We’ve all had one of those dreams: You’re in public, you look down and suddenly, realise that all of your clothes have miraculously disappeared. You’re naked.
While venturing out in the buff may be nightmare fuel for many, recent years have seen A-listers stripping off—publicly, willingly—in droves. Well, almost. After they were first worn by the likes of Cher and Marilyn Monroe in the 20th Century, the late 2010s saw ‘naked dresses‘ hit mainstream. Skin-tight and either sheer or nude in colour, ‘naked’ gowns give the illusion of nudity, with the wearers modesty oft preserved via a few strategically-placed rhinestones or sequins.
As the trend continues to gain traction—both in La La Land and increasingly, in real life—get inspired (or simply look in awe) at our edit of the best celebrity naked dresses in recent memory.
Cher
What would a ‘best celebrity naked dress’ list be without Cher? Accepting her Academy Award for her 1987 film Moonstruck, Cher dazzled in a bespoke Bob Mackie – of course.
Zendaya
Attending the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony for none other than the godmother of the naked dress herself – Cher – Zendaya payed homage to the iconic performer with a fashion statement straight out of the Bob Mackie archives.
Rooney Mara
Making a case for the demure naked dress, Rooney Mara wore a vintage Givenchy Couture dress from the 1996 archives to the 2024 Academy Museum Gala.
Bella Hadid
Making a dazzling return to the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, wearing a sheer dress from Saint Laurent’s SS24 collection.
Eva Longoria
Attending the Global Gift Gala at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival.
Jennifer Lopez
In Valentino Couture at the Los Angeles premiere of her film, Shotgun Wedding.
Kendall Jenner
Channelling Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, wearing Givenchy at the 2021 Met Gala.
Emily Ratajkowski
Honouring Cher in Peter Dundas at the 2019 Met Gala, themed Camp: Notes On fashion.
Bella Hadid
In Julien Macdonald at the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show afterparty.
Kim Kardashian
Wearing a Roberto Cavalli creation at the 2015 Met, China: Through The Looking Glass.
Beyoncé
2015 was a big year for naked dresses at the Met Gala, with Beyoncé famously showing up (fashionably) late in a Givenchy ensemble.
Rihanna
In a glittering Adam Selman gown at the 2014 CFDA Awards, where she received the year’s Style Icon Award.
Amber Rose
Paying homage to Rose McGowan (below) in a chain-look designed by Laura Dewitt at the 2014 MTV VMAs.
Rose McGowan
Perhaps the most famous celebrity naked dress post Cher.
Halle Berry
Halley Berry wore a lingerie inspired sheer black minidress to the The Union premiere.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
