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!
love this trend! im buying that full tilt batwing shirt right nowww!
ps i know the shirt im buying isnt body con, but im in love with bodycon penil skirts right now..so chic!
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.
** NOT bumpy, I ment to say…lol
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.
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 =)
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!
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!
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 🙂
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 !
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!
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! 😀
Omg i really want a body con skirt ! i think it will look vintage with a belt vest and stellettos x
i love bandage skirts and recently, body con dresses <3
I really want to buy some of the body con skirts but not exactly sure where to buy any
i want that black shirt but i can’t find it on the website! 🙁 help?
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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
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!
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