Sep 22, 2017

Thanks to Fashion Week, the Naked Dress Trend Is Going Nowhere

by Elinor Block

"Naked" dresses just aren't going away. Sure, they've been a big hit on the red carpet for years (hello, Cher wearing Bob Mackie), and this season, they've been all over the catwalk too, especially during London Fashion Week. But before we delve into various designers' takes on the risqué frock, it might be useful to understand what we define as a "naked" dress. A "naked" dress can refer to a piece that is transparent, sheer, has strategically placed material, or even a dress that is nude in tone so the wearer appears "naked." From the likes of Preen, with pretty, sheer chiffon dresses, to Ralph & Russo's sassy gowns, as well as see-through frocks from Emilia Wickstead and Joseph, every type of designer seemed to showcase at least one "naked" dress or three.

And London isn't the only place we've spotted the growing #freethenipple (or just free everything) campaign. The trend is also at Milan Fashion Week, with one of our favourite brands, Attico showcasing a couple of peek-a-boo pieces during its presentation yesterday. While the jury's out for whether or not we mere mortals (and not just A-listers) will ever be convinced into baring it all, in the meantime, we suggest you make up your own mind and keep scrolling for our guide to the best "naked" dresses during fashion week.

Preen

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Style Notes: This ticks off a couple of key criteria to meet a "naked" dress—it's nude-coloured and is in a sheer fabric.

Preen

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Style Notes: While this is a bold fluoro hue, the sheer fabric makes it a "naked" dress.

Ralph & Russo

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Style Notes: Strategically placed pieces to keep one's modesty is what this "naked" dress is all about.

Ralph & Russo

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Style Notes: We can totally see Blake Lively wearing this on the red carpet.

Emilia Wickstead

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Style Notes: Not sure if you'd feel brave enough to wear such a daring dress? Pop a roll-neck on underneath.

Emilia Wickstead

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Style Notes: We love the style of this dress. But a white tee is advised if you want to wear without feeling you're revealing all.

Joseph

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Style Notes: A little more demure, this frock from Joseph is a great way to dip your toe into the trend.

Joseph

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Style Notes: We could definitely see ourselves wearing this dress on the beach.

Osman

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Style Notes: This somehow manages to appear fairly modest, but look closer, and it's definitely a "naked" dress.

Julien Macdonald

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Style Notes: This has red carpet written all over it. One for Emily Ratajkowski or Bella Hadid, we think.

Julien Macdonald

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Style Notes: Incredibly sheer and only a few pieces of fabric. If this doesn't qualify as a "naked" dress, then we don't know what does.