When Bella Hadid stepped onto the Cannes red carpet in May 2024, the air basically left the room. It wasn’t just "another" fashion choice. She was wearing a Saint Laurent dress made almost entirely of what looked like—and actually was—pantyhose material.
Transparent. Risky. Absolute genius.
The Bella Hadid sheer dress from that night, designed by Anthony Vaccarello for the Saint Laurent Fall 2024 collection, didn't just break the internet; it fundamentally shifted how we look at "naked dressing" in a post-streetwear world. Now that we're sitting here in 2026, looking back at that moment and her more recent archival lace looks in Aspen, it’s clear: Bella doesn’t just wear trends. She dictates the terms of engagement for the entire industry.
That Saint Laurent Moment (And Why It Hit Different)
Look, we’ve all seen sheer dresses. They’re everywhere. Usually, they’re covered in strategically placed crystals or heavy embroidery to keep things "polite." But Bella’s 2024 Cannes look was different because it didn't apologize for being see-through.
The dress was a tan, halter-neck midi. It was ruched at the waist, which gave it a bit of texture, but the fabric was so whisper-thin it was basically a second skin. Vaccarello had told critics earlier that year that he wanted to propose something that wasn’t "real or realistic." He wanted fantasy.
Bella delivered that fantasy. She skipped the runway’s matching headpiece and went for Old Hollywood waves, which made the whole thing feel like a collision between 1940s glamour and 2024 audacity. People were obsessed. People were mad. That’s usually how you know a look is iconic.
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The Technical Magic Behind the Sheer
It wasn't just a piece of fabric thrown on a supermodel.
- The Material: Stretchy, hosiery-inspired polyamide that mimics the look of sheer tights.
- The Construction: Visible seams and a thick hem that grounded the "invisible" fabric.
- The Underpinnings: To pull this off, you need seamless, skin-tone matching layers—or the confidence to go without, which Bella famously did.
How the Bella Hadid Sheer Dress Changed the Rules
Before this, the "naked dress" was starting to feel a little... tired? We’d seen the glittery gowns. We’d seen the lace. But the Bella Hadid sheer dress reintroduced the concept through the lens of minimalism. It wasn't about the sparkle; it was about the silhouette and the sheer (pun intended) ballsiness of wearing hosiery as a gown.
Actually, it worked too well. By 2025, the Cannes Film Festival actually updated its charter. They didn't explicitly name Bella—obviously—but they started cracking down on "full nudity" and "nipple-baring" ensembles.
When Bella returned to Cannes in 2025, she had to pivot. She showed up in a custom, uncharacteristically demure black Saint Laurent gown. It had an open back and a high slit, sure, but it was a direct response to the "decency" pushback caused by her sheer era. It’s kinda wild to think one woman's wardrobe choices could make a century-old film festival rewrite their rulebook.
From 2017 Dior to 2026 Aspen: A History of Sheer
Bella has been playing this game for a long time. This isn’t a new hobby for her.
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Back in 2017, she wore that icy blue, completely transparent Dior gown to a masquerade ball in Paris. It had those "J'Adior" branded briefs underneath. That was the "Free the Nipple" era of Instagram, and Bella was the poster child for it.
Fast forward to right now—January 2026. Bella just spent New Year's in Aspen, and what did she pack? A sheer, archival Georges Chakra lace dress from 2004.
Think about that. She’s wearing a dress older than some of her fans.
By pairing a vintage, see-through lace "naked dress" with heavy Pucci boots and a fur coat, she’s proving that sheer isn't just for the summer heat of the French Riviera. It’s a year-round mood. She’s effectively moved the needle from "shock value" to "staple piece."
Why This Matters for Your Own Style
You might not be walking the carpet at The Apprentice premiere, but the "Bella Effect" is real. The reason her sheer looks rank so high on Google and stay in the conversation is that they’re aspirational but conceptually simple.
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Honestly, the takeaway isn't that we all need to walk around in pantyhose. It's about the layering.
If you want to pull off a version of the Bella Hadid sheer dress in the real world, you have to lean into the contrast. Pair a sheer midi with an oversized blazer. Or do the "Aspen" thing and wear a delicate lace top with rugged, heavy boots. It’s that tension between the fragile and the functional that makes it look like fashion and not just a wardrobe malfunction.
How to Style Sheer Like an Expert:
- Invest in "Elevated" Undergarments: If the world is going to see your underwear, make it part of the outfit. Think high-waisted "granny" panties or sleek, seamless bodysuits.
- Texture is Your Friend: Look for mesh, organza, or devoré silks. These give the "sheer" look without feeling like a literal pair of tights.
- The "One Rule" Balance: If the dress is sheer, keep the silhouette simple. No crazy ruffles, no giant trains. Let the transparency be the main character.
- Accessorize for Contrast: Wear a "naked" dress with something "tough." A leather jacket, a heavy boot, or even a sharp, structured bag.
The Verdict on the Sheer Trend
The Bella Hadid sheer dress isn't going anywhere because it represents a specific kind of power. It’s about body autonomy and the refusal to be shamed for showing skin. Whether she's in Saint Laurent at Cannes or archival lace in the snow, Bella uses transparency to demand attention on her own terms.
As we move further into 2026, expect to see more of this "minimalist sheer" movement. It’s less about the sequins and more about the skin.
If you're looking to recreate the look, start with a sheer turtleneck or a mesh slip dress. Layer it over a tonal bikini or a silk slip. You don't have to go full Cannes on day one, but adding a little transparency to your rotation is the easiest way to channel that "It Girl" energy without trying too hard.
Keep an eye on the upcoming Spring 2026 shows. Designers like Ferragamo and Fendi are already doubling down on these "barely-there" fabrics, proving that the trail Bella blazed in 2024 has become a full-blown highway.
To stay ahead of the curve, focus on archival pieces. Scouring resale sites for 90s and early 2000s sheer lace—like the Georges Chakra piece Bella just revived—is the ultimate pro move. It’s sustainable, it’s unique, and it has that built-in "cool" factor that a brand-new fast-fashion version just can't replicate. Ground the look with a square-toe boot and you're officially in the Bella-verse.