There are very few fashion movements that genuinely manage to stand the test of time. Trends come and go, often resurfacing years later with a slightly refreshed energy, but only a handful truly embed themselves into the style conversation long term. From the endlessly reliable little black dress to the ongoing debate between minimalism and maximalism, some looks never fully disappear. Surprisingly, naked dressing has now earned its place among those enduring fashion moments.
Once dismissed as a fleeting red carpet spectacle, sheer and transparent dressing has evolved into a legitimate wardrobe statement. What initially felt daring now feels intentional, expressive, and surprisingly wearable. After dominating runways and celebrity style moments throughout 2025, the naked dress has confidently crossed into 2026, and Kristen Stewart is the latest to prove its staying power.
The rise of naked dressing is hardly new. Fashion historians often point to the late 1960s as the moment when sheer silhouettes began to challenge traditional ideas of modesty. Jane Birkin famously stepped out in barely-there ensembles that blurred the lines between effortless and provocative, cementing her reputation as a fearless style muse. That same spirit resurfaced decades later when Cher stunned at the Met Gala in a sheer Bob Mackie creation, followed by Kate Moss’s unforgettable transparent slip dress moment in the early 1990s.
Each of these appearances pushed boundaries, but they also helped normalize sheer fabrics as an artistic expression rather than a shock tactic. Over time, naked dressing shifted from scandalous to celebrated, and by the time designers revisited it in recent runway seasons, the look felt almost inevitable.
According to editors tracking runway movements at events like Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, autumn and winter collections in 2025 marked a clear turning point. Fashion houses including Saint Laurent, Valentino, Blumarine, and Chloé leaned heavily into sheer textures, lace overlays, and transparent fabrics layered with confidence. The message was simple: less fabric does not mean less intention.
By the end of 2025, naked dressing had become one of the most talked-about trends across red carpets, front row fashion week appearances, and celebrity street style. From crystal embellished gowns to whisper thin lace dresses, the aesthetic dominated style roundups and trend reports across publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Just days into the new year, Kristen Stewart delivered yet another reminder that the trend is far from fading. Spotted during an evening outing in New York City, the actor embraced naked dressing in a way that felt both playful and practical. Rather than opting for a full sheer gown, she layered a transparent sequin maxi skirt over minimalist black bikini briefs, grounding the look with a plain white T shirt and a structured black bomber jacket with a tartan lining.
The outfit balanced softness and edge effortlessly. Chunky platform leather boots added weight and contrast, while geometric sunglasses completed the look with a cool, off duty energy. It was a masterclass in modern styling, blending traditionally masculine and feminine elements without forcing either direction.
What made the look particularly compelling was how approachable it felt. While naked dressing often lives in the realm of red carpet fantasy, Stewart’s outfit demonstrated how sheer pieces can be adapted for real life settings, even during colder months. Her styling choices proved that transparency does not have to mean exposure, and that layering is the key to making the trend wearable beyond special occasions.
With winter temperatures sitting firmly below zero in many parts of the UK and Europe, executing naked dressing without sacrificing warmth requires a thoughtful approach. Styling sheer garments with heavier layers allows the aesthetic to remain intact while still being functional. Longline coats, chunky knits, lined jackets, and opaque tights all play a crucial role in transforming delicate fabrics into winter friendly outfits.
One of the easiest ways to adopt the trend is by pairing a sheer dress with a structured wool coat. The contrast between transparency and tailoring creates a visually striking effect, while the added layer provides warmth and polish. This combination works particularly well with neutral tones, allowing the texture of the fabric to take center stage.
Another popular approach involves layering transparent dresses over long sleeve tops and trousers. This method allows for creative styling without revealing too much skin, making it ideal for everyday wear. Jeans, tailored trousers, cargo pants, or even wide leg slacks can serve as the foundation, while a cotton tee or fine knit top keeps the look cohesive. The result feels fashion forward without appearing overly styled.
Faux fur has also become a go to companion for sheer pieces this season. Oversized fluffy coats, cropped jackets, and statement textures add drama while offering much needed insulation. The pairing feels particularly current, tapping into the ongoing revival of bold outerwear while softening the delicacy of transparent fabrics.
For those who prefer a more relaxed silhouette, chunky knitwear offers another styling solution. A thick sweater layered over a sheer skirt or dress creates depth and contrast, balancing warmth with visual interest. Keeping the upper body cosy while allowing lighter fabrics to peek through below delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.
As fashion continues to move toward expressive dressing, naked dressing remains one of the most adaptable trends in circulation. No longer confined to evening wear or celebrity moments, sheer pieces now invite experimentation, layering, and personal interpretation. Kristen Stewart’s latest look serves as proof that transparency can be powerful, playful, and surprisingly practical, even in the depths of winter.
