CELEBS love a peekaboo dress whether it teases some sexy side boob or a perfectly-honed back.
If there’s a cut out to be had, women are now wearing it and it's a trend the rich and famous are cottoning onto, particularly on the red carpet.
But there's something new circulating on the fashion front which is catching our attention - the V shape hip dress.
Hips are part of the body usually kept under wraps, but recent awards bashes saw the likes of actress Emily Blunt and Harry Styles' beau Taylor Russell looking dazzling as they flashed the flesh in the cut which leads the eye only one way...and that's downwards.
Fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair says: “These dresses are certainly striking and attention-grabbing because these kinds of cut-outs are different to the typical ones. They suggest the wearer has a desire to draw attention to a specific feature.
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“This style rejects societal expectations because it exposes zones of the body that are usually covered so it may be perceived as sexy, flirty, playful and fun."
Here, Carolyn, and Fabulous Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale, pick apart the fabric behind this daring choice and an aesthetics expert wades in on the science behind it...
Hidden and exposed adds to the sensuality
Maya, 29, is the V cut out dress queen, having worn a few different styles of the dress so far in 2024.
She rarely puts a fashion foot wrong and the same applied when she stepped out in this khaki number which is cut out either side to reveal her hips and her taut stomach.
The dress is by New York based designer LaQuan Smith who dresses the likes of Beyonce and Khloe Kardashian.
The shape of this dress perfectly accentuates Maya’s figure.
Carolyn says: “This dress is interesting, less about the open sides and more about the side breast exposure.
"The appeal is about the juxtaposition of hidden and exposed that adds to the sensuality.
"The cut of the front of the dress, broad across the shoulders and narrower at the join with the skirt draws attention to the lower part of the body and the tight fitting skirt."
Making sense with sensual and demure
Suki Waterhouse, 32, dazzled on the grey carpet in a red dress from Valentino.
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The actress who is currently pregnant with her first child, found the perfect dress to keep her bump elegantly covered whilst still revealing her hips.
Also referred to in fashion circles as an apron dress, a strap around the back holds the top half in place.
Carolyn says: “The red dress with cut out sides, draws attention because it covers and exposes simultaneously.
"This is interesting and intriguing for our visual sense as it needs to make sense of what it 'sees'.
"In this case, the front is demure covering the baby bump and breasts and exposing the torso sides to the thigh.
"The curve of the body where the leg joins the torso is rarely exposed in this way making the dress sensual yet demure."
A picture perfect illusion
Heidi Klum, 50, looked sensational on the red carpet for the 2024 Grammy Awards in a black and sheer mesh dress.
Whilst the cut outs of this dress are covered with the sheer fabric, it still gives the illusion of what lies beneath.
Heidi is proof that you can still show off parts of your body without being completely exposed.
Carolyn says: "Curves are considered sensual and a slim waist is associated with youth and good health, both these characteristics are considered appealing.
"The perception of body curves as appealing or sensual can be attributed to both biological and cultural factors."
Age is no barrier to beauty
Nicole Kidman also hops on board the apron dress trend in this black strappy gown by Atelier Versace which shows off her hips and her back.
Proving that you don’t have to be in your 20’s to carry this look faultlessly, the 56-year-old looked amazing in the dress which fans labelled ‘the naked dress’.
Carolyn says: “The dresses with a thigh-high split offers a glimpse of skin without being overly revealing.
"This balance of showing just enough to pique interest while leaving more to the imagination can create an alluring effect.
"The split also accentuates the legs, which are often considered an attractive feature."
A cut above the rest
Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock strutted her sultry stuff in a hip baring LBD in Milan.
Attending Fashion Week, the 32 year old certainly turned heads - and the look revealed much more than fabric and flesh.
Carolyn explains: “From a biological standpoint, certain body proportions, such as a narrow waist and wider hips in women, are associated with fertility and reproductive health.
"This evolutionary perspective suggests that individuals may be naturally drawn to features that indicate potential reproductive success."
Embellished beauty
Actress Emily Blunt, oozes style in this Alexander McQueen gown at the BAFTAS.
The 40 year old showed that you don't actually have to reveal too much skin to still hop on board this trend.
With small cut out panels at either side of her hips, it still gave the illusion of the cut out, without giving too much away.
Carolyn says “The appeal is focused at the waist and potentially the back but regardless of exposure, the dress draws attention because of the embellished front and accessories."
Style in bucketfuls
Harry Styles girlfriend Taylor Russell oozes glam in a custom white Loewe dress with feather details.
Rocking the same apron style as some of her fellow celebs, the 29-year-old Canadian actress extenuated her figure with the backless, apron style detail.
Carolyn says: “All these dresses could only be worn by women who are super confident, attention-seeking and willing to take risks.
"Wearing these dresses might make them feel further empowered and more sexy, all of which are considered attractive qualities."