The fashion world is no stranger to recycling a trend, but the sudden return of this often-divisive Y2K dress is one you might not have had on your spring/summer 2024 bingo card.
We've seen the revival of the capri pants, the ultra micro hot pants, high waists (hallelujah) and the controversial peplum silhouette over recent seasons, but right now - if runways, red carpets and the rails in your favourite stores are anything to go by - it's all about the ‘boob tube’.
Alternatively, but less nostalgically, known as a ‘bandeau’ dress or ‘tube top’ neckline, it seems that right now there's little that elevates a look quite like going strapless.
Take Rihanna as the perfect example (always, but particularly so on this occasion) - who opted for a bandeau corset-style dress from Alexander McQueen's AW24 collection by Seán McGirr to celebrate her Fenty Beauty label's latest launch this week.
While hers may have had more of a sweetheart neckline than many more traditional ‘tube top’ silhouette, the dress's strapless nature gave the whole look a more care-free, summer feel.
Other recent examples of celebrities nailing the classic, fuss-free, straight-across bandeau look come via the likes of Elsa Hosk and Jasmine Tookes at this week's Daily Front Row's Annual Fashion Awards in LA, as well as Rosé, Joan Smalls and Joey King at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party just a few weeks ago.
Zendaya, of course, has also perfected the trend, courtesy of a white Louis Vuitton look by Nicolas Ghesquière which she wore to the Paris premiere of her latest movie Challengers.
As with all good trend revivals, you need look no further than Friends style icon Rachel Green, whose butter yellow strapless dress look instantly became an iconic cultural fashion moment in itself.
Having been showcased several times by several of London Fashion Week's most beloved designers - including the likes of Tove, Roksanda, Richard Quinn and Ahluwalia - over the last two seasons, the return of the ‘boob tube’ dress may serve as no surprise to those with their finger firmly on the sartorial pulse.
But for those who've been caught off-guard - and particularly those who've become somewhat attached to the puffed-sleeve and embellished strap trends of late - the return of the strapless aesthetic might be somewhat less welcome.
Rest-assured, brands and designers seem to have realised that a lack of straps needn't equal a lack of support. In fact, of course, it warrants even more.
Whether corseted or more relaxed and elastic, Bandeau Tops Season 2 seems to be a whole lot more wearable than its predecessor - whatever your chest size.
Now are you more tempted by the Y2K dress revival?
Shop some of our favourite tube dresses to wear now:
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
