Prettier Than Everyone Else: The Bandage Dress

For someone who occasionally* writes about style, I confess to avoiding coverage of those trends skinny jeans skinny jeans skinny jeans which don't flatter (pear-shaped) me personally.  As in, those fashions that cause me to inwardly scream, "MY HIPS!  MY HIPS!  JUST THINK OF MY CHILD-BEARING (SOMEDAY) HIPS IN THOSE!!! MAGELLAN HIPS, BECAUSE THEY COULD CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE WITH THEIR HUGENESS IN THOSE! GAH!"

*Or constantly; forgive me, non-shoppers, but it has been Avarice-R-Us here lately due to real life getting odious for a few loved ones.  When my inner writing muse gets stressed, she wants to go shopping.  

Ahem.  Given my figure bias, as well as my questioning of this 80s revival that is still going strong in 2009, I had overlooked the return of the curve-hugging Herve Leger "bandage dress" for a time. I did initially because I saw the phrase "bandage dress" and thought, "I've somehow stumbled upon a fetish-y Band-Aid site".  On second glance, however, it's because this look leaves no room for error:

(Credit:  Net-a-Porter)

For you hourglass-figured types, be you on the Kate Bosworth or the Kate Winslet end of curvy, this likely looks amazing on you;  as for me, my hips and I will be cowering in the corner, thinking of the many pairs o' Spanx we'd need to fit into this - or so I thought, until I happened upon a few more figure and budget friendly finds:

(Credit:  Macy's)

"London Times Sleeveless Shutter-Pleat Dress" ($109.00):  This skirt flares out a bit in a more forgiving manner, and the ruched bustline adds curves up top.  For those of us like me, even though I'm the spitting image of HRH Grace who need it, that is.

(Credit:  Macy's)

"Jones New York Cap-Sleeved Tiered Laser-Cut Dress" ($170.00):  In addition to having too many adjectives, this one comes with a nice cap sleeve for those who prefer a sleeve & bra strap coverage.

(Credit:  BCBG)

"Tiered Halter Dress" (on sale at $138):  This is close to the "no margin for error" original, but at a friendlier price and more forgiving skirt.  If your shoulders are in shape, this is a beautiful halter top to show them off in.

As far as accessorizing this dress style - or making it modest enough for the more conservative, boring laywer types (me!) amongst us - I like the way the following two famous types interpreted this look:

(Credit:  FabSugar)

This may be the one & only time we besmirch the Pretty with one of those Vicky's Secret model types, but bear with me.  She gets the accessories just right here: (1) the 80s blazer is both of the moment & covers up enough for my prudish tastes; (2) the satchel bag gives it textural & colorful interest; (3) the simple hair and makeup keep it modest; (4) patent nude heels - leg-elongating and fab; and (5) the arm-charm, "Better than a Birkin" Bloom boyfriend.

(Credit:  CW)

Yes, I'm going there - our Lady of the Fictional Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf, expertly sets off her version of the bandage with a neutral, conservative cardigan.  Note the sequin detail on the arm & neckline that keeps this young & interesting.

Will you be giving this ongoing trend a go?  Or do you think it's best left to the imaginary prep school brats?

Edited to Add:  I keep finding more demure takes on this trend, like here and here.  If you aren't afraid of the sleeveless or form-fitting, there are multiple ways to adapt this look.