Dua Lipa and Elsa Hosk prove that the see-through dress is still seriously major
Once seen as the epitome of bad taste, sheer fabrics and risqué dresses have, in recent years, become a key component of some of the world's chicest wardrobes. Yes, really.
Need proof? You may have spotted the trend reigning supreme recently when both Dua Lipa and Elsa Hosk chose to embrace the trend.
Lipa, who’s has been enjoying a break in Ibiza, took to Instagram to reveal her take on the see-through dress trend, hers wispy-like with side button snaps and visible seams, topped off with a pair of thigh-high mesh boots and white lingerie (swimwear?) underneath.
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Meanwhile, model Hosk embraced the see-through trend, too, sharing a snap of herself on Stories in an ankle-length, sheer white catsuit with an off-the-shoulder neckline. She shortly after posted a set of pictures from her latest Helsa collection, the leading image appears to be the same suit, paired with fluid cream trousers.
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Of course, this trend has been going for some time. Remember the Met Gala red carpet, where chic sheer dresses ruled supreme? Need more proof? May we introduce you to Dua Lipa, who arrived on the red carpet for the Barbie movie premiere in LA in one of her most risqué looks so far.
Expertly layering an entirely sheer and shimmering chainmail dress atop a crystal-embellished thong, we were left with little to do but gasp for air at the sheer (get it?) excellence of it.
Joining her in the sheer stakes the same week was the ever-sensational Megan Fox, whose casual Tuesday night look set Instagram alight this week.
“Before you start angrily typing- those are not my nipples, calm down” she captioned the post. “They are safely and completely hidden under nipple covers so no worries, we will all live another day without a rip in the space-time continuum.”
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Another star taking the look to new heights this summer was Kendall Jenner, who was spotted in Cannes wearing a David Koma AW23 look which relied on two very strategically placed red flowers atop a sheet of illusion mesh to cover the model's modesty…
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When done right like this, 'nearly-naked' looks strike that hard-to-reach sweet spot between being sartorially sensual and super chic without even a hint of awkwardness or discomfort for either the wearer or the observer. And – we think it's fair to say – these women all look very comfortable in their sheer gowns.
And don't think for a minute that the concept of a sheer dress should've been left behind in your early twenties, with the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Ashley Graham and even the Duchess of Cambridge having joined in in proving that they can be super high fashion, flattering, sophisticated and sexy… whatever the occasion.
Of course, practically every red carpet has played host to a nearly-naked dress over the years, thanks in large part to the sartorially savvy fans such as Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Zendaya and Chrissy Teigen, while Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid have taken to many a Fashion Week runway to prove the power of sheer fabrics.
Keep scrolling for all the sheer style inspo you could possibly ever need…
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
Dua Lipa / InstagramDua Lipa in Ibiza, Summer 2023
Dua Lipa, wearing a wispy-like see-through white dress with side button snaps and visible seams, topped off with a pair of thigh-high mesh boots and white lingerie (swimwear?) underneath.
Elsa Hosk / InstagramElsa Hosk wearing Helsa Studio, Summer 2023
Hosk embraced the see-through trend this summer, sharing a snap of herself on Stories during a trip to Wells Studio in LA wearing in an ankle-length, sheer white catsuit with an off-the-shoulder neckline.
jennakristina / InstagramMegan Fox wearing Jean Paul Gaultier
A casual Tuesday night look for Megan, she said it best herself via Instagram, explaining: “before you start angrily typing- those are not my nipples, calm down. They are safely and completely hidden under nipple covers so no worries, we will all live another day without a rip in the space-time continuum.”
Matt Winkelmeyer/GADua Lipa at the Barbie movie LA premiere
Ditching the somewhat cliché pink dominating these Barbie movie premieres, Dua's sheer, shimmering chainmail dress worn over a crystal-embellished thong was equal parts refreshing and show-stopping.
Jacopo RauleFlorence Pugh at the Valentino show during Couture PFW
Never one to shy away from a super sheer moment, Florence Pugh wore one of her most epic looks yet to Valentino's Haute Couture autumn/winter 2023 show in Paris.
Arnold JerockiRita Ora at the Azzedine Alaïa show during Couture PFW
Rita Ora ensured all eyes were on her at Alaia’s Paris Couture fashion show in the designer’s autumn/winter 2023 collection.
AKGS / BackgridKendall Jenner in Santa Monica, Summer 2023
One of her most sheer looks to date, Kendall headed out to dinner with Hailey Bieber and Lori Harvey in Santa Monica in June wearing a £70 sheer top by Paloma Wool which she paired with a brown leaher skirt and boots by The Row.
Backgrid/AKGSNicola Peltz-Beckham in Beverly Hills, Summer 2023
Heading on date night with husband Brooklyn, Nicola went for the sheer trend full throttle via this revealing catsuit and a black lingerie set which she paired with knee-high platform boots.
@danixmichelle / InstagramKendall Jenner in Cannes, Summer 2023
Photographed by her stylist Dani Michelle, Kendall took the sheer trend to the next level in Cannes earlier this week thanks to this David Koma dress from the London designer's autumn/winter 2023 collection. Featuring illusion mesh across the chest, the look relied on two strategically placed red flowers to cover the model's nipples. Do we love it? Undoubtedly. Are we brave enough to try the trend? Tbc on that.
John ShearerGigi Hadid at the Met Gala 2023
Gigi Hadid looked sexy and chic in Givenchy on the Met Gala red carpet.
Kevin Mazur/MG23Rita Ora at the Met Gala 2023
Whilst it was hard to take our eyes off those nails, Rita's sheer Prabal Gurung complete with sheer train was show-stopping.
Theo WargoJanelle Monáe at the Met Gala 2023
Janelle was the star of the show in a large, black-and-white tweed Thom Browne tuxedo suit with mismatched patterns and ornate embellishments and whipped it off to reveal this epic sheer creation beneath.
Lionel HahnZoe Saldana at the 2023 Oscars
The Avatar star wore Cartier's Tressage Cape to Vanity Fair's Oscars after party – and interestingly, evne though it looks like one, it's not even technically a crop top. It's an ethereal metal piece with chain links that looks like sheer fabric, decorated with faceted jewels. Sexy.
Vittorio Zunino CelottoFlorence Pugh in Rome, July 2022
Pugh raised more than a few eyebrows with her nipple-freeing tulle dress at Valentino's Rome couture show, but we're obsessed with this look nearly a year on.
Karwai TangPaloma Elsesser at The Fashion Awards, December 2022
Sheer and gothic, Paloma wore her “model of the year” nomination and her Dilara Fındıkoğlu outfit with pride at the Royal Albert Hall, complete with corset, high-necked transparent shirt and a skirt with an asymmetric look.
Rachpoot/Bauer-GriffinRita Ora out in LA in February, 2023
Needing little more than a simple black, double buckle platform sandal by Santoni and some low-rise briefs to accessorise her sheer feathered gown, Rita Ora provides yet another masterclass on nailing the trend.
Amy SussmanOlivia Rodrigo at the 2023 Grammys
We're obsessed with the stripped-back simplicity of this custom Miu Miu look on Olivia, which revealed an un-fussy black bra and briefs beneath and was the work of super star stylist Danielle Goldberg.
Amy SussmanLiza Koshy at the 2023 Golden Globes
If you're wondering what the ‘whale tail’ trend is… look no further. Revealing a major exposed thong moment on this year's red carpet, Liza's Morphew Atelier gown may be the one to beat for 2023…
Daniele VenturelliJessica Chastain at the 2023 Golden Globes
We cannot get enough of Jessica's Oscar de la Renta gown - particularly the spider-webbed crystal aornment.
Joe Maher/BFC/Getty ImagesRita Ora at the British Fashion Awards 2022
Rita stunned in a sheer Nensi Dojaka gown – and donned gills and bleached brows – as she arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for the 2022 British Fashion Awards.
Kate GreenRita Ora at the GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards 2022
Rita looked unreal as she arrived at the GLAMOUR WOTY awards red carpet.
Dimitrios KambourisEmily Ratajkowski at the W magazine anniversary party
Wearing AW22 Tory Burch, EmRata attended W magazine's 50th birthday party in perhaps her most daring look yet? We could not be more into it.
Kevin Mazur/MG22Vanessa Hudgens at the Met Gala 2022
Vanessa kicked the Met Gala 2022 arrivals off with a lingerie-style sheer gown, designed by Jeremy Scott at Moschino.
GothamGigi Hadid in New York
Gigi Hadid opted for a sheer trouser suit – as opposed to a dress – for her 27th birthday celebrations at Zero Bond in New York. Complete with a sheer corset and sweeping lace coat, this Dion Lee look is possibly one of our favourites to date from the model.
TheStewartofNYPamela Anderson in New York
Pamela Anderson left the Ambassador Theatre after one of her first performances as Roxie Hart in Chicago wearing a sheer red wrap dress atop a black lingerie set - and we couldn't have been more into it.
David M. BenettSimone Ashley at the BAFTAs 2022
Simone Ashley in a sheer fuchsia jumpsuit look by Valentino at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Samir HusseinMillie Bobby Brown at the BAFTAs 2022
Millie Bobby Brown in a sheer black gown by Louis Vuitton at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Joe MaherEllie Bamber at the BAFTAs 2022
Ellie Bamber wearing a sheer-skirted Chanel gown at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Joe MaherRebecca Hall at the BAFTAs 2022
Rebecca Hall in a sheer Christian Dior look at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Gareth CattermoleAbby Roberts at The Brits 2022
Abby Roberts just made a very good case for the sheer dress on the Brit Awards red carpet - consider us influenced.
Hollywood To You/Star MaxLizzo
Lizzo wore a floor-length, purple mesh gown by Matthew Reisman to Cari B's 29th birthday party.
Getty ImagesKendall Jenner at the Met Gala
Kendall Jenner wore a sheer sparkling Givenchy gown inspired by Audrey Hepburn's dress in 'My Fair Lady'.
Getty ImagesZoë Kravitz at the Met Gala
The actor wore a bejewelled sheer gown by Yves Saint Laurent on the Met Gala red carpet.
Getty ImagesIrina Shayk at the Met Gala
Irina Shayk wore a sheer flower-embellished Moschino dress with the most stunning train.
Getty ImagesWinnie Harlow at the Met Gala
Winnie Harlow wears an Iris Van Herpen jumpsuit.
Getty ImagesJulia Garner at the Met Gala
Ozark star Julia Garner wore a 132,240 crystal mesh dress by Stella McCartney.
Getty ImagesMegan Fox wearing Mugler
One of the most talked-about looks of the night, Megan Fox opted for this ultra sheer Mugler dress for the 2021 MTV VMAs - and there's no denying that she looked utterly incredible.
Getty ImagesAdut Akech at the 2021 VMAs
One of our favourite looks of the night, Adut Akech looked phenomenal in this metallic silver chainmail-inspired knitted two-piece, wish an open-weave that was just perfect for the sheer-loving VMAs red carpet.
Getty ImagesCiara at the 2021 VMAs
Ciara chose a similarly sheer number on the VMAs carpet, but her full-length black number gave slightly more coverage thanks to its thicker-woven lace. Cleverly updated for AW21, the bang-on-trend cut-out to the front gave it a more contemporary feel.
Getty ImagesCharli XCX at the 2021 VMAs
Charli XCX is no stranger to a sartorial statement, but this lingerie-inspired dress worn to the MTV VMAs was one of her punchiest yet. Paired with the beehive and sixties makeup, we're v into this look.
Getty ImagesAndra Day wearing Vera Wang
Andra Day's Vera Wang gown at the 2021 Oscars was only semi-sheer, but we couldn't not mention it. Any excuse to swoon over it all over again.
Getty ImagesDua Lipa wearing Atelier Versace
Proving that the red carpet is the perfect place for a little sartorial experimentation, Dua Lipa opted for a super sheer Atelier Versace number with cut-out hips at the 2021 Grammys and swiftly flew to the top of best dressed lists.
@hoskelsa / InstagramElsa Hosk in a Laquan Smith X Revolve mini dress
Exactly how we all lounge at home during a pandemic (obviously), Elsa Hosk looked every inch the supermodel as she stretched out on her new Claude Home sofa wearing a sheer mini by Laquan Smith X Revolve.
Holly Willoughby in a Dany Atrache gown
It may (already!) be one of the most complained-about dresses via Ofcom ("Cleavage! On a family show!" etc.), but the sheer pink Dany Atrache gown that Holly Willoughby wore to kick off a new season of Dancing on Ice made the rest of us do nothing other than swoon.
@amberasaly @kyliejenner / InstagramKylie Jenner in a Jacquemus dress
Kylie Jenner gave us major Barbie vibes as she donned a sheer hot pink dress by Jacquemus in The Bahamas.
Getty ImagesEllie Goulding in a Koche dress
Ellie Goulding opted for a graphic Koche dress with sheer panel detailing at the Brits.
Gal Gadot in Givenchy at the Oscars
Gal Gadot opted for a sheer black long-sleeved bodice offset with a layered pink skirt on the Oscars red carpet.
Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta at the Oscars
Scarlett Johansson flashed her midriff with this subtly sexy, silver gown at the Oscars.
Rooney Mara wearing Alexander McQueen at the Oscars
Rooney Mara proved the sheer cutaway dress can look refined as she arrived on the Oscars 2020 red carpet.
ShutterstockLily Rose Depp wearing a Chanel dress
Lily Rose Depp turned to a sheer Chanel catsuit for her appearance at the BAFTAs this year. So chic.
Getty ImagesHailey Bieber wearing a cut-out dress
Hailey Bieber gave a chic spin on the sheer look by plumping for a sheer skirt on the red carpet.
Getty ImagesPhoebe Waller-Bridge wearing Armani Privé
Phoebe Waller-Bridge flashed her abs in this netted Armani Privé number.
Getty ImagesPriyanka Chopra in a Kukhareva London skirt
Priyanka Chopra's sheer date night outfit had everyone talking.
Getty ImagesKate Middleton in a sheer Alexander McQueen gown
Wearing one of her raciest looks so far, the Duchess arrived at the Royal Variety Performance in a sheer Alexander McQueen gown with a lacy, floral applique overlay.
Getty ImagesZendaya in custom Vera Wang
Zendaya was officially the best dressed star on the Emmys red carpet in this delicious custom Vera Wang gown.
Kiernan Shipka in a Christian Dior dress
She may only be 19-years-old but Kiernan Shipka stole the show at this year's Billboard Music Awards in a sheer-panelled Christian Dior dress.
Getty ImagesNaomi Campbell in sheer black on the Valentino Haute Couture runway
Naomi Campbell silenced everyone when she walked the Valentino Haute Couture runway back in January 2019, even making a very overwhelmed Celine Dion cry on the front row from (quite literally) sheer beauty.
Kendall Jenner in Julian Macdonald
All eyes were on Kendall's sparkly gold Julian Macdonald gown at the 2018 British Fashion Awards
Getty ImagesCandice Swanepoel at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Unsurprisingly, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show served up some seriously sexy looks, but it's the after party that we kept our eye on. Candice Swanepoel killed it in this strappless number with sheer skirt.
Getty ImagesGigi Hadid on the Alberta Ferretti runway
Queen of the catwalk, Gigi Hadid, proved that sheer can look totally luxe as she closed the Alberta Ferretti show in this delicious creation.
Kendall Jenner in Schiaparelli
Kendall Jenner opted for a tiered tulle dress by Schiaparelli for the 'Girls Of The Sun (Les Filles Du Soleil)' premiere at Cannes Film Festival this year and we are absolutely here for every inch of it.
Rex FeaturesStella Maxwell at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
For the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show viewing party, Stella looked gorgeous in black lace and little else...
Getty ImagesRita Ora in a sheer feathered gown
We have to give it to Rita, recently she's been slaying all of her red carpet appearances. And although this dress is hella see-through, it is Beyoncé-worthy and one of the best things we've seen from her.
Getty ImagesChrissy Teigen in a black sheer dress
As with many sheer dresses, underwear would have only ruined Chrissy Teigen's look. The star wore a dress made up of black lacework. Risqué indeed.
Getty ImagesAshley Graham in a Marina Rinaldi dress
Ashley Graham made naked dressing look totally chic in this Marina Rinaldi number. She wore the sheer dress, which featured pretty silver and black beading, over black underwear. And she looked HOT.
Getty ImagesDoutzen Kroes in a Tom Ford gown
To mark the start of New York Fashion Week, former Victoria's Secret angel Doutzen stepped out in this jaw-dropping red Tom Ford gown.
rexfeaturesCara Delevingne wearing an Atelier Versace minidress
On the promotional tour of Valerian, Cara wore a structured disc Atelier Versace minidress, which was VERY sheer. It looks like the concealing was done with the help of a nude body suit and some carefully positioned nipple pasties. Kudos to you, Cara.
Getty ImagesBella Hadid wearing Ralph & Russo
To the amfAR Gala at Cannes 2017, Bella Hadid demanded attention in a sheer custom Ralph & Russo dress with draping sleeves and covered in crystals.
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Getty ImagesJ.Lo in a black cut-out sheer dress
Jennifer Lopez, the seemingly unaging queen, rocked up to the Latin Music Billboard Awards wearing this extreme cut-out dress. Lots of flesh on display, but doesn't she look effing incredible?!
Getty ImagesTaraji P. Henson in Reem Acra
To the 2017 SAG Awards, Taraji P. Henson went braless under a stunning sheer Reem Acra spring summer 2017 gown.
Getty ImagesBella Hadid in Christian Dior
At Christian Dior's Haute Couture spring/summer 2017 ball, Bella Hadid wore a completely sheer, blue, diamond-encrusted Dior gown.
Getty ImagesRachel McAdams in Elie Saab couture
For the launch of her new film Doctor Strange, Rachel McAdams[/link] wore a stunning Elie Saab Couture dress. The dress was sheer bar some gorgeous swallow embellishments, which called for some full length spanx...
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Bella Hadid's 20th birthday outfit was definitely one of her riskier looks. The outfit was comprised of a chainmail top and skirt with silver star-shaped nipple pasties fully on show.
Getty ImagesKim Kardashian wearing Balmain
Kim Kardashian is the queen of nearly naked dresses. She wore this crochet number to the Balmain Paris Fashion Week show and we've got a feeling that she's actually having to cover her crotch with that hand...
Getty ImagesKim Kardashian in a sheer bodysuit dress
Kim nailed the naked dress look wearing this sheer dress and body suit.
Getty ImagesBeyonce wearing Givenchy at the 2015 Met Gala
Queen Bey wowed her many fans in this sheer crystal dress at the 2015 Met Gala. The daring look divided opinion, but one thing's for sure, it certainly got us talking.
Getty ImagesJennifer Lopez in a sheer gown
Proving nearly naked outfits can be the epitome of old-school vintage glamour, Jennifer Lopez makes sheer bejewelled dresses look, well, very classy!
