Elsa Hosk, Halsey & Shay Mitchell Pair “Naked” Cannes Gowns With Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Cult Gaia Heels

During the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, the Mediterranean backdrop served as a testing ground for one of the decade’s most persistent trends: the “naked” dress.

While the festival is often defined by traditional ballgowns, several attendees opted for transparency, using sheer fabrics and intricate cutouts to reframe red-carpet formality.

Elsa Hosk, Halsey, and Shay Mitchell led this shift, joining others like Eva Longoria and Alessandra Ambrosio in prioritizing silhouette and skin over heavy embellishment.

1. Elsa Hosk Dares in Helsa Sheer Chiffon Gown With Saint Laurent Heels

After turning heads in a gravity-defying Viktor & Rolf creation at the premiere of La Passion de Dodin Bouffant during the 76th Cannes Film Festival, Elsa Hosk left very little to the imagination in a completely see-through sheer gown from her fashion label, Helsa.

Proving she’s her own best advertisement, Hosk took advantage of the event to model one of her seven designs for her atelier collection, which was released on June 8, 2023.

Elsa Hosk turned heads at the amfAR Gala in a daring sheer cream Helsa gown, balanced with pale gold Saint Laurent heels for a refined finish on May 25, 2023 (Credit: IPA Images / INSTARimages)

Elsa Hosk Stuns in a Sheer Helsa Chiffon Gown With Dramatic Cutouts and Flowing Skirt

The racy dress, an off-the-shoulder, cream-colored Italian chiffon creation, featured frilled trims, a low-cut neckline, and a large midriff cutout that exposed her toned abs.

Balancing out the sexy elements were the long bell sleeves and a dramatic floor-sweeping skirt with ruching along the hips.

The Swedish supermodel bared it all underneath the revealing translucent gown. She freed her nipples and only wore beige panties to protect her modesty.

Elsa Hosk anchors her sheer cream Helsa gown with delicate strappy heeled sandals in a matching nude tone, the barely-there design elongating her legs while keeping the focus on the dress’s fluid silhouette and intricate ruffled trim (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Elsa Hosk Finishes Her Sheer Helsa Gown With Saint Laurent Heels and Tiffany & Co. Sparkle

Under the expert styling of Dani Michelle, whose clients include It girls Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, Elsa lent her sultry look some sparkle with a statement diamond ring and a pair of yellow-gold-and-diamond earrings by Tiffany & Co.

Completing her ensemble was a pair of Saint Laurent heels in pale gold, perfectly coordinating with her sheer gown. At 5ft 8 in (172.7 cm) and wearing US shoe size 7.5, Elsa Hosk used the metallic stilettos to further accentuate her statuesque frame and model-off-duty elegance.

Hung Vanngo created Elsa’s flawless makeup, emphasizing her seductive cat eyes. Meanwhile, Danielle Priano pulled her tresses away from her flawlessly made-up face and into a sleek side-parted updo.

Elsa Hosk pulls her tresses into a sleek updo and wears her signature cat eyes with bold lip color (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

2. Halsey Embraces Naked Dress Trend in Sheer Pink Givenchy With Black Pumps

Like Elsa Hosk, singer Halsey freed her nipple and hopped on the naked dress bandwagon in a pink sheer mini dress by Givenchy.

The show-stopping sleeveless mini showcased her incredibly fit physique nearly two years after giving birth to her first child with her now-ex-boyfriend, Turkish-American screenwriter Alev Aydin.

Emitting rebellious vibes, the magenta chiffon creation showcased an effortless silhouette and an intentionally raw finish, complete with two side slits and a short, floor-sweeping train.

It was layered over a short white slip, which did little to conceal her modesty, and featured an asymmetrical cleavage-baring neckline and a low-back design.

Halsey made a bold statement in a sheer pink Givenchy dress styled with black leather opera gloves and sleek ankle-strap pumps (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Halsey Complements Her Sheer Givenchy Dress With Black Pumps and Retro Glam

Leaning on her trusted stylist, Lyn Alyson, Evan Peters’ ex combined the feminine Barbiecore outfit with a few punk elements, including a pair of black leather opera gloves with long laces tied around her upper arm.

She tied the look together by accessorizing with black earrings, sparkling ear cuffs, and a pair of black ankle-strap pumps that added polish while subtly elongating her frame. Standing 5ft 3½ (161.3 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 7, Halsey proved that petite proportions can still deliver major red-carpet impact.

Hairstylist Marty Harper gave the “Without Me” hitmaker a sleek, retro-inspired pixie cut, while Halsey did her own makeup using cosmetics from her beauty brand, about-face. She wore dramatic double cat-eye makeup with pink lip gloss and complementary blush.

Halsey showed off her backless pink Givenchy gown paired with black ankle-strap pumps, letting her bold tattoos and opera gloves add an edgy finish to the look (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

3. Shay Mitchell Turns Heads in Custom Cult Gaia Rope Gown and Silver Platforms

Shay Mitchell had everyone doing a double-take as she showcased her enviably toned body in a bespoke Cult Gaia outfit made up of intertwined, shimmering rope.

A play on the naked dress trend, the striking custom design had all-over revealing cutouts, a sexy open back, shoulder straps, and a floor-sweeping train that trailed behind her. The actress put on a cheeky display by wearing a nude bodysuit underneath.

Shay Mitchell embraced the naked dress trend in a custom Cult Gaia rope gown, pairing the edgy design with silver platform sandals at the amfAR Gala during the 76th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Shay Mitchell Elevates Her Cult Gaia Look With Silver Platforms and Sultry Glam

A set of drop earrings, ear cuffs, and a dazzling clutch provided sparkle. At the same time, a pair of silver platform sandals not only amped up the glitz but also gave Shay Mitchell—who stands 5ft 7½ (171.5 cm) tall and wears a US shoe size 7—extra height and an elongated silhouette on the red carpet.

Shay’s long, raven locks were styled in wet-look waves by hairstylist Danielle Priano to add texture.

On the other hand, Ash Holm used Buxom Cosmetics to keep Mitchell’s appearance seductive. She gave her a bronzed glow before applying cream highlighter and a natural flush on her cheeks.

A swipe of neutral lip color, dramatic winged eyeliner, mascara, and smoky eyeshadow with glitter completed her glam look.

Shay Mitchell keeps a sultry look by styling her long tresses in wet-look waves and wearing nude lip gloss (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

More Naked Dress Moments Where the Heels Do the Talking

At Cannes and beyond, the naked dress trend proves that what’s worn underneath—or more importantly, what’s worn on the feet—can define the entire look. From barely-there sandals that elongate the leg to bold platforms that add contrast and attitude, the right heels transform sheer dressing from provocative to polished. For more standout celebrity moments where daring transparency meets statement footwear, explore the curated stories below.