Miley Cyrus doesn't just wear clothes. She uses them to wage war on expectations. If you’ve been following her lately—specifically her recent takeover of the 2026 Golden Globes or that 14,000-safety-pin moment at the Grammys—you know she’s moved way beyond the "shock for shock's sake" era.
Honestly, the phrase miley cyrus sexy dress has become a bit of a moving target. In 2013, it meant a latex bikini and a foam finger. In 2026, it means a custom, high-slit Gucci or a floor-length Saint Laurent that looks like liquid obsidian. She’s transitioned from "rebellious teen" to "rock-and-roll stateswoman," and the shift is fascinating to watch.
Why the Maison Margiela Safety Pin Dress Changed Everything
Let’s talk about the 2024 Grammys. That gold Maison Margiela dress wasn't just a "sexy" outfit; it was a technical marvel. Designed by John Galliano, it was constructed from over 14,000 gold safety pins. It took 675 hours to make. Think about that for a second. That is literally weeks of manual labor just so Miley could look like a literal sun goddess.
People called it a "naked dress," but it was more like armor. It drew inspiration from Galliano’s 1997 "Susy Sphinx" collection. While most stars are playing it safe with standard sequins, Miley is digging into the archives to find pieces that feel like museum artifacts. It was daring, yeah. But it was also smart. It signaled that she was no longer just a pop star; she was a fashion muse.
The hair was a whole other story. That big, backcombed bouffant was a direct nod to Tina Turner. It was a perfect example of how Miley mixes "sexy" with "tribute." She isn't just showing skin; she’s telling a story about the women who paved the way for her.
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The High Slit Era: Miley at the 2026 Golden Globes
Fast forward to right now. Just a few days ago, on January 11, 2026, Miley stepped out for the Golden Globes after-party in a black Gucci dress that basically redefined the "high slit." We’re talking a slit that went all the way to the hip. It was designed by Demna and styled by her long-time collaborator Bradley Kenneth.
What’s interesting is how she balanced the boldness. She paired it with Stilla Medium Hoop Pear Diamond Earrings and a simple bun. It wasn't cluttered. It was minimalist, sultry, and incredibly confident. Earlier that same night, she wore a custom Saint Laurent column dress with long sleeves and tiered ruffles.
This is the new Miley. One minute she’s covered from neck to wrist in shimmering sequins, and the next, she’s reminding everyone that she still has the best legs in the business. It’s a "push and pull" dynamic that keeps the fashion world obsessed.
A Quick Look at the Greatest Hits
If you're trying to track the evolution of the miley cyrus sexy dress, you have to look at these specific milestones:
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- 2013 Met Gala: The Marc Jacobs fishnet gown. This was "Punk: Chaos to Couture" personified. Spiky hair, total transparency, zero apologies.
- 2015 VMAs: The chandelier dress by Atelier Versace. It was basically silver suspenders and some well-placed crystals. Pure Bangerz-era chaos.
- 2020 VMAs: The Mugler "naked dress." She wore sheer black fabric with matching opera gloves. This was the start of her "Rock Chic" transition.
- 2025 Met Gala: Custom Alaïa. She interpreted the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme with a leather crop top and a tailored, pleated skirt. It was powerful, structured, and inherently Miley.
It’s Not About the Skin—It’s About the Power
If you ask Miley, she’ll tell you these outfits are armor. During the 2025 Met Gala, she told Vogue that fashion is a representation of power and strength. She’s right. When she wears a see-through silicone leopard dress from Saint Laurent (like she did in mid-2025), she isn't doing it to get a reaction from the paparazzi. She’s doing it because she’s in total control of her image.
There’s a nuance here that people often miss. In her 20s, the "sexy" looks felt like a reaction—a way to kill off the Hannah Montana persona. Now, in her 30s, they feel like an action. They are deliberate choices made by a woman who executive produces her own albums (like Something Beautiful) and directs her own visual narrative.
The Designers She Trusts
Miley doesn't just hop from brand to brand. She has a "tribe."
- Gucci: She’s become a face for the brand, especially under the new creative direction.
- Saint Laurent: Anthony Vaccarello’s edgy, Parisian-rocker aesthetic is basically Miley’s DNA.
- Maison Margiela: For when she wants to get weird and conceptual.
- Bob Mackie: She’s been raiding the archives of the man who dressed Cher, which makes total sense for her current "Glam Rock" era.
How to Pull Off the "Miley Look" Without the Red Carpet
Look, we aren't all going to walk around in 14,000 safety pins. But you can definitely steal her vibe. The core of the "Miley sexy dress" philosophy is contrast.
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If you're wearing something sheer, pair it with something "hard," like leather or a sharp blazer. If you’re going for a massive high slit, keep the top half of the outfit simple. She also loves "Indie Sleaze" elements—think smudged eyeliner, messy hair, and vintage-feeling jewelry. It’s about looking like you just walked off a stage, even if you just walked out of a Starbucks.
What’s Next for Miley’s Style?
With the release of her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, we’re seeing a lot more archival looks. She’s been spotted in vintage Jean Paul Gaultier and 1997 Thierry Mugler. She’s leaning into "museum quality" fashion. It’s less about what’s trending on TikTok and more about what will look iconic 20 years from now.
Honestly, the most "sexy" thing about her current style isn't the hemlines or the transparency. It’s the fact that she looks entirely comfortable. Whether she’s in a modest Saint Laurent gown or a "barely there" Gucci number, she owns the room. That’s the real secret to the miley cyrus sexy dress—it’s the woman inside it that’s actually doing the heavy lifting.
To replicate this energy, focus on archival-inspired silhouettes and don't be afraid to mix high-glamour with a bit of rock-and-roll grit. Look for pieces with unique textures like silicone, leather, or metallic mesh, and always prioritize a fit that highlights your favorite feature, just as Miley does with her signature high-slit gowns.