Kristen Stewart's cable-knit underwear is why this outfit works

At Harper's Bazaar, we're always asking ourselves: What exactly makes a good outfit a good outfit? In our "Why This Outfit Works" column, an editor dissects the anatomy of a look, focusing on the specific piece (or pieces) that pull the whole ensemble together.

It's nearly 70 degrees Fahrenheit in New York City today, a rare late-winter treat that triggers celebratory rituals like shedding scarves, puffers and trousers. Perhaps that's why Kristen Stewart looked right at home in cable-knit tights - and not much else - as she frolicked through the cobblestone streets of downtown this afternoon.

Stewart and her stylist, Tara Swennen, have already made the underwear-as-outerwear trend a staple of the actress' press tour wardrobe for her new film, Love Lies Bleeding. In fact, the Twlight star kicked off the promo tour by arriving at the L.A. premiere in an extremely high-cut bodysuit from upcycled retail line Bettter, eschewing trousers in favour of sheer black tights.

Today's outfit was a more wearable take on the generally impractical spring trend. After all, most people - no matter how fashion-forward - are not going to rely on a simple pair of underwear as the only layer to protect their lower bodies from the unpredictable elements of the city.

But Stewart isn't most people (and paparazzi photos seemed to confirm that her commute involved a sleek black SUV rather than questionably stained subway seats). Leaving the building, she looked calmly cool in cream cable-knit underwear with mocha brown trims, an understated hero piece from Brunello Cucinelli's spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection.

The top half of her outfit included a pale beige collared shirt, also by Brunello Cucinelli. Only the top button was fastened, revealing a sliver of a nude Victoria's Secret bra underneath. Stewart completed the look with sheer nude tights, shiny dark cherry pumps, a black Chanel bag and maroon sunglasses.

Underwear is definitely having its moment on the catwalk, with luxury brands like Gucci and Miu Miu testing statement underwear in collections released in recent years. (You may have seen Kendall Jenner on the cover of Bazaar's September 2023 issue wearing Miu Miu's viral bedazzled underwear.)

Senior digital fashion editor Tara Gonzalez meditated on the controversial pantsless revolution earlier this year: "Everyone loves to throw around phrases like quiet luxury or back to basics or it's the recession to describe this pared-back style moment, but there's nothing quiet about what's happening to trousers," she wrote. "What has made them so ripe for disruption? And why is it getting everyone so excited?"