Kristen Bell isn’t exactly the person you’d expect to be leading a revolution in "undressed" fashion. For years, she was the quintessential girl next door. She was the snarky teen detective in Veronica Mars. She was the lovable, clumsy Princess Anna. Honestly, she was the personification of a cozy knit sweater. But lately? Things have changed. If you’ve been paying attention to the red carpet in 2025 and early 2026, you’ve noticed a shift. Seeing kristen bell in panties—or at least, very intentional lingerie-inspired looks—has become a recurring theme that’s sparking a much-needed conversation about body autonomy and aging in Hollywood.
It’s bold. It’s calculated. And according to her daughters, it’s "too sexy."
The "Too Sexy" Dress Heard 'Round the Internet
In October 2025, Bell stepped out for the Season 2 premiere of Nobody Wants This wearing a red Alex Perry dress that basically redefined the "slip dress" category. It was backless. It was plunging. It had strategically placed sheer panels and French lace detailing that left very little to the imagination.
She later told Jennifer Hudson that her daughters, Lincoln and Delta, were not fans. They literally told her, "No bueno." They told her she couldn't wear it out of the house. Bell’s response? "Watch me."
This wasn’t just a one-off wardrobe choice. It was a statement. Bell is 45 now. In an industry that often tries to "wrap up" women once they hit forty, she’s doing the opposite. She’s leaning into a "naked tour" of sorts, using sheer fabrics and visible lingerie to reclaim her space.
When Lingerie Becomes the Outfit
We saw it again just a few weeks ago at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Bell arrived in what can only be described as a lingerie-inspired LBD. It featured bold lace cutouts that mimicked the lines of traditional undergarments. It was slinky. It was daring.
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Then there was the Tonight Show appearance. She wore a completely sheer, sparkly mesh top. Underneath? Nothing but a chunky black bra. It was visible. It was the point.
Why does this matter? Because for decades, the sight of a celebrity in their underwear or "intimates" was treated as a "wardrobe malfunction" or a paparazzi "gotcha" moment. By making kristen bell in panties and bras a deliberate, high-fashion choice, she’s stripping away the shame.
Comfort, Nudity, and the "Belly Skin" Factor
Bell has always been refreshingly honest about her body. Back in 2014, she did a famous interview with Allure where she posed nude. She told the interviewer, "This is the first interview I've ever done where I'm not wearing panties."
But she didn't stop at the shock value. She talked about her "belly skin" making her self-conscious after having babies. She admitted to using body doubles in films when she didn't feel like being exposed.
"I talk a big game about being comfortable no matter my size. I wanted to put my money where my mouth was." — Kristen Bell, Allure.
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That honesty is what makes her current fashion era feel authentic rather than desperate. She isn’t trying to look twenty. She’s showing what a 45-year-old woman looks like when she’s fit, confident, and utterly bored with playing it safe.
The Dax Factor and the "Naked" Controversy
You can't talk about Bell’s comfort with exposure without mentioning her husband, Dax Shepard. They have a notoriously open—and sometimes polarizing—dynamic.
When Bell was nominated for an Emmy recently, Dax posted a photo of her doing naked stretches with a tiny red "modesty box" over her. Some people loved it; others found it "cringe." But Bell shared it herself. She was in on the joke.
This comfort level translates to her work. In the 2013 film The Lifeguard, she had to film graphic love scenes. She didn't shy away. She actually told her teenage co-star to "not be shy" and just get the job done. For Bell, the body is a tool. Whether she's in a gown or her underwear, she's the one in control of the narrative.
Why We Should Care
The "naked dress" trend isn't just for Gen Z stars like Olivia Rodrigo or Dua Lipa. When someone like Kristen Bell adopts it, it shifts the demographic. It tells women in their 40s and 50s that they don't have to disappear into "age-appropriate" beige linens.
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She’s mixing:
- High-end couture (Armani Privé, Alex Perry).
- Intentional sheer layering.
- Visible, structural lingerie.
- A "don't care" attitude toward critics (including her own kids).
Basically, she's proving that "sexy" and "mother" or "sexy" and "40+" aren't mutually exclusive terms.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If you’re looking to channel that same "Kristen Bell" energy, you don't have to walk down the street in your underwear. The takeaway here is about intentionality.
- Embrace the Sheer: Start small. A sheer blouse over a high-quality camisole or a structured bra is the "entry-level" version of Bell’s recent looks.
- Ignore the "Rules": If your kids, your neighbors, or the internet tells you something is "too sexy," evaluate if you feel good in it. Bell's "Watch me" attitude is the real trend to follow.
- Invest in Foundation: The reason Bell’s "lingerie-as-outerwear" works is because the pieces are architectural. If you're going to show it, make sure it’s a piece worth seeing.
Kristen Bell has spent twenty years being the person we’d want to grab a beer with. Now, she’s the person we’re looking to for fashion courage. Whether she's in a liquid metal gown or showing off lace details that hint at what's underneath, she's owning her skin. And honestly? That’s the most "human" thing she’s done yet.