Kendall Jenner has no reservations about ‘freeing the nipple’ but her revealing looks can be ‘contrived,’ says expert
KENDALL Jenner has been freeing the nipple in see-through clothes on the runway and red carpet for years.
But a fashion psychologist said that while Kendall, 27, clearly feels comfortable showing off her body, the svelte reality star's braless outfits can seem "contrived" and not always glamorous.
Kendall Jenner hit a Met Gala after-party in New York City on May 1 alongside her new beau, singer Bad Bunny.
Her outfit consisted of a see-through sequined bodysuit by Chanel, over which she layered a black thong and a black crop top that didn't cover her chest, leaving her nipples exposed under the sequins.
It wasn't her only breast-baring look in the span of a few days: Two nights ahead of the Met Gala, Kendall enjoyed a date with her Puerto Rican boyfriend, kicking off her weekend’s braless looks.
Heading into hotspot Carbone on April 29, she was photographed wearing a see-through brown crop top with a shearling-trimmed miniskirt.
"I do wonder about her Met Gala after-party outfit, as it couldn’t be described as glamorous. So to me, this does look rather contrived," she said.
"It looks contrived to me because the shorts outfit looks like any ordinary shorts outfit, but made in see-through fabric.
"Maybe it looks better in real life.
“If other celebrities in her genre are being snapped wearing see-through clothing and getting lots of publicity as a result, it makes sense for her to be part of this trend to stay in the public eye.
“Kendall is a beautiful young woman, but whether she gets the look right or wrong very much depends on the clothing she wears as well.
“I think she gets it right when wearing a glamorous see-through dress, or when she wears a top that is draped or embellished meticulously by craftspeople.
“But maybe it’s unnecessary, although not necessarily wrong when wearing a seemingly ordinary item that’s made in see-through fabric.
She added: “I’m all good with the nipple.”
“There has been a trend for see-through tops and dresses that show full breasts underneath,” added Professor Mair.
“This trend has been seen on fashion runways, in celebrity outfits, and in everyday streetwear.
“It could have been strengthened because of the influence of social media and celebrity culture.
“People might also choose to wear see-through clothing as a way to express their sexuality or to challenge societal norms around bodies and clothing choices.
“Sheer fabrics have existed for a long time and even in ancient civilizations.
“Back then they were often associated with wealth, luxury, and elegance.
“It seems that Kendall Jenner is among many celebrities and social media influencers who have boosted the visibility of this trend.
“She and others post images of outfits that feature see-through tops and dresses.
“This increased visibility on social media has made the trend more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience.
“I don't think anyone could pull it off, though.
“This look takes a super-confident person who doesn’t care at all about what other people think to wear it.
“Context also matters.
"Most of us never attend events where much of the purpose of attending is to be seen arriving and leaving, and ultimately, to have your photo in the press.”
Over the years, Kendall’s svelte shape and her choice of style have seen her rise to become one of the world's highest-paid models.
After signing with Wilhelmina Models in 2009, she booked her first gig modeling for Forever 21. Her debut cover shoot was with American Cheerleader magazine in 2012.
By 2013, Kendall had transferred into high fashion, appearing on the covers of Miss Vogue Australia and Harper's Bazaar Arabia.
Walking for Chanel, Balmain, and Tommy Hilfiger came next. In 2018, Forbes released an article saying Kendall had earned $22.5million that year.
While Kendall and other stars are regularly freeing the nipple these days, Professor Mair said there may be a downside.
“What I do find incredibly disturbing is that certain body parts can be considered to be in or out of fashion.
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“This kind of thinking can lead to body dissatisfaction, unhealthy eating behaviors, and even eating disorders.
“It encourages us to compare our bodies to an unrealistic and unachievable aesthetic."