Actress Sydney Sweeney is the latest star to embrace the sheer-dress trend dominating red carpets in recent years — a fashion movement that began in the post-pandemic era and shows no signs of fading.
On Wednesday night, Sweeney arrived at Variety’s Power of Women event in Los Angeles wearing a nearly transparent, metallic-silver gown by designer Christian Cowan from his Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The sparkling, body-hugging fabric left little to the imagination, making it one of the evening’s boldest looks and reinforcing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talked-about women.
The 28-year-old Emmy-nominated actress, known for pushing style boundaries, completed the look with a short, sleek blonde bob that gave her ensemble an elegant and modern edge — a blend of sophistication and sensuality that drew attention from photographers and fans alike.
Sweeney was introduced on stage by actress Sharon Stone, who knows a thing or two about making statements through fashion — her recent campaign for the fashion house Mugler was proof of that. Stone praised Sweeney’s performance in her upcoming film Christy, based on the life of world champion boxer Christy Martin.
“I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I found a lot of Christy in myself,” Sweeney said during her speech. “I know what it feels like to be underestimated — to have people define you before you’ve had the chance to define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove you deserve to be seen and taken seriously.”
She continued: “We all have our battles. Christy reminds us that strength isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s simply the ability to get back up, again and again, no matter who’s watching. Playing her taught me that survival isn’t the end of the story — it’s just the beginning of taking it back into your own hands.”
In an age where red-carpet images spread instantly across social media, sheer gowns have become a reliable way for stars — and their designers — to capture global attention. For many actresses, the trend represents not just glamour, but self-confidence, body positivity, and a statement of personal freedom.
While Sweeney’s look drew widespread admiration for its boldness and style, not everyone was impressed. Critics online described the dress as “a Halloween costume” or “a recycled fishing net,” arguing it grabbed attention for the wrong reasons.
Still, her fans praised the look as “a work of art,” calling it proof that Sweeney isn’t afraid to take fashion risks and push the boundaries of red-carpet style. One thing is certain: she succeeded in doing what every star hopes for — getting everyone to talk about her.