Dakota Johnson captured attention on September 11 at The Pool in New York City, where she attended the Kering Foundation’s annual Caring for Women dinner. The 35-year-old actress embraced a daring fashion choice by wearing a sheer black Gucci dress, showcasing her distinct Dakota Johnson sheer dress style.
Details of Johnson’s Bold Fashion Statement
Johnson’s outfit featured delicate floral lacework, with a high turtleneck, long sleeves, and an elegant train flowing behind her. Beneath the garment, she wore matching black undergarments that complemented the dress’s translucent quality. Her hairstyle remained faithful to her signature look, with her dark hair styled into an updo and her iconic bangs framing her face.
Past Bold Choices and Personal Context
This was not Johnson’s first time embracing a see-through ensemble. Earlier in June, she appeared in New York City wearing a sheer black midi-dress, which she subsequently wore during an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. This choice came shortly after reports surfaced about her split from Coldplay singer Chris Martin, with whom she had been in a relationship for eight years.
Insight into Johnson’s Fashion Collaborations
Kate Young, Johnson’s stylist, has often praised the actress’s enthusiasm and openness toward fashion. She described working with Johnson as an enjoyable process, noting how the actress truly appreciates clothing, which is not always the case for performers.
“She likes clothes. Not all actresses do,”
Young told British Vogue in November 2021.
“It’s fun trying on clothes with her; it’s not serious or stressful, and she humors me.”
—Kate Young, Stylist
The stylist also admired Johnson’s physique, comparing it favorably and explaining that her toned body suits minimalistic styles best.
“She looks really great in simple things, because her body is so great unadorned,”
Young remarked.
“She doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles; it can look too much sometimes.”
—Kate Young, Stylist
Describing Johnson’s overall fashion sense during the day, Young called it classic and elegant with just a touch of high fashion. When the evening arrives, however, she noted,
“Dakota wants to be a disco ball.”
—Kate Young, Stylist
The Growing Popularity of Sheer Fashion on Red Carpets
Johnson’s sheer dress fits into a larger trend, as many celebrities have embraced almost-naked looks on major occasions over the past year. Figures such as Margot Robbie, Kylie Jenner, Zoë Kravitz, Emily Ratajkowski, and Beyoncé have all been seen in sheer attire at high-profile events.
Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie offered perspective on this trend, emphasizing its cultural significance beyond surface aesthetics.
“In the present, naked dressing is often seen as a statement of confidence and empowerment. It challenges traditional notions of modesty and body image, allowing individuals to reclaim their bodies and express their style,”
Christie explained in an interview with Marie Claire in September 2024. —Shelby Ivey Christie, Fashion Historian
What Dakota Johnson’s Style Signals for the Future
Dakota Johnson’s choice to wear a sheer black Gucci dress at the Caring for Women event highlights her growing confidence in using fashion as a form of self-expression. It also reinforces the shifting norms around red carpet dressing, where bold, body-positive statements are increasingly embraced.
As Johnson continues to balance her public image with her personal life changes, such as her recent separation, her stylistic choices suggest that she will remain a notable figure in fashion circles. Her collaboration with Kate Young ensures that her wardrobe will continue to combine elegance with a modern edge, reflecting both timeless and trend-forward styles.
