Celebrity Style

The 7 Best Sheer Looks From The Oscars Red Carpet

From subtle mesh detailing to full-on see-through.

by Hilary Shepherd
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: H.E.R. attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station o...
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Sheer outfits are a mainstay on the red carpet. And with sheer dresses popping up left and right during the Fall 2021 runway season, it’s no surprise that variations of the look have resurfaced on the Oscars 2021 red carpet.

Immortalized by stars like Cher, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna (who can forget her Swarovski-studded Adam Selman moment at the CFDAs?) and most recently spotted at the Golden Globes and the Grammys earlier this year, see-through styles have serious staying power.

As the 2021 Oscars is the first mostly in-person awards show of the year, celebrities have traded their PJs and Zoom-friendly attire for a more glamorous sartorial aesthetic, much of it of the sheer variety.

From subtle mesh detailing (seen on Glenn Close and Tiara Thomas) and head-to-toe see-through (see: H.E.R. in blue Dundas) to romantic (looking at you, Emerald Fennell and Halle Berry), A-listers incorporated the translucent aesthetic in various forms, solidifying its endurance as a red carpet staple and a favorite among the celebrity set. In other words, it isn’t just a trend.

Here’s how to take the sheer trend to the streets. In the meantime, see below for the most head-turning looks spotted on the Oscars 2021 red carpet.

1H.E.R.

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H.E.R.’s cobalt-blue Dundas ensemble came equipped with a hooded cape.

2Halle Berry

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With a big bow and sheer fabric, Halle Berry’s fuchsia gown was ultra romantic.

3Viola Davis

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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star Viola Davis was positively ethereal in white Alexander McQueen.

4Glenn Close

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Glenn Close paired a bedazzled blue Armani Privé tunic — featuring a mesh neckline — with satin gloves and matching pants.

5Emerald Fennell

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The Promising Young Woman director opted for a fluttery, sheer gown complete with a fairytale-like pattern.

6Sophia Nahli Allison

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The documentary filmmaker and Oscar nominee sported a black cutout gown by Valentino.

7Tiara Thomas

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Tiara Thomas’ Jovana Louis ensemble featured feathers, a structured blazer, and sheer detailing.