From Dua Lipa to Florence Pugh, the sheer dress trend is everywhere—here's how to recreate the naked dress style IRL

The sheer dress trend, or naked dress if you will, is having quite the renaissance, and it's all thanks to celebrities repping the barely-there look to award shows, fashion shows, and beyond. But while these daring, see-through fits never fail to ooze cool, how do we style them off the red carpet?

Much like the high-fashion breastplate or silver fashion movement, there are some celebrity-endorsed pieces that we're desperate to add to our capsule wardrobe rotation. The '90s fashion trend is making a BIG comeback this year, with everyone from Rihanna to Em Rata repping the statement look. And while we concede that this particular style might seem a tad daunting at first glance, the secret is really all in the styling. 

So, if you're a fan of Florence Pugh's fashion moments or Emma Chamberlain's outfits and want to replicate their near-nude ensembles but have no idea how to style them IRL, here's an inspo guide of all the latest celeb outfits. Plus, we have all the expert intel on rocking the retro trend with confidence, no matter the occasion.

What is the sheer dress trend?

The sheer dress trend actually hails back to the '90s, with the likes of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Gwyneth Paltrow trailblazing the look to its now-iconic status, by pairing simple undies under their sheer slip dresses. 

But these '90s style icons were not the OGs to rep the look. In fact, Nick Drewe, trend expert at  Wethrift notes that it was actually during the '60s when sheer pieces, "really gained momentum within the fashion industry when the likes of Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent incorporated transparent fabrics like mesh, chiffon, gauze, muslin and more into their iconic collections."

He added, “Barely-there fabric is nothing new in the fashion world, as celebrities and style icons have been sporting the look for decades. In 1993, 19-year-old supermodel Kate Moss wore a sheer dress by Liza Bruce, which turned out to be a monumental moment in establishing herself as the fashion muse of a generation. Sheer fashion has gained momentum over the last decade, for creating an illusion of nakedness and embracing feminism through the art of fashion."

And, like many other fashion moments, the trend has made its way over to TikTok. Shoppers are anxious to show off their sheer dress buys with others who are attempting to copy the daring look, while professionals take to the app to share their tips for styling a naked dress. (Erin Noël makes some pretty valid points in her video below.) Though the fact that the trend has emerged across social media platforms does make it seem relatable, it isn't a terribly easy one to pull off on the reg. Fear not, friends: we'll let you know how you can make it work.

@erinnoella

♬ original sound - Erin Noël Fashion Stylist

How to wear a sheer dress

Thanks to the trends comeback, there's no shortage of sheer numbers on the market—but what do we wear under a sheer dress or top?

Drewe says the sheer dress trend is, "chic, sexy and empowering," adding that it allows for individual expression that can be as bold and as daring as you want it to be, the key is that you feel confident. See his top tips below...

• Opt for black or beige undergarments: Drewe recommends that if you’re wearing a black sheer dress, "a black bodysuit or underwear would be the best option. With a beige or light-colored sheer dress, opt for white or skin-colored undergarments."
• Sheer dresses and oversized blazers are a match made in heaven: "If you’re heading out for an evening meal with friends, consider an oversized leather jacket or blazer, to add depth to the outfit. To dress down the look, for a more informal event, pair it with chunky platform boots and a tee," says Drewe
• Less is more with accessories: Drewe advises not to go overboard with the bling, he adds: "The sheer fabric is enough to turn heads, so limit the jewelry layers and instead opt for a single statement piece." We'd recommend wearing some of the best huggie earrings and perhaps a simple gold chain or ring and leaving it at that.

Styling-wise, Drewe says: "Finding the right undergarments is important. You may want to show a little more skin, but leave something to the imagination. With this in mind, you could wear a bodysuit or high wasted underwear in a complementing color to the dress, as this would be a good way to embrace the trend."

He continues, "If you want to bare all, go for a matching underwear set. While the weather remains dull and lifeless, layers are the best way to style a sheer dress."  

If you're wanting to sport a more modest look, you can also choose to pair your dress with a simple slip dress (in whatever length you feel more comfortable in, though make sure your mesh dress is longer or the same length as your slip). We'd also recommend wearing a black slip for that cool-girl, off-duty model look—or a bralette if you're opting for a mesh top instead. 

For evening or date night looks, Drewe also suggests pairing your sheer number with an oversized blazer. This can be worn either open, for a bolder look or closed to provide a tad more coverage.

We've also spied some fashion lovers and celebs wearing sheer dresses over trousers...but we're not ready to endorse that particular Y2K fashion trend just yet.

Accessories-wise, as Drewe advises less is more, so to elevate your look but not crowd it, we'd suggest minimal, chic jewelry and perhaps a pair of Emma Chamberlain sunglasses to finish off the ensemble.

How to care for your sheer dress?

Since these naked dresses are pretty flimsy, it's also important to treat them with love and care. Drewe says: "Transparent fabrics are often delicate and can be damaged if not stored correctly. 

"To protect the material and prevent any ripping, store your sheer dress in a garment bag, but try to avoid any with zips, as you don’t want to cause any damage to the fabric.”

Where to shop sheer dresses and skirts

As mentioned, most of the go-to fashion retailers are embracing the sheer dress trend, so finding your own dream tulle/organza ensemble won't require too much sleuthing. Plus, we've also rounded up some of our faves to the process even more painless...

L'Academie Sheer Turtleneck Slip Dress

RRP: $124

For anyone wanting to channel that Florence Pugh pink sheer dress moment, this sheer, high-neck slip dress needs to be in your cart, STAT. It's available in sizes XS-Xl and features a super flattering silhouette and very similar fuchsia shade to Miss Flo's.

• View at Revolve in the US

Monki Long Black Mesh Dress

RRP: $50

This is a great option if you're wanting to dip your toe into the sheer dress trend.

It's available in sizes XS-XL and features a midi length and long sleeves. Pair it with a black slip dress or bodysuit.

• View at Monki in the US

&Other Stories Crocheted Scalloped Edge Midi Dress

RRP: $139

Opting for crochet pieces is another great way to channel the sheer trend into your wardrobe, especially when summer rolls around. This dress is available in XS-L and will make the perfect vacay date night look.

• View at &OtherStories in the US

Mango Sheer fabric dress

RRP: $49.99

We can picture this dress under an oversized blazer, accessorized with cute gold huggie earrings and a statement mini bag! This dress actually comes with an under-slip dress, so if you're not wanting to show too much skin this is a great option. Available in sizes 4-8

• View at Mango in the US

Norma Kamali Diana Asymmetric Mesh Dress

RRP: $281

If you're looking for something a little fancier, perhaps for a dinner date or event, this Norma Kamali dress is a great pick. It features a flattering ruched design and a one-shoulder cut.

• View at Matchesfashion in the US

Mango Semi-Transparent Knitted Skirt

RRP: $59.99

This semi-sheer skirt is perfect for summer and will pair perfectly with a blazer, or a bodysuit. It also has mini knit shorts built in, so you can wear it with confidence!

• View at Mango in the US

The best celeb sheer dress moments

Now, if you're in need of some visuals for styling your sheer dresses, please turn your attention to these recent celebrity offerings...

1. Dua Lipa's 'Barbie' premiere dress

All of the Margot Robbie Barbie outfits have been a pink dream, but needless to say, her co-star in the Greta Gerwig film stole the spotlight at the Los Angeles premiere on Sunday, July 9. 

Dua Lipa, who plays a blue Mermaid Barbie in the upcoming movie, rocked a Bottega Veneta crystal mesh dress but not much else: she took the bold look up a notch by going braless and wearing a lacy white thong to boot. 

2. Ciara's see-through dress

Singer Ciara wore this sparkly, plunging sheer dress to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. Ciara then paired the dress with a chic pair of long gloves and a simple pair of black undies.

3. Hailey Bieber's barely-there dress

Hailey Bieber has also been rocking the naked dress look, from her white, lace-trim slip dress—which she paired with a white thong—to her off-the-shoulder sheer black top.

She's also sported a brown sheer dress, proving that whether you're going out for dinner or spending the day shopping, a sheer dress can work for all occasions! 

4. Emma Chamberlain's Oscars 2023 sheer dress

Emma ate and left no crumbs on the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party red carpet. This KNWLS dress is just everything.

If we owned this dress—along with any of Emma Chamberlain's sunglasses—we would never take it off. 

5. Daisy Edgar-Jones' crystal sheer dress

Daisy Edgar-Jones rocked a naked-like, crystal-embellished Gucci sheer dress to the Oscars 2023 and gives us a lesson in exactly how to style a nude bodysuit with one of these elegant, see-through gowns.

6. Hailee Steinfeld's sheer dress and coat combo

If you wondering how to layer your sheer dress, just cast your eye over Hailee's Oscars outfit. She paired her shimmery mesh dress with a long, oversized coat to keep her warm while she served up look after look.

7. Zendaya's see-through dress

We couldn't not include this 2021 throwback! Zendaya wore this dreamy, see-through dress to the Dune London film premiere afterparty. In case you missed it, it featured the cutest heart-shaped cut-out on the top, plus a dramatic leg slit and the coolest patchwork design throughout.

8. Elaine Welteroth's silver and crystal sheer dress

Teen Vogue's editor in chief rocked this crystal embellished dress to the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 31st annual academy awards viewing party on March 12, 2023, pairing it with diamond earrings, silver rings a small peach mini bag—great inspo if you're wondering how to style your own sheer number!

9. Rihanna's sheer dress

Just Rihanna singlehandedly redefining pregnancy style once again! This is one of the many sheer looks to make an appearance at the Oscars and we adore how wearable it is. 

If you have a sheer top, pair it with a bandeau crop top or bra and a midi skirt and you've got yourself a killer, Rihanna-approved look.

10. Florence Pugh's pink and purple sheer dresses

Flo is a big fan of the sheer dress and skirt trend. She made headlines for her fuchsia number at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. A year later, she got in on the lavender fashion trend by donning a lilac mesh dress sans bra to Paris Fashion Week 2023.

And for those who were quick to give the star an issue for the look? She took to Instagram defending her now-infamous pink dress and the backlash she received about her body. Her lengthy statement concluded with: "Grow up. Respect people. Respect bodies. Respect all women. Respect humans. Life will get a whole lot easier, I promise. And all because of two cute little nipples..."

11. Ashley Graham's red and black sheer dresses

Ashley Graham served up these red and black sheer numbers (again at the Vanity Fair after-party and the Oscars 2023) and we're loving the contrast between the black and red.

Her look acts as great inspo for anyone wanting to pair their sheer dress with some high-waisted pants and a bralette.

12. Emily Ratajkowski's grey sheer dress

After flooring us with her 2021 sheer Met Gala dress, Emily has served up yet another killer see-through look, pairing it with a simple pair of low-waisted pants underneath.

13. Sophie Turner's black sheer shoulder dress

We're obsessed with the sheer shoulder/cape detailing on Sophie's Vanity Fair Oscar after-party dress!

14. Sabrina Carpet's white sheer top and skirt ensemble

Sabrina (who is one of the names being thrown around in the Shawn Mendes girlfriend mystery) also made a case for the mesh top and long skirt combo and it gets a yes from us!

15. Madison Bailey's sheer Paris Fashion Week dress

Outer Banks star, Madison Bailey, wore this black sheer dress during Paris Fashion Week—we love that this dress is more subtle but still slightly sheer.

16. Alessandra Ambrosio's naked dress

Alessandra Ambrosio also wore this silver fashion-inspired naked dress to the Vanity Fair afterparty (where it seems sheer dresses were really having their debut!). She paired her dress with a pair of silver pants and dangly silver earrings.