The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, where the focus is always on the films and those star-making moments. Still, the fashion is just as much of a highlight, and we’re always here for the jaw-dropping red carpet looks.
“Naked” dresses have definitely become a defining trend in recent years, though they’re far less common at Cannes, which introduced an updated dress code in 2025 that banned nudity.
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“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” a read a memo on the official website. The dress code also bans “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests.”
Despite these guidelines, sheer and skin-forward dressing continues to appear at Cannes, and the 2026 edition is no exception, with several stars embracing the trend in their own unique way. That said, here’s a look at some of our favorite “naked” dresses spotted at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival so far
Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, a member of the star-studded jury at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, leaned into the “naked” dress trend at the opening ceremony and the premiere of La Vénus Electrique on Tuesday, May 12. She donned a silk, sheer floral black gown by Gabriela Hearst, with intricate knit lacework and soft ruffled edges (and it was revealing, to say the least).
Ginta Biku, singer and editor-in-chief of Elle Baltic, made her mark at the opening ceremony and La Vénus Electrique premiere in a Ziad Nakad beaded black dress that brought the glam and showed plenty of skin.
Gossip Girl alum Kelly Rutherford arrived at the Cannes opening ceremony and La Vénus Electrique premiere in a semi-sheer sequined Giorgio Armani gown that shimmered under the camera flashes and revealed black lingerie underneath.
French singer-songwriter and producer Oklou, part of the Cannes’ International Critics’ Week jury, hit the red carpet at the opening ceremony and La Vénus Electrique premiere in a very sheer, lacy strapless dress with a wrap-around waist detail.
Emilia Pérez actress Adriana Paz returns to Cannes with a new movie, Ceniza en la boca, directed by two-time Golden Globe nominee Diego Luna. At the photo call on Wednesday, May 13, Paz gave the “naked” dress trend a fresh twist in a two-piece ensemble: a floor-length black skirt paired with a see-through black button-down shirt.
Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin attended the premiere of La Vie D’Une Femme on Wednesday, May 13, in a high-neck black Saint Laurent gown with a sheer, transparent finish styled with black undergarments.
