Forget peekaboo cutouts and thigh-high slits — celebs are all about showing some serious skin on the red carpet.
Wearing outfits with expertly places floral appliqués, lace in just the right place or deciding to simply free the nipple has been going on for years. Take Rihanna for example. The mom-to-be made a splash at the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2014 when she arrived in an Adam Selman sheer gown — sans a bra. The stunning number featured 216,00 Swarovski crystals. Naturally, she made headlines with her jaw-dropping look. While fans frequently hype up their favorite stars for serving up sexiness, it sometimes draws out the haters.
Such was the case for Zoë Kravitz at the 2021 Met Gala. The actress wore a mesh Yves Saint Laurent gown that was completely see through. While she topped a handful of “best dressed” lists, some negative comments on social media got under her skin.
From Megan Fox’s barely-there Mugler gown from the 2021 VMAs to Lady Gaga’s underboob-baring ensemble at the 2017 Grammy Awards, Us Weekly’s Stylish is rounding up the boldest, best and sexiest red carpet dresses of all time. Keep scrolling!
Emma Corrin
The actress bared almost all in a Saint Laurent see-through green minidress at the Nosferatu premiere in Berlin in December 2024.
Rachel Brosnahan
Brosnahan gave Us a glimpse at her enviable figure in an Erdem frock featuring a sheer top while at the Gotham Awards in New York City in December 2024.
Joan Smalls
Smalls rocked an edgy Self-Portrait floor-length dress with beaded embellishments at the Gotham Awards in New York City in December 2024.
Caroline Polachek
Polachek stunned in a diaphanous Alexander McQueen halter dress at the Fashion Awards in London in December 2024.
Julia Fox
At the December 2024 Fashion Awards in London, Fox delivered bridal vibes in a custom lace corset dress by Dilara Findikoglu.
Amalie Gassmann
Gassmann put on a leggy display in a lavender floral frock at the Fashion Awards in London in December 2024.
Mathilda Mace
Mace turned heads all in a barely-there leather bodysuit at the Fashion Awards in London in December 2024.
Lily Collins
The actress turned heads at a gala for The Devil Wears Prada musical in London on December 1, 2024. Her Vivienne Westwood dress featured a high slit and all-over sequins that exposed her bum.
Lindsay Lohan
The actor attended the Our Little Secret screening at The Paris Theatre in New York City on November 18, 2024, in a sweeping sheer black gown that revealed her underpinnings for photographers.
Irina Shayk
The model sparkled in a sheer crystal minidress while celebrating a new D'Alba Piedmont product line in Milan in November 2024.
Blake Lively
Lively put on a leggy display in a Tamara Ralph party dress at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles in November 2024.
Laura Dern
The actress looked sultry in a sheer lace gown at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles in November 2024. She accessorized with dainty jewelry and black heels.
Tyla
The singer sizzled in a vintage Gucci frock featuring a black lace design that exposed her neon-green briefs at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City.
Remi Bader
Bader was radiant in a Prabal Gurung gown featuring a sheer bodice and A-line skirt at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City.
Barbara Sturm
Sturm slayed in a see-through garb at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. She kept warm with a blazer overtop.
Mona Patel
Patel looked graceful in a strapless Oscar de la Renta crystal-embellished gown at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City.
Kelsey Asbille
In October 2024, Asbille eschewed a bra at the red carpet premiere of Netflix’s new film Don't Move. Her spangly one-shoulder black dress exposed her matching black underwear with stylish aplomb.
Kylie Jenner
Jenner turned up the heat in a vintage Mugler gown featuring a sheer sequin top and strappy skirt at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles in October 2024.
Zendaya
Zendaya was a sexy sight to see in a vintage Bob Mackie dress, inspired by Cher, complete with a halter top and strappy bodice at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, in October 2024.
Kate Moss
Moss delivered drama in a sheer lacy Victoria’s secret look while walking the runway in New York City in October 2024.
Barbara Palvin
Palvin left little to the imagination in a see-through gown, which exposed her crystal bra and underwear, at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City in October 2024.
Alessandra Ambrosio
The model looked unreal while showing off her figure in a sheer corset dress and fuzzy white coat following the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City in October 2024.
Saweetie
She rocked a custom Tony Ward Couture design featuring icy crystals at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills.
Charlize Theron
Theron slayed in a Dior Haute Couture gown featuring a sheer halter top and a flowy skirt at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Kendall Jenner
Jenner was radiant in a see-through Maison Margiela ensemble at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Ciara
Ciara dazzled at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a brown mermaid cut dress. She posed with husband Russell Wilson.
Florence Pugh
The actress bared all in a sheer Jean Paul Gaultier gown at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Chrissy Teigen
Teigen commanded attention in a silver Oscar de la Renta gown at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Anitta
Anitta showed off her figure in a sheer Fendi gown at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Emily Ratajkowski
The model looked like a sculpture in a Jacquemus gown that exposed her sideboob and was finished with a completely open back.
Rebecca Hall
Hall went braless under a completely see-through slip dress that was covered in pearls at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in New York City in January 2024.
Amanza Smith
The Selling Sunset star flaunted her figure in a see-through mesh dress at her birthday party in December 2023. She topped the look off with fingerless gloves, a leather purse and a slicked-back ponytail.
Dua Lipa
Lipa stunned in a lacy catsuit underneath a sheer dress in December at the Academy Museum Gala.
Ashley Graham
Graham killed it in a completely sheer dress by Swarovski x Skims teamed with an underwear set from the intimates label at the Swarovski New York City flagship opening in November 2023.
Amelia Gray Hamlin
Hamlin went topless under a see-through baby blue gown by Alaïa at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City in November 2023.
Ncuti Gatwa
The Sex Education star showed off his physique in a Burc Akyol ensemble — that featured a transparent bodice — at the September 2023 Vogue World celebration in London.
Dua Lipa
Lipa gave fans a look at her thong while rocking a silver sparkly bedazzled dress at the Barbie premiere in Los Angeles.
Olivia Wilde
The Booksmart director flashed her bra in a Gabriela Hearst design at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Emily Ratajkowski
The My Body author shimmered in a sheer look by Feben at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Ciara
The “Goodies” singer rocked a thong under a completely see-through Dundas gown at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Alessandra Ambrosio
The supermodel had nothing to hide in a sparkly chain dress at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Hunter Schafer
The Euphoria actress covered her chest with only a feather and satin skirt by Ann Demeulemeester at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Danielle Brooks
The Orange Is the New Black alum rocked a polka dot catsuit at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
DeWanda Wise
The Someone Great star took a fashion risk in a transparent crystal top at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Shay Mitchell
The Pretty Little Liars alum went goth glam in a mesh corset dress at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Ashley Graham
The supermodel was too hot to handle in a red wrap dress at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Charli XCX
The "Boom Clap" singer wore a white, sheer dress to the Brit Awards in February 2023.
Salma Hayek
The House of Gucci star showed off her figure in a black fishnet dress that was adorned with flowers at the Magic Mike’s Last Dance premiere in Miami in January 2023.
Kendall Jenner
Jenner flashed her nipples in a black one-shoulder frock at Lori Harvey’s 26th birthday party in January. She accessorized with a rose choker and an updo.
Jennifer Lopez
The “Get Right” singer wowed in a sparkly sheer gown by Valentino at the premiere of her movie, Shotgun Wedding, in Los Angeles in January 2023.
Janelle Monae
At the 28th Critics’ Choice Awards in January 2023, the Hidden Figures star, who took home the SeeHer Award, took a fashion risk in a completely mesh look by Vera Wang.
The Pam & Tommy actress, who also attended the 2023 ceremony, donned a sheer billowing dress by Vera Wang.
Julia Garner
The Ozark alum rocked a translucent minidress by Ferragamo at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards.
Quinta Brunson
The Abbott Elementary creator delivered drama in a Robert Win creation that was equipped with a ruffled hem.
Anya Taylor-Joy
The Menu star looked like a sexy ballerina at the awards show in Christina Dior.
Jessica Chastain
The Good Nurse star sparkled in an Oscar de la Renta gown that featured a web-like design at the bodice at the 80th Golden Globes in January 2023.
Rita Ora
The “For You” singer rocked a barely-there red getup by Nensi Dojaka at the British Fashion Awards in December 2022.
Heidi Klum
The supermodel looked whimsical in a cloud-like design by Lever Couture at the Avatar: The Way of Water premiere in Los Angeles in December 2022.
Heather Rae El Moussa
The Netflix star showed off her baby bump in a mesh look by David Koma at the People’s Choice Awards in December 2022.
Kate Hudson
The Almost Famous actress looked like a fairy in a sequin-covered garb by Elie Saab at the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery premiere in Los Angeles in November 2022.
Kendall Jenner
The Kardashians star turned heads in a dramatic piece by Burc Akyol that featured a completely see-through bodice for the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles in November 2022.
Kate Moss
The Catwalk queen showed off her figure in a hooded dress by Saint Laurent at the WSJ. Innovators Awards in New York in November 2022.
Florence Pugh
The Don’t Worry Darling actress wowed in a hot pink tulle dress by Valentino that exposed her chest at the fashion house’s runway presentation in Italy in July 2022.
Bella Hadid
Work it, girl! The model rocked a completely sheer black dress at the Ludovic de Saint Sernin fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2022.
Kendall Jenner
For the 2021 Met Gala, the reality star wore a glitzy Givenchy ensemble. The design was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s dress in the 1956 film My Fair Lady.
Zoe Kravitz
Stunning in sparkle! The actress wore a mesh Yves Saint Laurent gown to the 2021 Met Gala.
Megan Fox
The Transformers star showed off her sexy style at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2021, wearing a barely-there Mugler dress.
Emily Ratajkowski
White hot! For the Academy Awards in February 2020, the model put her abs on display in a custom two-piece set. The ensemble was designed by her namesake brand, Inamorata.
Cardi B
When attending her hubby Offset's show at Paris Fashion Week in January 2020, the Grammy Award-winning rapper rocked a mesh black catsuit from Mah-Jing Wong underneath an Adrienne Landau faux fur coat. But the real kicker was her blinged-out face mask from CoutureMask that, according to TMZ, took 36 hours to create and could be worth anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.
Kaia Gerber
For the British Fashion Awards in December 2019, the model stunned in a black and white ensemble from Loewe complete with a sheer lace maxi skirt and a bra top worth $1,250.
Zoe Kravitz
In September 2019, the Big Little Lies actress attended the Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week in a little black halter dress with stomach cutouts and a skirt with lace down either side.
Ashley Graham
At the Savage x Fenty fashion show in September 2019, the soon-to-be mom showed off her baby bump in a skin-tight dress with a black corset showing underneath a sheer overlay. She topped off the look with neon accessories that included a structured clutch and strappy stilettos.
Normani
Totally slaying on the VMAs red carpet in August 2019, the former Fifth Harmony member showed off her killer abs in a Nicolas Jebran multi-colored sequin dress with a hip-high slit and stomach cutout.
Alison Brie
The Glow star looked quite sexy in a little black Elie Saab dress with see-through stripes and a plunging neckline at the VMAs in August 2019.
Bella Hadid
For the VMAs red carpet in August 2019, the supermodel showed off her slim figure in a flesh-colored two-piece dress from Charlotte Knowles London.
Coco Austin
With lots of skin on display through a completely sheer floor-length gown, the reality star made waves in August 2019, on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet.
Dania Ramirez
Leaving little to the imagination, the actress hit the red carpet at the TLC Chinese Theater in Los Angeles June 2019 for the premiere of Dark Phoenix in a sheer minidress. Ramirez used black tape to hide her nipples under the see-through top of the black frock, which also had a wide black sash and ruffle skirt.
Shailene Woodley
In May 2019, the Big Little Lies star hit the season 2 premiere red carpet in a head-turning black sheer Dior dress that featured a bodysuit underneath a layer of polka-dotted tulle.
Kylie Jenner
Looking chic and sexy in a see-through orange dress, the Kylie Cosmetics founder posted a picture to Instagram of herself in May 2019, wearing a minidress with an open back and stomach cutouts for a less-is-more look. The bright number created by Julien Macdonald is worth $16,917.
Winnie Harlow
The model stunned in a reptilian-inspired sheer Ralph & Russo gown on the Oh Mercy! red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019.
Coco Rocha
At the Once Upon A Time in Hollywood red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, the Canadian model wore a beautiful peekaboo gown covered in sheer tulle and silver embellishments.
Camila Coelho
The blogger sparkled in a sheer Georges Hobeika gown at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019. She accessorized the sexy look with shimmering sandals and Boucheron jewels.
Taylor Hill
The model took the floral approach the barely there dress at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, with this flowy flower-embellished Fendi frock.
Alessandra Ambrosio
The Brazilian beauty boldly matched the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, in a scarlet Julien Macdonald nearly naked number.
Cardi B
At the launch for her new collection with Fashion Nova in May 2019, the "I Like It" singer wore a white skirt suit that was anything but office appropriate. Without a top on underneath, her jacket just cinched closed at her waist while her skirt had zippers on each side that were pulled up to her hips.
Amber Heard
The Gully actress showed some skin in a sexy Claes Iversen nearly naked number — complete with a sheer skirt, thigh-high stockings and fishnet gloves — at the film’s Tribeca Film Festival premiere in April 2019.
Lily Collins
The Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile actress managed to look both saucy and demure by showing some skin in an elaborately embellished Elie Saab nearly naked gown at the film’s London premiere in April 2019.
Kim Kardashian West
The KKW Beauty founder sparkled in Paris in March 2019, in a sheer shimmery catsuit that she wore over a leotard. She accessorized with white sandals, a black duster coat and shield-like shades.
Kylie Jenner
The youngest Jenner sister showed off her lacy neon green underwear in a completely see-through white T-shirt dress in an Instagram post in March 2019.
Betty Who
The Australian singer wore a completely sheer jumpsuit to the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2019, covered with piping and dotted details.
Kim Kardashian
Rocking a sheer — save for a few strategically placed cutouts — animal-print catsuit as only she can, the KKW Beauty founder was spotted out in Paris in March 2019, in the stocking-like one-piece that she accessorized with see-through heels and a velvet topcoat.
Kendall Jenner
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star left little to the imagination in her barely there Rami Kadi number at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2019.
Zoe Kravitz
It was all about the abs for the Big Little Lies actress at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March 2019, wearing a Saint Laurent bra top and maxiskirt.
Rita Ora
The Love Song singer showed some skin in a sheer Alexander McQueen gown at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2019.
Gemma Chan
Talk about a perfect illusion! The Crazy Rich Asians star traded out her voluminous Valentino gown from the Oscars red carpet for a slinkier Tom Ford number at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2019.
Shailene Woodley
The Big Little Lies star proved a long-sleeve dress can still be all kinds of sexy at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2019 in her sheer Dior frock.
Kim Kardashian
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards in February 2019 wearing a barley-there vintage Thierry Mugler dress that left little to the imagination.
Dua Lipa
The New Rules singer hit the blue carpet at the Alita: Battle Angel premiere in London in Janaury 2019, in a black and white strapless Giorgio Armani gown complete with a sheer cage-like shirt.
Rebecca Romijn
The Star Trek: Discovery actress showed off her super fit physique in an illusion blue velvet dress and Sarah Flint sandals at the season two premiere in NYC in Janaury 2019.