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Twenty-six years after Carrie Bradshaw stepped on screen in that nude cami dress, just like that, the “naked dress” is trending again. Since Sex and the City recently started streaming on Netflix, OG fans as well as the next wave of viewers have been eating up the show’s iconic fashion, including Carrie’s itty bitty DKNY slip dress. And the naked dress trend is more wearable than you may think.
You can follow Carrie’s lead and opt to wear flesh-colored frocks that match your skin tone. Or you can try out one of the skin-baring spring 2024 trends (think: sheer slip dresses, bold crochet, unexpected mesh, and metallic chainmail). And if you have questions about what to wear underneath, it’s also a great time to explore the no-pants look (think: boyshorts, bodysuits, colorful tights, and meant-to-be-seen lingerie sets).
Read on to see all the ways you can channel Carrie in a modern-day naked dress this spring and summer.
Sheer Slip Dresses
While Carrie donned a mini slip dress, we love the idea of a sheer maxi slip dress. Several designers, like Jason Wu and Victoria Beckham, presented colorful and textured sheer slips during the spring/summer 2024 shows, and many of your favorite brands are now following suit and selling sheer cami dresses in maxi lengths. Try wearing the fun and flirty style as a dress over pants for a casual street-style look or with lacy bralettes for a night out.
Lace Overlays
If you’re looking for more detail or texture (and a bit more coverage), consider carting up a lace dress — such as a sheer mesh dress with bold lace detailing or a nude base with a lace overlay. And if you’re going all out with a sheer lace dress, don’t be afraid to play with colorful styles that are still skin-baring or to pair it with matching lace undergarments.
Metallic Embellishments
Metallics are trending for spring, and are one of the flashiest ways to wear a naked dress. From mirror discs and tinsel to sequin embellishments and chainmail, there are a ton of sparkly styles to pick from for your big night out. Wear these dresses with nude undergarments for a striking skin-baring look or throw them over slip dresses, mini skirts, or jeans for a layered look.
Mesh accessories are having a moment this spring, so double down on this trend by styling them with a mesh dress, too. You’ll primarily find this style when browsing for mesh swim cover-ups, but that doesn’t mean these pieces are solely reserved for the beach. Find styles with all-over jewels or trendy swirl patterns for some extra detail and personality.
Nude Color Palette
A nude-colored dress is perhaps the most obvious and easiest way to take on the naked dress trend. There are plenty of styles available in a range of shades, especially from brands like Skims. Even if it isn’t a perfect match, a flesh-colored dress will still give a naked dress illusion that Carrie would approve of.
Semi-Sheer Styles
Still hesitant to try out the naked dress trend? We recommend elevated half-sheer styles, like mini dresses with sheer organza overlays that lay over your collarbones or thighs for extra coverage. You can likewise opt for maxi dresses with transparent skirts or closed-stitch crochet dresses with not-so-revealing cutouts.
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Modest fashion means something different for everyone. For some, it’s wearing looser or longer garments, and for others, it's wearing a hijab, turban, niqab etc., or just taking small steps every day to work towards ultimately dressing more modestly.
For Muslim women, dressing modestly is an act of worship and is done to strengthen one's faith and spirituality, but there are also women who dress modestly for totally different reasons. We all know that having autonomy over our own bodies is a basic right, and yet, there is constant pressure and bias against women who decide to wear more. At times, it has felt as if feminine liberation only looked a particular way and there was no room for me within it.
I've personally always found strength in breaking the norm of what social and fashion standards mean when living in a Western society. With women's bodies and dress codes constantly being a topic for debate, choosing to wear the hijab and dress modestly was, for me, an act of rebellion against beauty and fashion standards at the time. Instead of wearing mini skirts and mini dresses on their own, I styled them layered over jeans or maxi skirts; instead of wearing crop tops on their own, I wore them over loose, long-sleeve blouses for a layered effect.
I've never felt like I've missed out on partaking in a trend entirely — I have just redefined how it could work for me.
When I first started wearing the hijab at 15 years old, I played it mostly safe with fashion trends and styles because I wanted to just fit in in high school, but when I started university, I began exploring who I am and what I like. Launching my online profile felt like a mission to be creative and also to break down stigmas and prove to the world that Muslim women are liberated and beautifully dynamic.
Upon reflection, I can acknowledge that was a lot of pressure to put on myself and mostly impossible to assume I can change everyone's prejudiced thinking on my own. But it did help me find an online community of like-minded women who have had similar experiences to me, and who are also representing their faith and exploring their creativity through fashion.
Ahead, I interview some of my favorite online creatives from around the world, who also happen to be Muslim, and are exploring modest fashion through their content. They inspire me in so many ways and I hope you can also find some inspiration in their platforms, too.
Name: Amal Hassan Age: 25 Location Mississauga, Canada Describe your style in a few words... At the moment, I’d say my style is grunge fairy meets cottagecore, camp Y2K, slightly chaotic coquette, and consistently playful. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I see the clothing I choose as an extension of who I am. Being a visibly Muslim woman, my beliefs are written on my sleeve, and laid upon my head. What you wear forms how people interpret your being, one article of clothing altering people’s perception. My faith is important to me and so is my creativity and playfulness. And I think that my stylistic choices show that I dare to dream and wonder. The way filmmakers and photographers enchant themselves with memories, create stories and share that with people. I think you can do that instantly with clothing. The combination of celeste blue and lavender I had just seen in a spring bouquet, the swirls and sparkle of my aunt’s toub (traditional Sudanese dress) at my sister’s wedding, the way the afternoon light waltzed around the glass surfaces of my family home. I carry those memories with me and infuse them into what I wear. I always want to tell a story, whether familiar and gentle or imaginative and boisterous.Name: Shafa Rifda Asy-syifa (I go by Rifda) Age: 23 Location: Melbourne, Australia Describe your style in a few words... This is tricky for me because I don’t like putting myself in a box and I just wear whatever I like! But I often see myself dressing towards preppy, early 2000s fashion and late '90s — think Phoebe Buffay! I also take inspiration from vintage Japanese fashion, such as outfits from FRUiTS magazine. What I’m sure of, is that I like dressing in lots of plaid! How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? As a Hijabi, clothing is definitely one of the biggest ways I express myself in order to showcase my style, personality and faith. The hijab actually encourages me to be creative with my outfits, as I would need to think of different ways to modest-ify clothes, usually through lots of layering, and opting for clothing items like maxi skirts or knee-high boots. I always seek out different fashion inspirations, which is why I don’t believe in sticking to just one aesthetic, and also why it’s important for me to shop second-hand as I don’t believe that we need any more clothes in this world! Sustainable fashion is an accessible way for me to experiment with different styles while being conscious of overconsumption.Name: Sarah Badaoui Age: 25 Location Adelaide, Australia Describe your style in a few words... Modest, elegant, but still fun. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I express myself by wearing pieces that represent my beliefs and my Syrian background, while also trying to participate in current trends. With modest fashion, I think it's very easy to wear basics every day (which is beautiful in its own right), but I'm currently having a lot of fun trying to be creative in incorporating more fun/trendy pieces in a modest and ethical way. This looks like up-cycling pieces already in my wardrobe and making a conscious effort to purchase from ethical brands that align with my beliefs and values.Name: Amina Ktefan Age: 19 Location: Ukraine, Kyiv Describe your style in a few words... Bold, fun, well-balanced, sharp and eclectic. My style represents my personality, my religion and my desires. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? My wardrobe reflects my love of maximalism and standing out. What I have noticed, is that I don't like to limit myself and my style by only one or two aesthetics. We all have different moods every day, and for me, it’s important to follow them and express them through clothing, so I can feel comfortable with my look. One day, I can be grungy and sharp, and another day I can be very elegant and classy. I feel like clothes help me bring out stuff that is already inside of me.Name: Aisha Salah Age: 26 Location: Helsinki, Finland Describe your style in a few words... I'm not sure how to word it but I think you could say that my style is minimal with a twist. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? When it comes to my clothing choices, comfort is key! I always try to dress in a way that makes me feel comfortable and confident. Depending on my mood, I might rock a girly outfit one day and then switch to a baggy look the next. Lately, I've been really into clothing items that have unique and interesting details — I feel like they can really make an outfit stand out! I also love layering my outfits and playing around with different textures. It's so much fun!Name: Ayah Kawsara Age: 21 Location: Dallas Fort Worth, Texas Describe your style in a few words... My style differentiates from day to day as I don’t like to box myself into one specific style — some days I wake up feeling super feminine and girly and other days I am more edgy and eccentric. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I love a good simple outfit but also I love being a maximalist. I also feel like my style is a reflection of my outgoing, energetic personality and I am not afraid to try new styles, wear bold colors, and throw on different accessories/layers. I think to sum it all up, I just love wearing what makes me feel comfortable and confident!Name: Yasamine Durali Age: 24 Location Southern California Describe your style in a few words... Feminine, elegant, casual, and modest. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Clothing has always been my favorite mode of self-expression; I love allowing my personal style and taste to evolve rather than forcing myself into a box. I think over-defining your style can be limiting. Most days, I love dressing comfortably while also looking elegant and put together. I love adding a fun pair of sneakers to a more dressed-up look to add a pop of color and make the outfit more youthful. My style changes so much depending on the era of life I’m in. Right now, I’m preparing for my wedding in a few months, so I’m naturally gravitating towards more feminine styles and silhouettes: dresses, ballet flats, florals, drop waists, kitten heels, etc!Name: Mariam Kudsi Age: 21 Location: California Describe your style in a few words... Modest, ethical, creative. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Through my style, I express my biggest passion in life: my religion. I am able to represent modesty in a creative and humble way, while still feeling unique and creative. It reflects my values, cultural background, and my creative aesthetic. I also love expressing my style through unique pieces I find while thrifting, allowing me to turn my style into a form of art. My style has turned into a passion to show girls around the world that we can dress modestly and still look cool. I’m slowly turning my closet into Hannah Montana’s spinning wardrobe as my alter ego.Name: Beyza Nur Anıl Age: 24 Location New Jersey (loud and proud Jersey girl) Describe your style in a few words... Meticulous, eclectic, playful, and chic. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Experiencing the world through the lens of marginality, I have become accustomed to the idea of people making up their minds about me before I really get a chance to speak. The clothes I wear are oftentimes my introduction. So, I try only to wear clothes that speak of me truthfully.
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It’s no secret that we love sweaters during winter — chunky knits, turtlenecks, striped jumpers — you name it. But spring offers another glorious opportunity for knitwear as we trade in our heavier knits for lighter options that add that perfect finishing touch to a layered outfit (not to mention keep us warm on breezier spring days and are perfect for travel). The current style us R29ers have been turning to is: the cardigan.
Cardigans made a stylish comeback in 2022 when micro versions made headlines during New York Fashion Week. Designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kim Shui debuted tiny cardigans — the cousin to the viral pin tops — during their spring 2022 runways. As you can imagine, fashion enthusiasts and celebs ate it up — and they still are. Currently, these knitted bitties are hitting the streets in all colors and styles as a year round staple, you can see everyone from EmRata to Jennifer Lawrence wearing their cardigans around town. And this spring wardrobe staple will easily take you into next season — at the fall/winter 2024 shows, Ulla Johnson and Tibi used cardigans as capes.
From whimsical hues, funky patterns, and chunky knits to classic silhouettes, front-close knits are here to complement your spring fits. Don't worry; we still added a few of the beloved oversized and cable-knit styles for you to throw on. Here are 25 of the best cardigans around to get you started.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
It’s no secret that we love sweaters — chunky knits, turtlenecks, striped jumpers — you name it. Can you blame us? There’s nothing better than a cozy knit top to snuggle in while you venture out in the brisk outdoors. But if we have one tiny little complaint about the state of knitwear, it’s this: Every style looks the same as those from years past. Sweaters can get repetitive. However, one silhouette that has been upgraded in the past few years is cardigans. "My unraveling chunky cardigan," you ask? Not exactly. The best cardigan in your wardrobe has yet to come.
Cardigans started to make a stylish comeback in fall 2022 when micro versions made headlines during New York Fashion Week. Designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kim Shui debuted tiny cardigans — the cousin to the viral pin tops — during their spring 2022 runways. As you can imagine, fashion enthusiasts and celebs ate it up. While the itty-bitty, thin cardigan is still floating along, many are opting for warmer, more sustainable options in 2024-ready designs.
From whimsical hues, funky patterns, and chunky knits to classic silhouettes, front-close knits are here to spice up your cool-weather ensembles. Don't worry; we still added a few of the beloved oversized and cable-knit styles for you to throw on while listening to T Swift's "Cardigan." Here are 21 of the best cardigans around to get you started.
Lululemon Boxy Cotton-Blend Knit Wrap
Cardigans aren't just for your everyday wear, they're also perfect to throw on after a long workout if you need to run some errands afterward.
Free People Willow Cardi, $, available at Free People
Love, Bonito Hazel Puff Sleeve Crop Cardigan
When the weather warms up, this short-sleeved cropped cardigan allows you to maintain a polished cardi look. We love the little details like the puffed sleeves and matching buttons.
Universal Standard Fuzzy Duster Cardigan, $, available at Universal Standard
Buck Mason Soft Spun Cotton Boxy Cardigan
There is nothing like a classic boxy cardigan to polish off a spring outfit. We love Buck Mason's version made of homespun cotton that is soft as silk.
Torrid Cropped Cable Cardigan Embellished Sweater, $, available at Torrid
COS Cropped Wool-Blend Cardigan
No one ever said there are rules for how long a cardigan has to be. We love COS' cropped version for those who want the warmth of a cardi without the length.
Scoop Faux Sherpa Grandpa Cardigan, $, available at Walmart
Uniqlo U Full Needle Short Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo
Christopher John Rogers Color-Block Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-PorterFrom now on, no cardigan roundup is complete without the Harry-Styles-approved one that sparked a viral TikTok sensation.
JW Anderson Colorblock Patchwork Cardigan, $, available at JW Anderson
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