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It was the summer of 2022 when transparent dresses were suddenly everywhere, worn by countless A-listers both on and off the red carpet. Fast forward to the present, and the risqué look is as popular as ever – especially during the summer months—with the internet’s favorite style stars at the forefront of the trend.
Kendall Jenner’s lingerie-inspired Nensi Dojaka look for a Met Gala after-party, and Dua Lipa’s crystal-adorned Bottega Veneta chainmail slip for the LA Barbie premiere, are just two examples of how to rock the daring trend in a way that guarantees the spotlight will be on you. For a more relaxed take on the look, follow the lead of Emily Ratajkowski in Barragán’s breezy yet seductive maxi dress (in white, all the better to endure a heatwave).
Get inspired for your summer wardrobe with these eight transparent looks, championed by the most influential dressers on the celebrity scene.
All-white in summer
Wearing a white dress is an easy way to stay cool in the warmer months. Choose a garment that’s transparent, and the mood is suddenly less boho, more seductive. EmRata’s Barragán maxi dress, crafted from lightweight sheer polyester mesh and featuring vents at the front and back hem, was simultaneously stylish and breezy for a summer bash in the Hamptons.
Covered up (but not really)
While naked dressing naturally means revealing all, certain styles hint at what lies beneath while maintaining the illusion of coverage. Kylie Jenner’s Sonia Carrasco dress, known as the Transparent Curve dress, is a perfect example. This form-fitting number flatters the body’s contours, and is about as modest as a naked dress gets.
Underwear is outerwear
Whoever said wearing underwear outside of the house was a fashion faux pas clearly hasn’t been paying attention to the It-girls. Kendall’s attention-grabbing ensemble at the Met Gala 2023 after-party – inspired by a vintage Chanel spring/summer 1994 piece but designed by London-based talent Nensi Dojaka – was a textbook example of how to do it right.
Slip into something more comfortable
Slip dresses are an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe, versatile enough to work for day and after-dark. A sheer slip dress – which doesn’t necessarily have to be figure-hugging – can serve as a simple beach cover-up, or transform into a seductive ensemble for evening, just like Alva Claire’s alluring choice.
Make it mini
For a fun and girlish look, nothing beats a snug-fitting minidress in a sprightly shade. Take inspiration from Simone Ashley’s Blumarine dress, featuring ruching, long sleeves, and floral appliqué accents at the hips. Not to mention, it’s made of a sheer fabric in a delicious butter yellow hue, adding a touch of sex appeal to its inherent sweetness.
Chain(mail) reaction
Versace and Paco Rabanne have historically led the way in creating fashion pieces inspired by chainmail, but Dua Lipa’s spangled Bottega Veneta slip for the LA Barbie premiere was another fabulous—and sheer—example of the style.
Sheer dresses for all
The new naked dressing celebrates all body types. Rihanna, known for her fearless fashion choices, is perhaps the most famous fan of the look – she’s worn sheer, curve-enhancing pieces through both of her pregnancies.
But make mine dramatic
There’s no denying the impact that naked dressing can have on the red carpet. Case in point: Gigi Hadid’s striking Givenchy haute couture gown for the Met Gala, crafted by Matthew M Williams. The two-piece ensemble may have been transparent, but the intricate corsetry, layered lace and meticulously embellished train elevated it beyond the run-of-the-mill naked dress – fitting for fashion’s most significant night of the year.
