Plastic Perfection: 5 Ways to wear PVC & look appropriate

Leather, distressed denim, even studs and spikes… they’ve all gotten their 15 minutes in the fashion spotlight and have been turned from fashion castaways, reserved for the weird and daring, to wardrobe staples that won’t fetch so much as a second glance if worn in public. Yet polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the shiny, cruelty free version of leather has not managed to make the transition from highly fetishized costume to normal everyday wear.

This is hardly news because PVC can be very hit and miss: mess it up and you’ll end up looking cheap and tacky, but do it well and you’ll be applauded as one of the few to have got it right. Of the many celebrities that have worn the much-maligned material, only Rihanna and Kim Kardashian have managed to pull it off.

However, while it may be tricky to wear the material, there are still ways to incorporate PVC into your wardrobe without looking like you’re dressed for a costume party.

PVC JACKET

Sure it’s not as comfortable as a leather jacket but if you want to channel that edgy look, then the PVC jacket is your best bet. It doesn’t wrinkle, it’s waterproof and you certainly won’t be needing any statement accessories with this outfit. With such a strong look going on, it’s best to tone down the rest of your outfit with cotton, denim or other breathable materials.

PVC SKIRT

Out of all the PVC regalia out there, the PVC skirt is probably one of the more visible clothing items seen in public. Even designers who experiment with PVC usually stick with skirts as they’re the most wearable of the lot and are a great starter piece. Whether ultra feminine or biker chic, your PVC skirt can be mini or midi – there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to wearing the item. As long as it matches your top and accessories in colour and proportion, wearing a PVC skirt is just a high-shine wet look version of an ordinary skirt of any other material.

PVC PANTS

If you’re not on your way to a rock concert or music festival, wearing PVC pants can be quite tricky to pull off for day to day wear. Oftentimes, it makes you look like Catwomen without the top half of her costume, but don’t give up! Pair your PVC leggings (usually in black) with a formal shirt or a simple tee. Stay clear from bright colours and bold patterns as they give off even more of a rock concert/ music festival vibe than you need. A well cut blazer should be able to give your PVC the credibility it needs to be worn in more formal places like the office.

PVC HEELS

Don’t dismiss the PVC shoe as cheap and tacky. The right design can really add extra shine to your outfit and outdo every other girl in the room. The trick though is to stay away from the neon colours (common in most PVC shoes) and choose something with a polished sheen and a classic design. Unlike full PVC outfits, try to opt for a shoe that is some parts leather or any other material so it’s more comfortable to wear. Be sure to break your new pair of PVC shoes though or you’ll end up with terrible plastic-induced blisters on your feet.

PVC BAG

If you don’t wish to wrap your body in shiny plastic, then the next best thing you can do is tote a PVC bag. Whatever the size or colour, it’s a great way to mix things up from the usual leather bags and will certainly add a pop of nonconfirmity and style to your overall outfit.

Now that you’ve been schooled in the art of PVC style, it’s time to head over to the gallery for a little fashion inspiration from the shiny material!

Karen George