One month after welcoming her first baby, Latto confidently showcased her figure in a sheer dress at the 2025 BET Awards, proving the 'naked dress' trend is for every body and every occasion. Lizzo, Ari Lennox, Serena Page, and Chelley Bissainthe also championed sheer styles at the event, demonstrating bold yet wearable interpretations, per InStyle.
The 'naked dress' trend often seems dauntingly revealing, creating tension between high-fashion daring and everyday accessibility.
Yet, as celebrities embrace diverse sheer fashion, more individuals will likely adopt these styles. Strategic layering and undergarment choices become essential for confident participation. This trend declares body autonomy, especially for women challenging post-partum norms, Us Weekly noted regarding Latto.
5 Ways to Style Sheer Dresses for 2025
Celebrities like Latto and Lizzo inspire varied approaches to sheer dressing. Here are practical ways to adapt the trend for personal expression.
Layering with a Slip Dress
Best for: Moderate coverage and versatile styling
A slip dress offers foundational coverage under sheer fabric, maintaining visibility while providing versatility, per Stylight.
Strengths: High versatility, customizable coverage, maintains silhouette | Limitations: Requires a well-fitting slip, may add bulk | Price: Moderate
Matching Underwear
Best for: Cohesive and intentional sheer looks
Choose underwear matching skin tone or dress color for a seamless, intentional look, as advised by Stylight.
Strengths: Polished finish, avoids distractions, enhances confidence | Limitations: Limited color options for optimal matching | Price: Low
Layering with a Blazer or Oversized Jacket
Best for: Adding structure and partial concealment
Wear an oversized blazer or jacket over a sheer dress for a stylish peek-a-boo effect, adding a professional or edgy touch with strategic coverage, per Stylight.
Strengths: Adds warmth, versatile for different occasions, creates interesting lines | Limitations: May obscure dress details, can feel bulky | Price: Moderate to High
Combining with Bike Shorts
Best for: Active or casual sheer dress styling
Bike shorts provide lower body coverage for a casual, comfortable sheer dress look, suggested by Stylight.
Strengths: Enhanced comfort, increased modesty, sporty aesthetic | Limitations: Best suited for casual settings, may not fit all dress styles | Price: Low
Wearing Leggings Underneath
Best for: Maximum lower body coverage and warmth
For extensive coverage or cooler weather, leggings integrate a sheer dress into a layered outfit, advised by Stylight.
Strengths: Full leg coverage, added warmth, comfortable | Limitations: Can alter the dress's intended flow, may appear too casual | Price: Low
Foundational Styling: Achieving Coverage and Confidence
| Layering Item | Coverage Level | Best For | Style Impact | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slip Dress | Moderate to Full | Elegant, smooth silhouette | Seamless, refined | Matches dress length, fabric choice is key |
| Bodysuit | Upper Body & Crotch | Streamlined, secure fit | Modern, athletic | Ensures no visible lines, can be less breathable |
| Mini Dress | Upper Body & Thighs | Playful, youthful look | Layered, casual-chic | Provides more fabric than a slip, may add bulk |
Slip dresses, bodysuits, or mini dresses serve as crucial base layers, offering tailored coverage and aesthetic effects. These options make sheer garments adaptable for various occasions, transforming daring into wearable.
Pushing Boundaries: The Extreme End of Sheer Fashion
Chelley Bissainthe's nearly naked beaded gown at the 2025 BET Awards, per Us Weekly, showcased the trend's extreme. A gap exists: while InStyle calls sheer styles "bold yet wearable for every body and occasion," Bissainthe’s gown suggests some iterations remain highly exclusive. The trend pushes boundaries, yet still defines occasion wear.
The Undergarment Imperative for Sheer Looks
Deliberate undergarment selection is key for a polished sheer ensemble. Matching underwear is a must, per Stylight, ensuring a cohesive, intentional aesthetic.
Inspiration for Daring Details
How to style a sheer dress for a formal event?
For formal events, consider sheer dresses with strategic cutouts or embellishments, like Ari Lennox's silver gown at the 2026 BET Awards, featuring bodice, midsection, and thigh cutouts, Us Weekly reported. This approach offers daring details within an elegant silhouette.
The evolving 'naked dress' trend will likely continue to blend high-fashion audacity with accessible styling, if designers and celebrities keep championing diverse, wearable interpretations.
