Red carpets used to be about the movies. Now, they’re about the "moment." If you’ve been online at all lately, you know exactly which moment we’re talking about. The Sydney Sweeney see thru dress phenomenon wasn't just a one-off wardrobe choice; it’s become a full-blown cultural case study.
Specifically, her appearance at Variety’s 2025 Power of Women event in Los Angeles sent the internet into a tailspin. She showed up in a shimmering, crystal-embellished silver gown from the Christian Cowan x Elias Matso Spring Summer 2026 collection. It was floor-length. It was T-shirt shaped. And yeah, it was completely translucent.
The Gown That Broke the Internet (Again)
People lost their minds. Some called it "Marilyn Monroe 2.0," while others felt it was a "rare misstep" for an event centered on female empowerment. Honestly, the irony wasn't lost on anyone. There Sweeney was, standing at a podium talking about being underestimated in Hollywood, all while wearing a dress that left very little to the imagination.
She went braless. She wore nude underwear. The back featured a delicate lace-up fastener that cinched everything in.
But here’s the thing: Sydney Sweeney isn’t accidental about her clothes. Since her breakout in Euphoria, her stylist, Molly Dickson, has carefully curated a "bombshell with a brain" aesthetic. This wasn't a "whoops, the flashbulbs are too bright" situation. It was a deliberate play.
What the Experts Actually Say
Fashion is rarely just about the fabric. It’s about the politics of the body.
💡 You might also like: Danny DeVito Wife Height: What Most People Get Wrong
- Sharon Stone, a legend who knows a thing or two about being "the hot girl," defended Sweeney at the event. She told reporters it’s perfectly fine to "use what mama gave you."
- Megyn Kelly, on the other hand, was less than thrilled. She voiced a "pro-modesty" stance, calling the look "vulgar" for the specific occasion.
- Stacy Lee Kong, a culture critic, argued that being scandalized by a sheer dress in 2026 feels "old fashioned."
The divide is basically a generational and political Rorschach test. To some, it’s the ultimate "free the nipple" empowerment. To others, it’s leaning into the male gaze at a time when women are trying to be seen for their professional merits.
Not Her First Rodeo With Sheer Fabrics
If you think the Christian Cowan dress was an outlier, you haven’t been paying attention. Sweeney has been flirting with the "naked dress" trend for years. It's kinda her signature move.
Take the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She didn't go sheer there, but she did go archival, wearing the same Marc Bouwer cream gown that Angelina Jolie wore to the 2004 Oscars. It was a pivot to Old Hollywood glam, but it still focused heavily on that classic plunging silhouette.
Then there was the Anyone But You premiere in Sydney. She wore a pale yellow Givenchy ensemble that was basically a masterclass in draping and transparency. It had an open back and a sheer skirt that looked like liquid silk.
Even her "street style" isn't safe from the sheer treatment. Remember Paris Fashion Week 2024? She stepped out in those Miu Miu metallic underwear—which cost a casual $5,800—and basically nothing else over them. It was a "no-pants" moment that defined the season.
📖 Related: Mara Wilson and Ben Shapiro: The Family Feud Most People Get Wrong
The Strategy Behind the Sheer
Why does she do it? Especially when she’s clearly trying to transition into "serious actress" territory with roles like the boxing biopic Christy?
Basically, it’s about control.
Sweeney has been very vocal about how people mischaracterize her as just a "sex symbol." By leaning into these bold, sheer looks, she’s sort of reclaiming the narrative. It’s a "you can look, but I’m the one choosing what you see" vibe. It’s worked, too. She’s now a brand ambassador for Miu Miu and Armani Beauty, two of the biggest names in the game.
A Quick Breakdown of Iconic "See Thru" Moments:
- Variety Power of Women (2025): The Christian Cowan crystal gown. Peak controversy.
- AFI Fest (2025): A custom Miu Miu with a keyhole cutout and crystal embellishments.
- BFI London Film Festival (2025): A custom Alexander McQueen that combined lace and structure—though fans on Reddit were brutally divided on this one.
- Met Gala (2024): A custom Miu Miu that went for a darker, more "noir" sheer aesthetic compared to her usual light colors.
The "Christy" Transformation vs. Red Carpet Glam
What’s wild is the contrast. While she’s wearing these gossamer-thin dresses on the carpet, she spent most of 2025 looking completely different for her role as Christy Martin.
She gained 30 pounds of muscle. She wore baggy sweats. She had dark, frizzy hair.
👉 See also: How Tall is Tim Curry? What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Legend's Height
This duality is exactly why she remains at the top of the Google Discover feed. One day she’s a gritty athlete, the next she’s a crystal-covered goddess. It keeps the public guessing.
What You Should Take Away
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that Sweeney energy (maybe with a bit more lining), here’s what the current 2026 trends are telling us:
- Layering is Key: If you aren't a Hollywood star, sheer fabrics work best when layered over high-waisted briefs or a sleek bodysuit.
- Minimalism Matters: When the dress is the headline, the hair and makeup should be the footnotes. Notice how Sydney almost always pairs her sheer looks with a simple bob or a clean "clean girl" makeup aesthetic.
- Confidence is the Only Accessory: As Sharon Stone said, if you’re going to wear it, own it. The dress wears you if you look uncomfortable.
The Sydney Sweeney see thru dress saga isn't ending anytime soon. As long as she keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s "appropriate" for a leading lady, we’ll keep talking about it.
To really understand the impact, keep an eye on her upcoming press tour for Scandalous, where she plays Kim Novak. We’re expecting a lot more sheer, a lot more vintage, and definitely more headlines. Check out the latest red carpet galleries to see how the trend is evolving into more structured, "sculptural" transparency for the 2026 season.