if you’re wearing tight, high-waisted jeans, put on a short sleeved turtleneck! That way, you flaunt your legs and butt, but keep the cleavage under wraps for a classy look.
- Go dark. Because these styles are so form fitting, it’s best to opt for a dark color if you’re feeling at all shy about showing your shape. Black, dark gray, brown, navy, and even deep purples and reds are all great color choices for body-con pieces.
- Pick your pairings wisely. What you wear with your body-con is almost as important as the body-con item itself! For city chic looks, pair body-con dresses with bombers, boyfriend blazers, or jean jackets. If you’re doing the body-con thing in the AM (or any in-class hours!) choose conservative shoes–think ballet flats or boots. Even your accessories can provide some needed coverage, so go ahead and pull out your scarf from last fall! It’s all about striking a balance between showing off your hot bod and keeping it classy.
Outfit Inspiration:
Body-Con Look 1:
This is a great, sophisticated interpretation of the body-con trend, without the typical bandage details. Inspired by a look Kim Kardashian wore earlier in the year, dark high-waisted jeans and a waist-cinching skinny belt provide a hint of the body-con trend, while the ruffled top keeps you appropriately covered up.
Product Information: 7 For All Mankind High Waist Bootcut Jeans, net-a-porter.com. Full Tilt Batwing Top, Tillys. Black patent waist belt, Dorothy Perkins. Faux Suede Peep Toe Zipper Side Booties, amiclubwear.com. Patent zipper clutch, Aldo.
Body-Con Look 2:
A black bodycon skirt is a must-have item this season. So functional! So versatile! While this skirt would look great with a tank top and heels at a party, this outfit provides a look at how it can be worn casually. Tuck your favorite v-neck (plain or printed) into your skirt, throw on a long sweater, and slip into some flats for a look that is comfortable, yet totally chic.
Product Information: Bandage skirt, Forever 21. Zebra Stripe Burnout Top, Buckle. Deep V cardigan, American Eagle. Chain Detail Pumps, Dorothy Perkins.
Body-Con Look 3:
This dress is a hot pick for a special night out, and it’s under $100! The snug fit and short hemline will definitely show off your curves! Pull out all the stops with leg-elongating nude heels and fun costume jewelry. For a more conservative spin, you could also wear the dress with sheer black tights, a cropped cardigan, and a pair of pretty flats.
Product Information: Cross Front Bandage Dress, Metropark. Ranjana Khan Simulated Pearl and Crystal Bib Necklace, hsn.com. Dolce Vita Madison Pumps, Zappos. Amethyst and Smokey Topaz Rings, fantasyjewelrybox.com. Oversized faceted cocktail ring, ASOS.
What Do You Think?
Have you braved the body-con trend yet? If so, how do you wear it? If you haven’t tried the trend yet, are you going to pick up a bandage skirt or dress for fall? Let everyone know what you think — leave a comment!
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Posted on on September 29, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Bandage, Body Con, Dresses, Fall 2009, Herve Leger, How To, Trends
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rachelle
love this trend! im buying that full tilt batwing shirt right nowww!
rachelle
ps i know the shirt im buying isnt body con, but im in love with bodycon penil skirts right now..so chic!
Jess
I actually like this trend. Its a great way to show of your figure, which I hear men love lol.
I love the outfits you put together. They are way too cute.
whatsunderneath
P.S. if worried with any flaws….spanx slip under the dress and skirt, or lipo in a box thong style body suit under high waist jeans can help smooth out anything u might be afraid of. I love the bodycon look and use it with a few of my peices for fall, but it olny looks truly great if the lines underneath are smooth, but bumpy. :) Just a thought.
whatsunderneath
** NOT bumpy, I ment to say…lol
Luinae
I love my magenta pencil skirt from H&M. The first outfit is beautiful. I have a pair of curvy round the thighs mid rise (don’t like high) bootcut jeans and I love to wear it with a black sweater, very classy and pretty.
Mici
I’m getting kinda into this trend actually! Maybe I’ll go for the pencil skirt from Forever21…thanks for a great post! I love it how you always emphasize the fact that women should be proud of their curves =)
Linda
Sweet, I’ve been waiting for this article!
Thanks for the outfit ideas.
Chelsey
i love this trend. outfit 1 is a cute way to slowly get into the trend
la petite fashionista
I love the body con skirt with a baggier tee! When I was in London this summer all the strores were selling really bright colored bandage dresses– i’m kicking myself for not picking one up!
Maria
I love this trend! I’m very conscious with my body shape but when I tried a skirt like in the #2 outfit inspiration (but the color is gold), it absolutely flatters my body shape and I feel so confident! I love this trend!
roofing insulation
Hey I love your site every time you come up with great stuff.. I Like Body-Con Look 2: superb pattern thanks for sharing it keep it up :)
Scarlett
How do I wear high-heels to school ?
You suggest lots of outfits that include high heels, and I always think they’re amazing. But how can I wear heels to school (that means being classy & fashionable) without feeling uncomfortable or making a faux pas ?
Thank you !
Kristina
I just got a bandage skirt in grey, and I’m about to wear it today just like the first outfit you suggested. Thanks for the inspiration! I don’t think anyone should be afraid to try this trend. I was convinced it wouldn’t look good on me, because I have hips, but the skirt was surprisingly flattering!
Jessica
I’m pretty sue I’ve always worn this trend. While I do have some looser items, I love my curves and I love to show them off. Most of my clothes are form-fitting, and I like it that way
Rayna
I really love how in your posts you show how to blend the trends slowly into a more conservative wardrobe! It’s a really nice touch, also how the influence of the trend increases with your examples. Really helpful, thank you! :D
hillary
i love this trend but i would have no where to wear it. =[ are you girls going to be doing a post on winter/rain boots. (stuff you can actually wear in bad weather!)?
Lady In Evening Dress
I really love this trend. Body con skirt is my favorite and body con tips are great.
Cara
I love this trend but I am jut going to have to break down and go in for major tailoring again, because I cannot find a pencil skirt that actually fits me! When I get the waist to fit, they are downright immodest around my hips, and I think ANY type of underwear would have pantylines, but, if they fit my hips closely-but-nicely, then I can stick my fngers down the waist! Help for the defined hourglass figure and the pencil skirt, s’il vous plait!
Melissa
Omg i really want a body con skirt ! i think it will look vintage with a belt vest and stellettos x
kenziejane
body-con is short for body CONDOM, because it hugs your body.
body-concious?
that’s just how it makes you feel,
if you DON’T have the body type to be wearing one.
;)
Lyd
i love bandage skirts and recently, body con dresses <3
Amelia
I am so excited to try this trend- I recently bought 2 bandage skirts for school, and this is sooo my style. Great article!
cece
as much as i like to experiment with trends, i fear that this one is not for me cos i am apple shaped! but i mean testing clothes are free right? so il find out when i get to the store if its a total do or no-no for me!
ali
All i wear is body con dresses! But mine are not bandage ones, i like the thin fabrick ones, but how do i stop them from stretching?
Jay
Oh, I just bought this strawberry milk pink quarter sleeve crop top and a light gray body-con skirt from Forever21.
I absolutely love the combination. _<
chelle
I really want to buy some of the body con skirts but not exactly sure where to buy any
Angie
i want that black shirt but i can’t find it on the website! :( help?