While trying on some dresses I bought from one of my many late-night sale scans, I realized that I’d become a big proponent of the bodycon dress. Out of the five dresses I bought, all of them essentially fit into the bodycon category—stretchy, fitted, and supremely body-hugging. Buying only this silhouette wasn’t intentional at all (I didn’t set out to buy only bodycon dresses during my shopping binge), but I guess it’s a testament to how the style has unexpectedly popped back out into the spotlight.
An iconic silhouette favored among everyone from Hollywood golden age starlets to Y2K-era socialites, the bodycon dress has an extensive history within the pop culture Zeitgeist. It’s almost impossible to forget the early aughts Herve Leger Bandage dress era (arguably when the style last hit its apex), that the word bodycon is practically synonymous with the days of Louboutin Daffodile pumps and Juicy Couture bags. As everyone shifted towards looser silhouettes and minimalism, extreme figure-hugging dresses felt like a relic of the past. But nothing stays “old” forever, and just like how the low-rise has made its imprint in 2022, so has the bodycon dress. It’s a new dawn for the style, with brands like Norma Kamali repopularizing the classic dress. Ahead, keep scrolling to shop 31 dresses that define the modern vision of the bodycon dress.
The dress is apparently so popular there’s a waitlist (but fortunately for you, Net-a-Porter has it available to shop right now).
The inclusion of a cool print feels modern.
I always love H&M when I’m looking for something afforable.
This will never fail you.
I love this styling with another trendy piece— platform mule sandals.
The 2022 way to do bodycon.
While the front is gorgeous, it’s all about this back detail.
Big Marilyn Monroe energy.
The simplicity of this dress feels like an ode to 90s minimalism.
Here’s your everyday bodycon.
Who else has a calendar full of summer weddings? If that’s you, you should absolutely buy this dress.
I’ll never turn down a corset dress.
If you’re set on buying into the style, Norma Kamali is an excellent place to start. Kamali’s ruched dresses have been a fashion staple for years, but thanks to Tik Tok and Instagram they’re getting renewed attention.
How good is this?!
Maxi lengths always look elegant.
A sale find I’m begrudgingly sharing.
A. Roege Hove is one of my favorite brands right now.
The best $72 spent.
The open knit feels decidedly summery and ideal for a July vacation.
Pure old Hollywood glamour.
Scooping this up before it inevitably sells out.
The preppy aesthetic is still going strong.
Definitely packing this one with me to Mexico.
I love how this accentuates the figure without overtly looking like a bodycon dress.
The neckline is gorgeous, but it’s the shade of purple that’s really getting to me.
A girl can dream.
You’ve never seen a bodycon quite like this.
This dress is taking IG by storm.
Stunning!
Forever 21 recently teamed up with a relaunched Herve Leger for a limited capsule, and it’s such a good dose of nostalgia.
