The 2026 Grammy Awards converted the red carpet into a bold exhibition of near-n*de couture, leaving fans startled and igniting a tidal wave of internet controversy.
Compared to the 2016 Grammys, where stars picked exquisite gowns and tailored suits, this year’s ceremony showcased ensembles that pushed the limits of sheer fabrics, cuts, and daring designs.
Turned heads
Fashion styles naturally evolve, and everyone definitely has their favorite era. Lately, though, we’ve noticed more and more celebrities showing up at events in dresses that are sheer, see-through, or hardly there.
It captures attention, pushes the boundaries of fashion, and lets them demonstrate confidence and style. With beauty teams, resources, and peak points in their careers, they can pull off looks other people couldn’t, and get away with it.
Designers claim these daring styles are a celebration of freedom and a strong statement of our changed attitudes toward nudity. However, other critics describe them as a play on the male gaze.
At the 2026 Grammys, numerous celebrities truly raised heads with their daring and eye-catching attire.
Chappell Roan, who was nominated for The Subway, has one of the most stunning looks. The singer looked stunning in a sheer Mugler gown held up by fake nipple rings, revealing her entire chest.
On February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, Chappell Roan attends the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Fans soon likened the costume to Bianca Censori, Kanye West’s wife, known for her skin-baring ensembles.
“Not even Bianca Censori would wear this,” one social media user said.
Heidi Klum also attracted attention in a handmade Marina Hoermanseder latex dress molded to mimic her own shape. The 52-year-old supermodel joked about how hard it was to move in the hyper-realistic outfit, admitting that the rigid design had her take “baby steps” all night.
I also opt for a showstopper kind of an outfit,” Klum told Billboard. “I’m never someone who is… for the nice thing. I always like something special.” Despite her answer, internet critics didn’t hold back.
“Wow, this is heinous. Looks like someone dipped her in liquid wax and called it fashion,” one user wrote, while another quipped,
“It kind of looks like she’s been dipped in a cheese fondue.” Comparisons to Censori’s stark 2025 appearance were unavoidable: “Bianca Censori, 2026 edition,” one person commented.
Other stars embraced the trend of exposing looks as well. Teyana Taylor stunned in waist-cinching cuts, Zara Larsson opted for simple cropped pieces, and men weren’t bashful either, Justin Bieber performed in silver boxer shorts, prompting users to joke, “This is the Grammys, not the beach.”
Fans also spotted risky combinations from Julia Fox, Florence Pugh, Kristen Stewart, and Dakota Johnson, leading one netizen to boldly remark, “Why wear anything?”
Behavioral psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair, author of The Psychology of Fashion, explained the growth of these daring styles: “This trend is connected to many political issues… It’s a reaction to the power that others are having over our life. With translucent or revealing looks, the user feels empowered and signals to the world that they have authority over their own body.”
The 2016 Grammys
Looking back at the 2016 Grammy Awards, many fans have also noted how much red carpet attire has changed in favor of a more relaxed and exposing approach. So let’s backtrack to 2016.
Back then, Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, taking home five trophies, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp a Butterfly. Taylor Swift won three Grammys, including Album of the Year for 1989, which contained singles like Shake It Off and Blank Space.
Ed Sheeran’s ballad Thinking Out Loud received Song of the Year, while Meghan Trainor was voted Best New Artist. Compared to now, the attire that year was considerably more traditional and modest.
Ariana Grande, who presented The Weeknd, donned a crimson, floor-length Romona Keveza gown, combined with her distinctive high ponytail.
Lady Gaga, nominated for Til It Happens to You, never disappoints on the red carpet. She dressed like Ziggy Stardust in a stunning custom Marc Jacobs jacket and leotard that year in remembrance of David Bowie, who had died a month earlier.
“The red carpet gown was inspired by the same shade Michelle Pfeiffer wore in Scarface,” stated Kate Young, Selena Gomez’s stylist. “I loved the idea of it feeling like a disco party dress.”
Although the Revival singer didn’t take the stage to perform, she performed a major role as a presenter, and nailing the second look was just as crucial. “Think DVF back in the day,” Young added, referring to the inspiration for the outfit. “A possible outfit for Studio 54.”
The finishing touches — brilliant diamond hoop earrings and a spectacular cocktail dress — were designed to catch the light under the disco ball, creating a truly dazzling fashion moment.