December 8, 2024 at 1:25pm EST
Anyone keeping tabs on Jennifer Lopez‘s red carpet looks since her split from Ben Affleck knows she’s been serving up daring revenge-style ensembles with risqué cutouts and barely-there details —each one a confident reminder of what Affleck left behind.
At the Wicked premiere last November, she made a surprise appearance on the red carpet in a stunning Zuhair Murad gown from the designer’s Spring 2024 couture collection, featuring earth tones with intricate beading and side cutouts on the bodice. While promoting Unstoppable — a project produced by Affleck, by the way —earlier this year, she turned heads at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival premiere in an avant-garde Tamara Ralph gown with a mirrored finish, accented by side cutouts and black velvet bows.
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While Lopez has typically wowed with her style, her edgier, post-divorce fashion wasn’t just a coincidence. According to insiders, Kim Kardashian has been a major influence in shaping Lopez’s post-split wardrobe. “The split with Ben was a huge blow to Jen’s confidence. She felt so rejected and really needed a pick-me-up, and Kim has been a huge support,” one insider revealed to heat.
“She’s always looked up to J.Lo, so she was more than happy to help give her a bit of a makeover. It’s not that Jen needed much help, but they’ve been having fun picking out outfits and experimenting with looks that are a little more edgy and eye-catching.”
Lopez and Kardashian’s friendship is far from new. The two have built a close relationship over the years that includes shared holidays, Taco Tuesdays, and even the occasional karaoke night. They even collaborated on a Facebook Portal ad back in 2019, where they sported face masks and joked about party planning.
Kardashian has long idolized Lopez, frequently celebrating her as a source of inspiration. “My inspiration for everything has been Jennifer Lopez,” she told People in 2018 after a movie night with Lopez. “I would try and see what shoes she’d wear, what makeup, what hair — I became obsessed with glam because of Jennifer.”
“Jen thinks Kim has great style,” the insider added. “As far as she’s concerned, all the haters that slate her for being trashy are just jealous of a woman who’s confidently owning her age and sexuality. Jennifer is inspired by the way Kim has built her brand, and there’s even some overlap with the style teams behind the scenes – people who understand both stars’ visions and can help bring them to life.”
Kardashian’s expertise with reinventions post-divorce — she’s navigated three herself — has undoubtedly helped J.Lo craft her ultimate revenge wardrobe. Is it a coincidence that Lopez’s post-Affleck looks are fiercer than ever? We think not.
Before you go, click here to see Jennifer Lopez’s best AMA red carpet photos over the years.