The term 'naked dress', like the piece itself, leaves little to the imagination. Although getting dressed generally involves covering up, in this case that convention eludes us. Put simply, the naked dress is a runway and red carpet staple, a bold look which is quite the eye-full. The style fuses intrepid audacity with poised confidence, exuding an almost indisputable main character energy.

The naked dress has been exposed to the spotlight many times before, but its long-lasting popularity doesn't render it immune to criticism. The biggest blow comes from recent action taken by Cannes Film Festival, dubbed the most prestigious film festival in the world, held annually in France.

In April this year, the organisation addressed the controversies of "naked dressing" at their event with their official statement outlining the ban on these garments "for decency reasons". As one of the most significant media events globally, the festival's announcement served as a strong reminder that conservatism still holds value in society and that a brash trend like this shouldn't be given power to distract from the achievements lauded at these cultural events.

Image Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels

Clearly, despite its previous traction in celebrity spheres, the naked dress now teeters on the verge of a pretty heavy ousting.

But before we jump to conclusions, here’s my take on what the trend actually has to offer us:

Functionality

Functionality is often thought of as being suited to serve a purpose well. The naked dress is no stranger to celebrity events known for their fair share of audacious fashion statements. This trend flirts brazenly with the boundaries as its followers both literally and metaphorically want to be seen.

On the other hand, wearing a naked dress may be an act of reclaiming our bodies as women and celebrating our purest selves. The question of functionality, then, is best answered in terms of realising the aim.

Perhaps this is the underlying message in the Cannes declaration. Events like theirs are meant for honouring of the arts, music and cinematography. With free fashion reign, this focus is distorted, playing second fiddle to outrageously jaw dropping nakedness making the headlines.

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Versatility

Versatility exists here in terms of the contrasting ways the naked dress can be perceived. Some feel the style stands for unwavering self-assuredness and genuine pride in our own skin - powerful messages to be conveyed by such minimal material. Of course, however, the opinions and perceptions of others are impossible to control. Dubious onlookers view the naked dress as merely serving the male gaze in a stark contrast to the message of empowerment.

It's clear that the versatility of this trend lies in its spacy room for interpretation. The array of deployed fabrics means figure-hugging shapes and thought-out silhouettes can be playfully experimented with. The naked dress actually finds itself on a vast spectrum depending on design, strutting anywhere between powerfully theatrical to excessively revealing.

Image Credit: Bruno Cervera from Pexels

Affordability

Though sparing in material, ornate embellishments are plentiful when it comes to adorning the naked dress, and these glamorous elements certainly play a role in hiking up the price. These dressy gowns, the majority of which are designed by luxury labels, tend to flaunt triple digit price tags that are far, far away from any reasonable budget.

Given their unbridled nature, there's a pretty good chance most will ironically stay hidden away in wardrobes, perpetually waiting for a suitable occasion to even dare to come out. Naked dresses are made with the red carpet, and the red carpet only, in mind - thinking of an alternative environment to wear one seems an almost impossible feat.

Image Credit: Mihaela Claudia Puscas from Unsplash

Sustainability

The naked dress is hardly the new kid on the block, having enjoyed several peaks in popularity since the 90's. But lately, we've seen a huge rise in 'demure fashion' whose modest sophistication and reserved elegance poses a stark contrast to unrestrained bareness. The move puts this idea of scantily clad in real danger of becoming old news. It seems as if the shock factor has quite literally been worn out as designers and celebrities find alternative ways to creatively stand out.

The recent and steady ascendancy of distinct styles such as futuristic, dandyism and clowncore highlights how fashion serves as an indelible tool of artistic expression, identity, social commentary and, of course, fun. In the eyes of some, the same cannot be said of the naked dress. These pieces edge just too close to the borders of nudity, appearing nothing else except indecent and even vulgar.

During an era where inclusivity in fashion is key, clothing deemed crude and scandalous seem destined to lose support. The naked dress has enjoyed a long reign but it seems possible the trend is soon to be stripped bare of its popularity.

So, In or Out?

For this one, I think I'm out. Whilst the naked dress may communicate weighty ideas in modern fashion, the style more often than not errs on the side of inordinate bareness. Being able to find a fitting occasion to wear these types of dresses feels like a great obstacle in itself, and for this reason the trend is unquestionably niche. Although I appreciate its role in advocating for female empowerment, for me, it's difficult to look beyond the obvious inaccessibilities.

So, are you in or out?