Honestly, the internet has a way of losing its collective mind over the smallest things. Case in point: the charli d'amelio see through dress moment that basically took over social media and sparked a massive debate about what "appropriate" even looks like anymore. It feels like every time Charli steps out in something slightly daring, half the world wants to cheer her on for growing up, and the other half acts like they've never seen a sheer fabric in their lives.
You've probably seen the photos. Or at least the TikToks discussing the photos.
We aren't just talking about one outfit, either. This has become a recurring theme in Charli’s evolution from "the girl next door who does TikTok dances" to a legitimate high-fashion staple sitting front row at Prada. She’s 21 now. She lives in New York. She’s on Broadway. The days of matching sweatpants and Dunkin' Donuts cups are mostly in the rearview mirror, replaced by a style that is significantly more experimental, edgy, and—yeah—transparent.
What Actually Happened with the Coachella Look?
The biggest flashpoint for this whole "see through dress" conversation happened during festival season. Charli showed up to the Revolve Festival (which everyone always mistakes for Coachella anyway) wearing a white knit dress that was... well, it was very light. It featured delicate butterfly motifs and was entirely sheer.
People flipped.
The comment sections were a disaster zone. Critics were claiming she was "changing too much" or "trying too hard to be mature." It’s that classic trap young female stars fall into where the public wants them to stay seventeen forever. But here’s the thing: Charli didn't just sit there and take the heat. She actually posted a sarcastic response video that went viral in its own right. She basically told everyone, "Hey, I have nipples, just like every other human." It was a bold move that signaled she was officially done catering to the "family-friendly" expectations of her early career.
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The Prada Era and Modern Sheer Trends
If the Coachella dress was the spark, her recent appearances at Milan Fashion Week have been the entire fire. Working with stylist Carlee Barrow, Charli has been leaning heavily into what the fashion world calls "corpcore"—basically office wear but make it weird and risky.
At the Prada Fall/Winter 2025 show, she took the sheer trend to a much more sophisticated level. We saw her in:
- A sheer black tank top paired with a structured gray skirt.
- A teal bralette that functioned as a top under a layered, industrial-style belt.
- Tulle off-the-shoulder tops that played with transparency without being "naked."
This isn't just about being provocative for the sake of it. It’s a calculated move. When you look at her contemporaries—people like Hunter Schafer or Simone Ashley—they’re all doing the same thing. Sheer fabrics are a tool for these stars to reclaim their bodies from the public gaze. By choosing when and how to be "see through," they’re the ones in control of the narrative.
Why This Specific Style Still Matters
It’s easy to dismiss a charli d'amelio see through dress as just another celebrity thirsty for attention, but there’s a deeper layer to why this keeps trending.
First off, the "naked dress" trend has been a staple of red carpets for decades. Think Rihanna at the 2014 CFDA Awards or Kate Moss in the 90s. The difference is that Charli grew up in front of us. When she wears a sheer Mirror Palais mini dress or a lace crop top with fringe, it feels like a personal declaration of independence.
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Secondly, the technical side of the fashion is actually pretty interesting. These garments aren't just "clear" clothes. They often involve intricate lace-work, 3D floral appliqués, or "trompe l'oeil" designs that create the illusion of skin. It’s high-effort styling. Honestly, it’s a lot more work than just putting on a regular gown.
The Double Standard Problem
Let’s be real for a second. If a high-fashion model wore these exact outfits on a runway, nobody would bat an eye. But because Charli is a "content creator," people hold her to this weird, invisible moral standard.
She’s navigating a transition that very few people have done successfully. Moving from a teen influencer to a respected figure in fashion and theater (her run in & Juliet on Broadway was actually surprisingly well-received by critics) requires a total rebrand. The daring outfits are part of that "growing up" process. They signal to the industry that she’s no longer just a kid doing the "Renegade" in her bedroom.
How to Style Sheer Pieces Without the Drama
If you’re looking at these looks and thinking you want to try the sheer trend yourself—without ending up as a headline on a gossip site—there are ways to do it. You don't have to go full Coachella braless.
- Layering is your best friend. Do what Charli did for her Jimmy Fallon appearance: wear a sheer tulle top over a simple black tube top or a high-quality bralette.
- Play with textures. Mix a sheer lace top with something heavy, like leather shorts or a structured blazer. It balances the "exposure" with something grounded.
- Focus on the details. Look for sheer items that have embroidery or beading. It draws the eye to the craftsmanship rather than just the transparency.
The Verdict on Charli's Style Evolution
The reality is that the charli d'amelio see through dress controversy is mostly just noise. Whether it's a white butterfly dress in the desert or a sophisticated Prada ensemble in Milan, Charli is using fashion to distance herself from her younger self. It’s a move we’ve seen from Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Zendaya.
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She’s 21, she’s wealthy, and she’s working with some of the best stylists in the world. She’s going to keep taking risks. Some of them will be hits, some will be misses, but she’s clearly decided that being "safe" is the most dangerous thing she could do for her career right now.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on how she mixes these sheer elements with "New York" basics—think oversized coats and chunky boots. That’s where her style is actually headed in 2026.
Actionable Style Takeaways
- Don't fear the sheer: Start with sheer sleeves or panels if you're nervous about the full look.
- Invest in "Visible" Undergarments: If you're going to wear see-through fabrics, make sure the bra or bodysuit underneath is intentional and high-quality.
- Balance the Silhouette: If the top is revealing, keep the bottom more modest (and vice versa) to maintain a high-fashion feel rather than a "costume" vibe.
Following Charli's lead isn't about copying the exact dress; it's about having the confidence to ignore the comment section and wear what makes you feel like an adult. Just remember to check the lighting before you leave the house—what looks "subtle" in your bedroom might look very different under a camera flash!
Next, you might want to look into the specific designers she’s been championing lately, like Mirror Palais or Sandy Liang, to see where the "cool girl" aesthetic is going next.