Instagram/@florencepugh
This outfit is choking her. Taking her hostage. This is what I thought when looking at this picture of Florence Pugh during the “Thunderbolts” London photocall:
Instagram/@florencepugh
I could blame the wrong size – it’s way too small; you can even notice it’s bursting on the seam right above the slit. The bustier is too tight, causing her body to "spill" slightly at the ribcage and chest, the stiff leather refusing to cooperate with her natural curves. But the true villains here were the material that doesn’t love Florence’s body back (too harsh, too thick) and the cut. The design is very modern, sleek, structured, and edgy, but it simply wasn't designed with her body type in mind.
Look at how this Francesco Murano set appears on the model versus Florence:
Francesco Murano Spring-Summer 2025 look. Instagram/@murano.francesco
Both women are absolutely stunning, but they have fundamentally different builds. This isn't about comparing which body is "better" – every body deserves celebration exactly as it is. But we can't ignore that different body types have different fabric needs.
Understanding Your Body's "Language"
When I was an image consulting student, we were taught that bodies generally present with one of three dominant characteristics:
- Angular (Skeletal) – Think Cate Blanchett: slim, lean frames with minimal visible fat
- Curved (Moulded) – Think Marilyn Monroe: softer, fleshier bodies with gentle curves
- Combination (Muscular) – Think Pink: taut, muscular appearance
Knowing your dominant characteristic is important to choose the most flattering fabrics for your body. One might be more fleshy on bottom and more angular on top – in this case, it would be best to select different fabrics for upper and lower halves of the body. If you are familiar with the Kibbe system, you might notice his approach is somewhat similar: there are frame-dominated body types and curve-dominated.
Florence's Fabric Mismatch
Florence has a beautifully soft, curved appearance. Which fabrics are the most flattering for bodies like hers? The ones that hug the curves, move easily with the body, drapey, or fluid-like. Fabrics that never restrict but always prioritize comfort over rigidity. When she wears these types of fabrics, the results are stunning:
Instagram/@florencepugh
Instagram/@florencepugh
Instagram/@florencepugh
Instagram/@florencepugh
But in that leather set? Her skin is practically begging to escape its rigid prison. I saw some comments saying that it’s painful just to look at Florence (one of the most beautiful actresses of our time!) in this outfit. As Florence herself admitted on Instagram: "I couldn't sit down but it was totally worth it while standing".
Compare that to another leather piece she wore that incorporated some neck draping and allowed her to actually sit more comfortably:
Instagram/@florencepugh
While still not her absolute best look, the difference is notable.
Fashion Lesson for Us All
What can we learn from this celebrity mistake? If your body is curvy and fleshy, give some love to your curves. Stretchy, fluid materials will frame your natural shape beautifully.
When wearing thicker, non-stretchy fabrics, create balance by pairing them with softer elements (like a leather pencil skirt with a soft cashmere cardigan).
Remember: your body is beautiful and unique; all you need is to find the right fabrics that love you back.
