Have We Reached Peak ‘Naked Dressing’?
It seems the ‘naked dressing’ trend isn’t going anywhere, with the likes of Rita Ora, Zendaya and Lori Harvey rocking sheer and cut-out styles. And with 2023 being the hottest year on record, can we blame them?
However, last week the internet was rocked when two looks got us questioning: has naked dressing gone too far?
Firstly, to kick off fashion week in New York, the perennially news-worthy Julia Fox stepped out in a bodysuit consisting of only a few silver chains and paired with a black trench and black leather ankle boots. Next, Bianca Censori wore only a purple pillow as she and ‘husband’ Kanye West headed out for dinner in Italy.
The ‘naked dressing’ trend has been huge this year amongst celebs and designer catwalks, which sees completely sheer fabrics, deliberately placed cutouts and super low-rise skirts and trousers exposing different body parts in what feels like a beautiful display of freedom, but with celebrities outfits getting more daring by the minute we’re left wondering whether this trend has just become a way to grab headlines and shock the public.
SilkFred’s Head Stylist, Megan Watkins, shares her thoughts when it comes to the ‘naked dressing’ trend:
“In the past year, we’ve seen the cut-out trend on runways and red carpets alike, either showing a hint of underboob, a seriously toned stomach or in interesting geometric patterns.”
“For example, at the BRIT awards earlier this year Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama opted for sheer dresses, a more accessible form of naked dressing which the likes of Florence Pugh and Olivia Wilde have been firm favourites of. This particular look certainly has a very freeing, self-expressive feel to it, and a very powerful message of women claiming their bodies. However, since then the naked dressing trend has reached new heights.”
“In the past, we’ve seen dresses like Angelina Jolie’s famous leg slit Oscar dress in 2012 go viral, a look that is demure compared to the recent skin-baring looks we’ve seen on the red carpet and social media. Celebrities know that these daring ensembles will make headlines which leads to even more eye-catching looks. However, with any viral fashion trend, this look has become mainstream with many fashion houses churning out their own versions which can actually be wearable.”
Megan shares how to make ‘naked dressing’ more every day:
“The cut-out trend is definitely not for everyone and the styles we see on top celebrities are not for everyone. It is also important to remember that most of the celebs we see in cut-out and sheer dresses probably have personal trainers, and a dietician and don’t at all represent the regular woman. However, this trend can be adapted to all body types.”
“Like with all fashion, it’s all about comfortability and confidence. If you feel comfortable and confident to show off some skin then you should try it out. Women shouldn’t have restrictions when it comes to fashion and this applies to the cut-out trend too.”
“Whilst not everyone will feel comfortable exposing certain parts of their body in an everyday situation, there are other expressive and creative ways to explore the naked dressing trend yourself which you might feel more comfortable with.”
1. Low-rise skirts and pants with visible lingerie
“It’s no secret that low-rise skirts and trousers are officially back. In another manifestation of naked dressing, you could opt to wear a low-rise maxi skirt with a thong peeking out over your hip bones. This combo of low-rise bottoms, or even dresses with super low-backs, and visible lingerie is very on-trend right now, and a subtle nod to naked dressing with a 90s inspo.”
2. Tights
“Something we’ve been seeing a lot of recently is wearing black underwear and tights with nothing else on top in a twist on the visible lingerie trend. This is certainly a more subtle form of naked dressing which beautifully emphasises your legs and silhouette which looks super chic when paired with a jumper and trench coat thrown on top – perfect for the current transitional period.”
3. Sheer panels
“Embrace the sheer look by experimenting with pieces that have sheer panels on them. A perfect example of this is dresses that have a head-to-toe sheer panel down the side of the dress, that way you’re giving a glimmer of the naked effect without revealing too much if you don’t want to.”