Is sheer fashion too much for celebrities?

[WORLD] Sheer fashion has become an increasingly controversial yet irresistible trend among celebrities in recent years. From the Oscars to high-fashion after-parties, the "naked dress" trend is everywhere. Celebrities such as Olivia Wilde, Julia Fox, Doja Cat, and Kendall Jenner have embraced the sheer look, leaving little to the imagination. But while some see it as bold and innovative, others question if it's gone too far. Is this trend a bold step in fashion, or has it crossed the line into becoming "exceptionally bad"?

Sheer Fashion at the Oscars: When Celebrities Bare It All

The 2025 Oscars served as a prime example of how far the sheer trend has gone. Celebrities like Olivia Wilde rocked sheer, embroidered lace dresses, evoking a demure, bohemian charm. In stark contrast, Julia Fox pushed boundaries with a nearly transparent wrap dress, where the lack of fabric made a bold statement. Similarly, Doja Cat's appearance at the Vanity Fair party with her Balmain gown made waves. But as Madeline Hirsch, Features Director at InStyle Fashion, noted, this trend has been growing for years, and it has been amplified by red carpet moments.

The Naked Dress Trend: A Fashion Phenomenon

The "naked dress" trend isn't new, but it's certainly evolved in recent years. As Hirsch explained, it’s the sheer lace that dominates in 2025. Lace fabrics, combined with the bohemian revival, have given this trend a delicate edge. At the same time, the trend's focus on "less is more" seems to capture the carefree, rebellious energy of after-parties, where the stakes are lower, and people feel free to experiment with their looks.

Celebrities Who Are Leading the Sheer Fashion Movement

Olivia Wilde: Wilde’s choice of a sheer lace negligee at the Oscars is emblematic of the trend’s delicate yet daring vibe.

Julia Fox: Fox's look, which favored boldness over subtlety, represents a more extreme take on the sheer dress trend.

Doja Cat: Known for her eccentric and avant-garde fashion choices, Doja Cat’s glittering, near-transparent outfits at high-profile events have sparked both admiration and criticism.

Kendall Jenner: Jenner, too, made headlines for wearing a vintage Mugler lace dress with a twist – a material that looked like rubber, showcasing how sheer fashion can blend with futuristic styles.

Is Sheer Fashion Too Much? The Debate

While many embrace sheer fashion as an empowering form of self-expression, others believe it can border on the inappropriate. As Hirsch stated, "Though the trend originates from the runway, it’s now heavily influenced by celebrity culture." These celebrities, constantly in the public eye, wield influence over the masses, and their sartorial choices often set the tone for what's in vogue. But with such visibility comes criticism.

For some, sheer fashion seems to challenge social norms regarding modesty. Critics argue that these outfits cross the line from avant-garde into vulgarity. The visible lack of fabric often leads to debates on whether such looks objectify women or empower them.

Fashion Industry’s Take on the Sheer Trend

The fashion industry itself has long been a supporter of boldness and individuality. Designers who work with celebrities are often the ones pushing boundaries. In an email, Madeline Hirsch described the continued rise of sheer fashion as a reflection of the bohemian styles gaining traction in 2025. But while these trends can be empowering for some, they remain divisive. The balance between artistic expression and public decency has always been a tightrope walk, and sheer fashion constantly tests the limits.

Sheer Fashion: Empowerment or Objectification?

One key question raised in the ongoing debate about sheer fashion is whether it’s empowering or objectifying. When celebrities wear sheer dresses, they often defy conventional standards of beauty and modesty. This act can be seen as liberating, challenging traditional ideals.

However, there’s also the risk that these outfits may inadvertently reduce women to their physical appearances. Critics argue that when the body becomes the focal point of fashion, it can overshadow a person's achievements and talent, reducing them to mere aesthetics.

The Bohemian Influence: A Nod to the Past or a Step Too Far?

In 2025, sheer fashion seems to be heavily influenced by bohemian styles, which emphasize freedom, individualism, and sensuality. As Hirsch notes, the trend's focus on lace and light fabrics aligns with the resurgence of these nostalgic aesthetics. However, this boho-chic movement often flirts with boundary-pushing sensuality, which can either be perceived as an artistic statement or as too much exposure for comfort.

Sheer fashion has undeniably carved out a significant place in celebrity style. Whether it’s empowering or excessive is subjective. For every admirer, there’s a detractor. As the trend continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether sheer fashion remains a staple of the celebrity wardrobe or eventually fades into history. But one thing is certain: Sheer fashion is here to stay for the time being, sparking conversation, admiration, and controversy wherever it goes.