Prepare for the Return of the Bandage Dress
From low-rise jeans to butterfly motifs to rimless shades, the early aughts have officially had a stylish comeback. Fashion is cyclical, so it was only a matter of time before the aforementioned styles made their imminent return.
But it’s not just the early trends of the 2000s that are having their comeback. Next up? The polarizing late-2000s trends seem to be on the precipice of bubbling up once more (yes, this is indeed the era of liquid leggings, peplums, and statement necklaces), starting with the bandage dress.
What is a traditional bandage dress?
A bandage dress slightly differs from its cousin, the body-con dress, in that it has panels that resemble bandages.
The bandage dress, both historically and currently, has been made most well-known by the iterations dreamed up by French house Hervé Léger. Supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell donned these body-hugging looks in the ’90s, but the true bandage dress apex sits somewhere between 2007 and 2011, where one can simply glance at any red carpet event and safely bet an Hervé Léger second-skin dress is in the mix on the likes of Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, or Rihanna.
Image courtesy of @kimkardashian
Image courtesy of @herveleger
When did bandage dresses come into fashion?
Aside from fashion’s nostalgia, the resurgence of the bandage dress is largely due to a post-pandemic return to nightlife. And with it, a new appetite for cut-outs, slinky silhouettes, and mini, leg-baring hemlines.
It’s no surprise these styles whet the palate for Hervé’s body-hugging silhouette. Since April 2021, search interest for Hervé Léger dresses increased 74% and search interest for bandage dresses increased 49%. Plus, this spring, perpetually cool-girl Julia Restoin Roitfeld even collaborated with Léger on a capsule collection of ’90s-inspired dresses that squeeze, hug, and constrict the body in all the best ways.
And over in Hollywood, Tiffany Haddish was seen sporting a knitted iteration of the bandage dress in August (as styled by none other than Law Roach) and then queen-of-the-aughts Jennifer Lopez also wore the designer for a recent red carpet outing. This version felt like next-gen Léger, but it’s really only a matter of time before we see a full-on throwback to the original bandage dress. Get ahead of the curve and get yourself a new bandage number today.
Image courtesy of @juliarestoinroitfeld
From classic iterations of the Hervé bandage dress to newer versions that have been reimagined with modern, sheer elements and asymmetrical necklines, shop the best bandage dresses and shimmy into one just in time for your upcoming holiday soirées. View some our top Bodycon Collection picks below.
Choosing the Right Dress for Every Occasion
Classic and Chic: Black Bandage Dress
A black bandage dress is a wardrobe essential. Perfect for cocktail parties or date nights, it offers effortless sophistication. Style it with stiletto heels, a sleek clutch, and bold red lips for a striking evening look.
Fresh and Elegant: White Bandage Dress
A white bandage dress brings a crisp, modern touch to your ensemble. Ideal for bridal events, summer parties, or an upscale brunch, pair it with nude heels and minimalist gold jewelry for a refined aesthetic.
Bold and Striking: Red Bandage Dress
Nothing turns heads quite like a red bandage dress. This daring choice is perfect for special occasions, from romantic dinners to glamorous soirées. Complement it with black or metallic heels and a structured clutch for a show-stopping effect.
Luxurious and Glamorous: Gold Bandage Dress
If you love a little sparkle, a gold bandage dress is your go-to for high-impact glam. Whether for a New Year’s Eve party or a night out, pair it with strappy heels and statement earrings to shine all night.
Flirty and Fun: Bandage Mini Dress
A bandage mini dress is a playful yet sultry choice for club nights or parties. Opt for strappy heels and a sleek ponytail to balance the boldness of the look.
Sophisticated and Sleek: Bandage Midi Dress
For an elegant take on the trend, a bandage midi dress offers the perfect balance of chic and sexy. This length works well for formal dinners or upscale gatherings, styled with pointed-toe heels and delicate accessories.
Shop our 20 best women's bandage dresses:
1. The Heidi Bandage Mini Dress in Classic Black
2. The Sia Bandage Dress in Emerald Green
3. The Grace Bandage Dress in Dusty Pink
4. The Lea Bandage Dress in White Pearl
5. The Sophia Bandage Dress in Classic Black
6. The Bek Bandage Dress in Royal Blue
7. The Ash Bandage Dress in Classic Black
8. The Bea Bandage Dress in Nude
9. The Heidi Bandage Midi Dress in Gold
10. The Blaire Bandage Dress in Navy Blue
11. The Olivia Long Sleeve Bandage Dress in White Pearl
12. The Kit Bandage Dress in Apricot Orange
13. The Miranda Bandage Mini Dress in Dusty Pink
14. The Amelia Long Sleeve Bandage Dress in Classic Black
15. The Pia Bandage Dress in White Pearl
16. The Blanche Bandage Dress in Lipstick Red
17. The Bay Bandage Dress in Classic Black
18. The Kate Bandage Dress in Royal Blue
19. The Eva Bandage Mini Dress in Emerald Green
20. The Beth Bandage Dress in Classic Black
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Original article was sourced from Vogue
