You’d think the rapid decline in temperatures would cause celebs to be piling on the layers; but against all logic, this autumn has seen an onslaught of the WBD — the Why Bother Dress.
The Why Bother Dress is exactly what you’d think: a dress consisting of so little material that you might as well have stuck on two bits of tit tape and called it a day. If it covers too much camel toe, you’re overdressed. “It’s a real statement of dedication to be able to wear fashion that is so revealing,” says stylist Angie Smith who has worked with Abbey Clancy and Danni Minogue.
Ambassador of the WBD Miley Cyrus was seen on stunning form this weekend at the MTV EMAs in a backless, legless, frontless wonder with images of rap legends Biggie Smalls and Tupac and “Please Stop Violence” emblazoned on it. And before the end of the event she had changed into a wincingly high leg leotard (with certainly more leg than leotard).
Cyrus is not alone in WBD fandom. Last week actress Jaimie Alexander flaunted her incredible figure in an eye-wateringly sheer Azzaro Couture maxi gown at the Thor 2 premiere, while Abbey Clancy skipped underwear in her Julien Macdonald Union Jack print dress for the aptly named Fashion for the Brave.
How does one pull off — or on — a Why Bother Dress? It doesn’t take much — literally.
1. Undies are strictly off: this look isn’t for the faint-hearted and VPL will get you nowhere.
2. But body tape is very much on: with an outfit ratio of five parts flesh to one part fabric you can’t afford to flash the wrong side of thigh. Strategically placed body tape will keep everything where it needs to be so what little dress you have can say the rest.
3. Skin is in: a good exfoliator and moisturiser will be your best friend. When pulling off this look your skin is going to be a bigger accessory than your clutch bag, so smooth and sleek is the way to go.
4. And hair is out: Gwyneth Paltrow revealed a crucial tip on the Ellen show after her appearance in a particularly risqué Antonio Berardi gown for the Iron Man 3 premiere last April. Chatting to Ellen DeGeneres, the actress divulged: “Let’s just say everyone went scrambling for a razor.” So book your wax or go for the closest shave of your life to avoid embarrassing strays spoiling your sheer silhouette.
So, with a trend that is more dress off than dress up, let’s see which other stars will throw caution to the wind — along with their base layers.
