This Going-Out Look Was Everywhere In 2008 & It's Made A Big Comeback In 2026

2026 has officially revived the bandage dress, a real staple of 2000s-2010s it-girl fashion. The style, worn at mini, midi, or ankle length, is characterized by uniform, horizontal bands that create a figure-hugging silhouette. The Y2K popularity of the dress is evidenced by Hollywood figures of the era, worn by celebs like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. In fact, Christina Aguilera even posed on the cover of Us Weekly in a color-blocked iteration of the style in 2008.

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Just as the butterfly top has returned in a modern way, the bandage dress is getting an updated treatment in 2026. Not only did the silhouette have a major moment at Hervé Léger's 40th Anniversary Party, but it also received a stamp of approval from numerous celebs. Women spoke exclusively to Jordan Stolch, personal stylist at MiKADO Personal Styling, to get all the details about the piece's modern comeback. "Fashion is cyclical, and we're seeing a renewed interest in the bold, hyper-feminine aesthetic of the 2000s, especially as Y2K nostalgia continues to influence today's style trends," she explains.

The expert also marks the going-out look's return as a response to oversized pieces. "I think the resurgence of the bandage dress is part of a broader appetite for unapologetic glamour and more body-conscious dressing," she tells Women. "After seasons of relaxed, baggy, and oversized proportions, the return to something figure-hugging feels like a natural shift." With all this in mind, there are also some key tips for styling the bandage dress in an updated, modernized way.

Just because the bandage dress was a staple of going-out fashion back in the 2000s doesn't mean it's bound to look outdated in 2026. Fashion lovers can even look to the stars for inspiration, as figures like Zara Larsson, Bella Thorne, and Olivia Dean have tried their hand at styling such pieces for the modern day. In fact, Kaia Gerber landed on the list of nepo babies who've worn their famous mom's iconic dresses back in 2024.

"The key to making the bandage dress feel modern is to balance its inherently sexy, body-conscious silhouette with more understated styling," personal stylist Jordan Stolch exclusively tells Women. She recommends pairing the going-out staple with contrasting outerwear, like a baggy blazer or casual leather jacket. The latter was worn by Chiara Ferragni in March 2026, with the Italian influencer pairing a cowl-necked baby blue bandage dress with an oversized jacket.

Stolch also advises allowing the bandage dress to take center stage. "Unlike it was done the first time around, opt for pared-back accessories, streamlined footwear and understated jewelry to keep the look feeling current rather than overly nostalgic," she explains. Lili Reinhart provided an example of this styling method while promoting "The Love Hypothesis," pictured in a vibrant lilac minidress paying homage to "Miss Congeniality", accessorized with strappy heels, a dainty necklace, and cat-eye sunglasses.