The 2026 Grammy Awards transformed the red carpet into a bold exhibition of nearly nude fashion, astonishing fans and igniting a surge of online discussions.
In contrast to the 2016 Grammys, where celebrities opted for sophisticated gowns and tailored suits, this year’s event featured ensembles that challenged the boundaries of sheer materials, cutouts, and provocative styles.
Captivating Attention
Fashion trends naturally progress, and everyone likely has their preferred period. Recently, however, there has been an increasing number of celebrities appearing at events in outfits that are sheer, transparent, or almost nonexistent.
Such choices attract attention, stretch the limits of fashion, and allow them to express confidence and style. With the support of beauty teams, resources, and peak moments in their careers, they can successfully wear looks that most individuals could not, and manage to pull it off.
Designers contend that these audacious styles celebrate freedom and serve as a bold reflection of our evolving perspectives on nudity. Conversely, critics argue that they cater to the male gaze.
At the 2026 Grammys, numerous celebrities indeed captured attention with their audacious and striking outfits.
One of the most astonishing appearances was made by Chappell Roan, who was nominated for The Subway. The singer dazzled in a sheer Mugler gown that left her chest entirely exposed, supported by faux nipple rings.
Fans swiftly drew comparisons between the outfit and Bianca Censori, the wife of Kanye West, who is recognized for her revealing attire.
“Not even Bianca Censori would don this,” remarked a social media user.
Heidi Klum also captured attention in a bespoke Marina Hoermanseder latex dress designed to replicate her own physique. The 52-year-old supermodel confessed that the rigid design compelled her to take “baby steps” throughout the evening, humorously addressing the challenge of moving in the hyper-realistic ensemble.
“I also opt for a showstopper type of outfit,” Klum shared with Billboard. “I’m never one to choose… the conventional option. I always prefer something unique.” Despite her clarification, online critics were unrelenting.
“Wow, this is atrocious. It appears as though someone submerged her in liquid wax and labeled it fashion,” one user commented, while another jested,
“It somewhat resembles a scenario where she has been immersed in a cheese fondue.” Comparisons to Censori’s transparent 2025 appearance were inevitable: “Bianca Censori, 2026 version,” remarked one individual.
Other celebrities also adopted the trend of revealing outfits. Teyana Taylor impressed with her waist-cinching cutouts, Zara Larsson chose minimal cropped garments, and the men were equally bold, as Justin Bieber performed in silver boxer shorts, leading users to humorously comment, “This is the Grammys, not the beach.”
Fans also noticed audacious outfits from Julia Fox, Florence Pugh, Kristen Stewart, and Dakota Johnson, prompting one internet user to candidly inquire, “Why wear anything?”
Behavioral psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair, the author of The Psychology of Fashion, provided insight into the emergence of these bold styles: “This trend is linked to various political matters… It serves as a response to the control that individuals exert over our lives. Through translucent or revealing attire, the wearer experiences empowerment and conveys to the world that they possess authority over their own body.”
The 2016 Grammys
Numerous fans have highlighted that reflecting on the 2016 Grammys illustrates the significant evolution of red carpet fashion towards a more relaxed and revealing aesthetic. Therefore, let us revisit 2016.
At that time, Kendrick Lamar was the star of the evening, securing five awards, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp a Butterfly. Taylor Swift garnered three Grammys, including Album of the Year for 1989, which included popular tracks such as Shake It Off and Blank Space.
Meghan Trainor received the accolade for Best New Artist, while Ed Sheeran was awarded Song of the Year for his ballad Thinking Out Loud. In contrast to the present day, the fashion of that year was distinctly more formal and modest.
Ariana Grande, who had the honor of introducing The Weeknd, donned a striking red, floor-length gown by Romona Keveza, complemented by her signature high ponytail.
Adele, while performing All I Ask, captivated the audience in a long, embroidered Givenchy gown featuring shoulder cutouts, with her short blonde hair styled down and her smoky eye makeup flawlessly executed.
Lady Gaga, who was nominated for her song Til It Happens to You, consistently impresses on the red carpet. That year, she paid tribute to David Bowie, who had passed away a month earlier, by embodying Ziggy Stardust in a stunning custom Marc Jacobs jacket and leotard.
In the meantime, Selena Gomez showcased the side cut-out trend by wearing a shimmering Calvin Klein dress while introducing Andra Day and Ellie Goulding.
“The red carpet gown drew inspiration from the same hue that Michelle Pfeiffer donned in Scarface,” stated Kate Young, Selena Gomez’s stylist. “I adored the concept of it resembling a disco party dress.”
Even though the Revival singer did not perform on stage, she played an essential role as a presenter, and executing the second look was equally important. “Consider DVF from back in the day,” Young remarked, alluding to the outfit’s inspiration. “It’s something you might wear to Studio 54.”
The final details — sparkling diamond hoop earrings and a striking cocktail dress — were crafted to reflect the light beneath the disco ball, resulting in an exceptionally stunning fashion moment.
Reflecting on the 2016 Grammys in contrast to the 2026 edition clearly illustrates the evolution of red carpet fashion. The shift from sophisticated, floor-length gowns and refined appearances to bold, revealing ensembles that challenge conventional norms is remarkable.
So, which style do you favor — the timeless elegance of 2016 or the audacious, trend-setting fashion of 2026? The discussion is ongoing, and fashion enthusiasts around the globe are sharing their opinions.
