The naked dress has even filtered down to the masses, and they can be worn at a casual party – not just a celebrity-studded gala or film festival – or on a warm day, as long as you keep a few things in mind.
“After home wear, oversized silhouettes and being cooped up at home during the pandemic, there is great demand for sexy, party looks,” says German style consultant Silke Gerloff.
The naked dress trend does not have any one defining style, and the dresses come in different shapes, sizes, colours and cuts. They do, however, all have one common trait: they are made from translucent materials like mesh and net fabrics that accentuate the body.
Most people will wear underwear in similar shades as their own skin or the dress in question.
“Slim-fitting, smooth fabrics are best for briefs, thongs and bras. Nude tones or light rosé are good alternatives to the tone of the clothing,” Gerloff advises.
This versatile dress can be worn as a minidress or as a floor-length gown, in sheer, billowing fabrics or figure-hugging satin. It can be completely unadorned, or it can be decked out in lace and crystals. Paired with high heels and lots of glitter, this can be quite a glamorous look at a party.
Of course, not everyone feels comfortable in a sheer dress and visible underwear, but – when properly paired with other items – the naked dress can look quite snazzy and understated.
For those who want to embrace the trend with a degree of subtlety, “layering is a safe option”, says London-based stylist Lukas Blasberg. “Leggings, leather jacket and boots create a punkish look, a blazer adds sophistication.”
On the other hand, if you pair a naked dress with trainers and a large slouchy bag, you have a casual city outfit.
Those who still find the naked dress too daring after that can try out the “nude dress” – a dress made from a light fabric in a skin-like or nude colour that skims the body’s silhouette. The dress only looks naked at first glance and does not reveal too much.
The naked dress can, with the right accessories, be worn on almost any occasion and has become more socially acceptable than when Monroe sang her scandal-making birthday song.
There is, however, still a time and a place for it, says Blasberg – and expect a dressing down if you turn up in the office in one.
“It remains a no-go for a court hearing, a meeting with the CEO or an evening with the parents.”
