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Perhaps we can trace the celebrity style obsession with “looking wet” back to Kim Kardashian’s latex Met Gala number designed by Thierry Mugler. Ironically enough, she wore it to the renowned fashion ball in 2019 the same year that Greek designer Dimitra Petsa launched her brand that’s based on the ecofeminist relationship between women and water. Kardashian’s “Camp” moment, however, came replete with a restricting corset and fake crystal water droplets — movement was not exactly easy, never mind sitting down to pee.
But Petsa’s brand is based on a different notion entirely; her intricately crafted pieces made from sustainable textiles and original drapery techniques are meant to be a symbol of self-acceptance. Gigi Hadid, Nicki Minaj, and Suki Waterhouse have all worn the Wetlook to embrace their growing bumps during pregnancy, and the brand’s London Fashion Week runway recently introduced a cutout maternity dress for Fall 2024. The body is not meant to feel confined or limited in Di Petsa.
One of the more popular, wearable silhouettes is the halter minidress in white, which is an online exclusive that’s also stocked at FWRD, the retailer I sourced mine from. Being that it’s not every day my outfit suggests I recently emerged fully-clothed from the ocean, I was intrigued by the style, to say the least. Plus, I’d seen so many celebs, from Bella Hadid to Brie Larson, put their own signature twist on it. While Hadid, 27, piled on an abundance of gold jewelry and finished with Yeezy Foam sneakers, Larson’s look was more up my alley — she accessorized with pearl drop earrings, natural hair, and minimal makeup, achieving a siren aesthetic poolside.
Click through for my full review of the illustrious Di Petsa Wetlook dress, and see how I took a page from Larson’s handbook in my styling tactic.
We like
- Nude bodysuit insert provides comfortable coverage
- The mesh ripples are form-flattering, rather than bulky
- Layered material at the bust provides full coverage without the need for a bra (unless you want one)
- Asymmetrical hemline and halter-tie makes the dress versatile and adjustable for all heights
- Material feels well-made, not paper-thin
- Fits true to size (I ordered size XS)
- Stretch-mesh fabric is recyclable and eco-friendly
- Can request custom color options via Di Petsa’s website
We don't like
- High price point for a very memorable statement look that may only get worn a handful of times
- Super-sheer material means it’s hard to incorporate your own undergarments without them becoming visible if you prefer more coverage than the built-in insert
- Made-to-order sizes are limited to XS-XL, unless you order custom on the brand’s website
- Final sale, non-refundable
- If visible undergarments bother you, the nude boyshorts can be visible from behind in the right lighting
Trying on the Di Petsa Wetlook Dress
My first thought upon unboxing my dress was that it felt awfully lightweight and thin. The material wasn’t flimsy, and it certainly felt like high-quality mesh (the composition is 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane), but it did appear to be see-through while holding it up to the light in my hands.
It wasn’t complicated to put on, and I was delighted to find that there was a layered fabric insert at the bust and nude boyshorts attached to the design, making for a full coverage look without the need for undergarments. Of course, for those who prefer the added support of a bra, starting with foundational intimates is possible, however they would likely be visible in a slightly different shade — and it’s important to note that the dress is backless.
Nevertheless, I was surprised by how secure I felt wearing the look as is. I didn’t feel nude or bare, I just felt like my shape was super-defined — but not in a rigid or overly-structured way. Make no mistake, this dress is far from a corset; it’s actually extremely stretchy and comfortable.
Styling the Di Petsa Wetlook Dress
I really loved the ethereal appeal of Larson’s outfit, and I own a similar pair of pearl drop chandeliers, so I kept my look simple with non-distracting minimalist sandals, mostly in an effort to highlight the intricate craftsmanship of the dress. While you might expect the Di Petsa Wetlook to feel costume-like or overtly sexy, it really didn’t to me. Instead, I felt more like I was wearing an incredible piece of art, almost as if I was instantly immersed into a beautiful portrait at a museum. I definitely felt comfortable walking outside to take photos, save for the chill of the brisk wind, and I determined that I would absolutely wear this dress for a night out or on a special occasion.
While I do understand the higher price point rationale behind a celebrity-beloved luxury label that uses recycled materials and crafts custom orders, I do think the nearly-$3K range for any one dress is high, even if it’s couture. Chances are, most people would save the Wetlook to make a statement, and this is not necessarily a piece that would get lots of repetitive wear in the wardrobe. Then again, the dress really does feel like a work of art, and is an extension of a larger story concerning self-acceptance and the celebration of our unique traits. From a visceral design perspective, Petsa’s Wetlook is a job well done, as it evokes appreciation for our changing bodies through all stages of life. As the wearer, it’s almost impossible to feel negatively about yourself once the material molds to your shape, and I, for one, would be hard-pressed to put any price tag on a dress that can do that.
Shop the Di Petsa Wetlook Mini Dress
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