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? Look no further than Sunday night’s 2023 Grammys red carpet for some serious sheer dress inspo.
Olivia Rodrigo may have taken the crown for our favourite sheer look of the night – perhaps even favourite look of the night full stop? – in a black custom Miu Miu gown which revealed a simple black bra and briefs beneath and was the work of super star stylist Danielle Goldberg.
Joining her over the weekend was Rita Ora, whose sheer feathered gown little more than a simple black, double buckle platform sandal by Santoni and some low-rise briefs in the way of accessories in order to make a statement.
When done right, ‘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 – it’s fair to say – Rita and Olivia both looked 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…