Sheer outfits on the red carpet are nothing new. But it’s how celebrities choose to style them that makes all the difference.
From pasties and lingerie to embroidery and appliqués, the options are endless. Recently, Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori, grabbed everyone’s attention by wearing a nearly see-through dress with nothing underneath.
Even though her bold fashion choice caused a stir online, it’s not the first time a red carpet look has been labeled too daring or inappropriate. Here’s a look back at some of the most talked-about red carpet outfits in Hollywood history:
Rose McGowan at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards
Rose wore a revealing sheer dress that exposed her back and left little to the imagination. “They slut-shamed me like crazy,” she told Yahoo! Entertainment. “It was hard dealing with that kind of public criticism.” She later revealed that the outfit was her way of making a statement after surviving sexual assault. “Most women wear sexy outfits to turn heads. Mine was meant to mess with people’s minds.”
Lil’ Kim at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards
The rapper shocked everyone by wearing a one-shoulder purple jumpsuit with her breast exposed, covered only by a pasty. “Missy Elliott actually inspired the look,” stylist Misa Hylton told PopSugar. “She joked that if she were Kim, she’d just have one boob out. I saved the idea for the next big event.”
Dakota Johnson at the 2024 Madame Web Premiere
Dakota arrived in a shimmering, netted dress over a bodysuit. When asked about her outfit, she simply responded, “It’s Gucci.”
Hunter Schafer at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Hunter’s daring look featured a single feather as a top. Designer Ann Demeulemeester told Vogue, “I love exploring the balance between masculine and feminine. That’s what makes people interesting.”
Cher at the 1974 Met Gala
Cher stunned in a sheer, sparkling gown with feather details designed by Bob Mackie. “The place went crazy,” Mackie recalled. “People were horrified. They thought, ‘That’s not fashion, she’s just naked!’”
Rihanna at the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards
Rihanna’s see-through, crystal-embellished dress had everyone talking. When asked if she was comfortable in the revealing outfit, she confidently replied, “Do my tits bother you? They’re covered in Swarovski crystals!” She later admitted her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong.
Miley Cyrus at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards
Miley made multiple wardrobe changes throughout the night, each one more outrageous than the last. “This marked a whole new era for Miley,” her stylist Simone Harouche told The Hollywood Reporter. “She wanted to have fun and not take fashion too seriously.”
Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards
J.Lo’s plunging, tropical-print dress became an instant cultural moment. “My stylist told me not to wear it because others had already worn it,” she told People. “But it looked the best, so I went with it. And it caused a stir!”
Barbra Streisand at the 1969 Academy Awards
Barbra unknowingly wore a completely see-through sequined pantsuit. “I had no idea it would be transparent under the lights,” she admitted later. “I thought, ‘Next time I win an Oscar, I’ll be more conservative.’”
Toni Braxton at the 2001 Grammy Awards
Toni wowed in a barely-there white cutout dress. “I’ve always worn risqué outfits,” she said. “I decided to go all out before settling down and starting a family.”
Carmen Electra at the 1998 MTV Movie Awards
Carmen’s dress had large side cutouts, making headlines at the time. Years later, Kim Kardashian wore a similar design, and people started comparing the two. Carmen responded on Facebook, “It’s flattering, not a competition. I love celebrating women’s fashion!”
How do you feel about these racy red carpet looks? Is there one that didn’t make the list that you can’t forget? Tell me in the comments!
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