Gisele B??ndchen, 35, stepped out of her New York apartment yesterday wearing a grey crew-neck knit and vinyl trousers.Not cheap leather trousers that happened to look a little shiny, but wet-look, plastic trousers.Yes, plastic!

If you???re not familiar with vinyl as a clothing material, let us don our goggles and give you a brief science lesson.Vinyl was first invented around 1920 by chemists eager to create a synthetic material that would make manufacturing everyday products cheaper and more durable.Most commonly used on flooring, and for records, designers have been attracted to the material for its subversive texture and look.It is also incredibly strong, and resistant to humidity and moisture, so, unlike leather trousers, you won???t suffer the dreaded leg sweat.(We have all seen that episode of Friends when Ross, in a sweaty panic, can"tget his leather trousers back on in the bathroom).

As the world???s highest paid model, it???s fair to say B??ndchen manages to pull off the shiny trews with long-limbed ease.But can a mere mortal pull them off?We asked three fashion editors, who are all fans of the trouser style, for their advice.

Gisele B??ndchen"s catwalk highlights

???I would say vinyl trousers are unforgiving,??? confesses editorial director of Lyst, Katherine Ormerod.???But if you"re a black skinny jeans fan, they offer a seriously rock n roll upgrade.

???Gisele has gone for heels, but I would keep things low key with ankle boots or Converse, plus a band tee and Levi"s Trucker jacket.The trousers are enough of a statement on their own, and definitely don"t need dressing up.???

Vogue fashion news editor Julia Hobbs owns 6 pairs of vinyl trousers, and says that the secret is all in the tailoring.???I have them tailored to fit me on Savile Row, and live in them as though they are jeans with a navy cashmere sweater and beaten up ballet pumps.

???My golden rule is never buy leggings,??? concedes Hobbs.???Always look for trousers that have have structure and a front zipper, otherwise they can end up looking like a bin liner.The thickness of the vinyl is crucial.???

In contrast, French blogger Camille Charri??re advocates a more relaxed fit.???Because it"s such a sexy texture, I would be more inclined to go with a looser fit, like a high-waisted, wide-leggedstyle, for example.???

So, should you ever find yourself near a pair of mirror shine pants, remember: the rest of your look needs tostay pared down, and grungy.Think over-sized tees, boyfriend jumpers and trainers for that I"m-with-the-band-look.Easy, right?

Best buy

Zipped vinyl trousers, ??49.99, Mango