Why a latex dress is the ultra-sexy style everyone from Tess Daly to Kylie Jenner swears by & how to wear it at any age
IT’S snugger than a bug in a rug, but wearers should watch out that it doesn’t rub them up the wrong way.
Latex has slipped out of the boudoir and strutted its stuff straight onto the AW24 catwalks as the fabric du jour.
Everywhere we turn, this squeaky material is making a smooth move, becoming the go-to for the glitterati.
From Maya Jama to Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian, celebrities are showing us that latex isn’t just for after dark anymore.
Last week Hannah Waddingham, 50, wowed fans in a plunging latex dress, and this week Strictly’s Tess Daly, 55, showed off her jaw-dropping figure in black midi one.
Fashion editor Amber Graafland believes that if you want to show off your fashion prowess then opting for a PVC outfit is the one – especially if you’re beginning to think of outfits to wear as we enter party season.
“Sequins are an obvious festive choice, and the high street is abundant with suitably sparkly outfits,” says Amber, style writer and commentator.
“However, if you want to show off your fashion prowess you might want to consider a very different fabric.
“Somewhat surprisingly, latex has shaken off its fetish connotations to become AW24’s fabric of choice.
“If you want to turn heads at this year’s office Christmas party, the fabric to choose is rubber.”
So, who do we have to thank for this season’s latex trend?
Fashion’s most recent runway moment came courtesy of Maison Margiela’s Creative Director John Galliano who sent Gwendoline Christie down the catwalk dressed in a clear, tiered latex gown as part of his now infamous couture ’24 show.
Amber says: “Not surprisingly Kim Kardashian is a fan.
“Only last month she wore a 3D printed latex Balenciaga dress to the Kering for Women Dinner in NYC.
“The reality TV star is probably the biggest A-list advocate of latex and has been wearing it for years.”
Back in 2015, she famously wore a salmon pink Atsuko Kudo latex dress that showed off her baby bump.
The 55-year-olds stunning black strapless latex gown proved that age is not a barrier where wearing latex is concerned
Amber Graafland, style commentator
Fast forward to 2020 Kim and her sister Kourtney attended the Balenciaga show in Paris wearing head-to-toe latex.
Amber continues: “Not surprisingly Kylie Jenner is also a fan, the entrepreneur opting for a navy-blue latex midi dress at a New York City pop-up event for her canned vodka soda brand, Sprinter.
“The famous body confident sisters love how the fabric accentuates your curves, holds you in all the right places and shows off your best assets.
“For these reasons Amanda Holden, Maya Jama and Rita Ora are all fans.”
How to wear
The question is, can the rest of us mere mortals get away with this rather risqué and let’s be honest, rather unforgiving fabric?
Amber says: “Well, the answer is yes, and if you’re not convinced, just take a look at Hannah Waddingham, channelling her inner Kim, in the black halter neck mermaid silhouette Atsuko Kudo couture gown she wore to the ‘Venom: The last Dance’ premier.
“Now this is how you make an entrance at a premier.
“The 50-year-old made sure she wore the gown, and that it didn’t wear her. And the key to her success? Confidence.”
Tess Daly also proved that age doesn’t matter when it comes to choosing wearing latex.
Amber says: “If you need more convincing, then just take a look at Tess Daly’s Strictly outfit from Sunday night.
“The 55-year-olds stunning black strapless latex gown proved that age is not a barrier where wearing latex is concerned.”
Latex will cut into your body rather unforgivingly, so if it’s not the perfect fit, the results will not be good
Amber Graafland, style commentator
So, how do you get latex right?
Amber continues: “Well, as Hannah Waddingham demonstrated, the biggest factor is confidence. You need oodles of it if you’re going to pull it off.
“The second factor is fit. While latex has incredible pulling power, if it’s too tight all you are going to do is displace parts of your body and create unflattering bulges.”
Amber believes that Lauryn Goodman, 33, is “the perfect case” in point after she flashed sideboob whilst doing promo for the E4 show Celebs Go Dating.
Amber says: “She has an incredible figure, but sadly the cut out mini dress she wore for the promo clip didn’t flatter her at all.
“Latex will cut into your body rather unforgivingly, so if it’s not the perfect fit, the results will not be good.”
Another thing to consider is that when it comes to latex, the tighter the better.
Amber says: “This fabric is designed to stretch over the body.
“If it’s not super skin tight it will form visible wrinkles and gather, creating a bin liner effect.
“If you’re ready to take the plunge, then please remember to invest in a bottle of talcum power.
“Yes, this fine powder will perform wonders if you remember to apply it to your body first, as it will make removing your latex dress so-much-easier.
“You’re welcome.”
Top five tips on wearing latex
By Amber Graafland, fashion editor and style commentator
Top five tips
- Choose the right size. If you go too small and it can rip.
However, latex should feel tight; if it’s too big it will not be smooth and will look messy and wrinkly, a bit like a bin liner. - The general rule is the tighter the fit the better. Latex can deduct an impressing 2-3 inches of your figure when fitted correctly.
- Watch where the garment cuts into your skin as it can create unflattering bulges. The arm and bust area can prove to be tricky, so make sure the latex finishes in a flattering place.
- Apply talc to the inside of the garment, or your skin, or both, then place one hand between your skin and the latex to help it glide on more easily. Once it’s on, gently smooth out any wrinkles with your hand.
- Avoid sharp objects!