Dakota Johnson sure knows how to make an entrance. The 35-year-old star of the upcoming film Materialists recently turned heads with a daring fashion choice that had everyone talking. It seems she’s always ready to shake things up on the red carpet.
On Thursday, September 11, Johnson stepped out in New York City for the Kering Foundation’s annual Caring for Women dinner. The event was held at The Pool, a swanky spot in the city. For the occasion, she opted for a striking black Gucci gown that left little to the imagination.
The dress itself was a work of art. It was completely sheer, meaning you could see right through it, and was covered in beautiful floral lace details. It had a high neck and long sleeves, with a long train trailing behind her. Underneath, Johnson wore a matching black bra and briefs set, keeping the look cohesive and bold. She pulled her signature dark hair back into an updo, letting her well-known bangs frame her face.
This isn’t the first time Johnson has dared to bare a bit more. Back in June, she also wore a see-through black midi dress in New York City. She even wore it for an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. This happened right around the time news started to spread about her possible split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, after they had been together for eight years. One might wonder if these bold fashion choices are a way of expressing her independence.
Dakota Johnson’s stylist, Kate Young, has often spoken about how much fun it is to work with the actress. Young told British Vogue in November 2021 that Johnson genuinely enjoys clothes. "Not all actresses do," Young explained. She added that trying on outfits with Johnson is never serious or stressful. The actress is always open to Young’s creative ideas, which makes the process a joy.
Young also couldn’t help but praise the Madame Web star’s toned figure, once joking that Johnson had "the body of the best stripper." The stylist noted that Johnson looks fantastic in simple outfits because her body already shines. She doesn’t need a lot of extra details; sometimes too much fuss can actually take away from her natural style. When it comes to her day-to-day fashion, Young described Johnson’s look as "classic, minimalist, elegant, with just a touch of fashion." However, at night, "Dakota wants to be a disco ball," her stylist revealed.
The "naked dress" trend, which features sheer fabrics, has become quite popular on red carpets recently. Over the last year, many big names have embraced it. Stars like Margot Robbie, Kylie Jenner, and Zoë Kravitz have all rocked see-through styles. Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie explained in Marie Claire in September 2024 that wearing sheer clothes today is often seen as a statement of confidence. It pushes against old ideas of what’s modest and how bodies should be seen. It lets people feel strong and show off their personal style. It seems Dakota Johnson is right there at the forefront, confidently defining her own fashion narrative.