The Pully Top Is the New Strange Fashion Trend Celebrities Can't Stop Wearing
Getty Images, kimkardashian/Instagram/InStyle
Not all fashion trends immediately go viral, with people rushing to shop a specific design or try a new styling trick. Often it takes months of random sightings — a runway moment or celebrity here, an influencer there — before we have a lightbulb moment and realize, wait a minute, this is a thing.
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Pully tops are the perfect example. Back in 2019, we noticed Bella Hadid wearing slightly shrunken cardigans and '90s-like shirts that seemed to pull apart right at the button, causing small, peek-a-boo gaps. At first, it just seemed a throwback, or maybe even a different take on the emerging holes trend. But sure enough, we began seeing pully details more and more, in various forms — lace-up styles that weren't meant to be fully tightened, mid-section beading that caused the same skin-baring, stretchy effect — and it became impossible to ignore. By the time Kim Kardashian showed off her pully top on vacation, it solidified things: They're totally happening.
While at first glance this style might seem confusing (like the wearer is about to bust out of their clothes), it's actually quite sexy and easy to wear, no matter your budget or proportions. Even better? It's possible to DIY using items in your closet, which is great news for those trying to curb their shopping habits.
Since it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on (see: the resurgence of UGGs and pleated skirts), take a look at some ways to nail the pully top trend, ahead.
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Bella Hadid Was Way Ahead of the Game
The model has been wearing pully tops in both shirt and cardigan form since 2019. Even on her birthday that year, she stepped out in a black pully tank from Bandé.
Kim Kardashain Is Also a Fan
While on vacation, the mom of four posed for photos wearing a pully top by Gabe Gordon ($450). In another shot, Kylie's best friend, Anastasia Karanikolaou, stood by her side, showing off a pully dress ($720) from the same brand.
Dua Lipa's Pink Version Includes Tons of Peek-a-Boo Details
Her pully Poster Girl dress ($123) also features side cutouts and a few fun crystal embellishments down the front.
Kylie Jenner Went With a Lace-Up Option
What makes the beauty mogul's Poster Girl dress ($408) different from other lace-up designs is that specific stretchy, 'pulled' effect. Even if it were pulled tight, there would still be a little bit of skin showing due to the material and the way it was cut.
There Are Plenty of Ways to Nail the Pully Top Trend
One is with a tie-front blouse, like this one from Rat and Boa ($115). Skip a bottom layer, or simply wear a bralette underneath.
You Can Also Find Less-Revealing Picks
Try a top with button-loop details instead of the more typical buttonhole. This will create a more subtle space in the center and achieve a slightly pulled look. With Jean's Teale Top ($189) is just one example, and can be styled with everything from skirts to denim.
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It's the Perfect Going Out Look
A pully top or dress with hoop details, like this one from Amyshehab ($119), will ensure your look really steals the spotlight and is a fun option for date night.
It's Something to Have in Your Wardrobe Ahead of the Summer
The winter weather may have us shivering right now, but soon enough, we'll be looking for simple yet statement-making summer pieces to throw on and go, much like this LBD from Oh Polly ($42; ohpolly.com).
Some Pully Tops Come as Part of a Matching Set
And, yes, there's even pully top loungewear ($55).
You Can Also Achieve the Look with a Simple Cardigan
Especially if it's a tie-front or hook-and-eye design, which tend to show a little skin.
Go Monochromatic
If you're uncomfortable with super revealing styles or simply want a warmer way to get in on this trend ASAP, layer a similarly colored shirt under your pully sweater for an easy, more covered up solution.
You Can Also DIY One in a Too-Small Top
Invest in a sweater or even a shest that feels a bit snug, or search your closet for an old button-up something with a similar fit. The pully effect will happen naturally, but to avoid tugging at your top all day, reinforce the buttons and tighten the buttonholes with a needle and thread beforehand.
