Celebrity fashion has gotten wilder and bolder since the turn of the century, with dresses that make us gasp, cheer, or just stare in awe. From sheer fabrics to crazy concepts, these post-2000 looks have kept the red carpet buzzing. Here’s a simple rundown of the top 10 standout dresses from the last couple of decades.
Jennifer Lopez’s Green Versace Dress (2000)
Kicking off the millennium, Jennifer Lopez wore a green Versace gown to the Grammys that plunged past her navel. With its tropical print and see-through vibe, it was so huge that it basically birthed Google Images. It’s still the ultimate “wow” dress.
Rihanna’s Crystal Naked Dress (2014)
Rihanna turned up at the CFDA Awards in a sheer Adam Selman gown covered in over 200,000 Swarovski crystals. It hid next to nothing, and she rocked it with zero apologies. People were split some called it genius, others too much but it’s pure Rihanna magic.
Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress (2010)
At the MTV VMAs, Lady Gaga stepped out in a dress made of raw flank steak by Franc Fernandez. It was weird, messy, and had everyone talking about art versus shock. Animal rights folks hated it, but it’s one of the most unforgettable looks ever.
Björk’s Swan Dress (2001)
Björk wore a fluffy swan dress by Marjan Pejoski to the Oscars, with a bird neck wrapped around her and an egg she “laid” on the carpet. It was quirky and got laughs at first, but now it’s a beloved oddball classic.
Beyoncé’s Givenchy Gown (2015)
For the Met Gala, Beyoncé wore a Riccardo Tisci design that was basically jewels and flowers on a nude base. It hugged her curves and screamed confidence. Everyone couldn’t stop staring at how she owned that barely-there look.
Kendall Jenner’s Sheer Givenchy Dress (2021)
Kendall Jenner hit the Met Gala in a see-through Givenchy gown that sparkled and showed off tiny underwear underneath. It was simple but daring, proving less can definitely be more on the red carpet.
Kim Kardashian’s Pearl Schiaparelli Gown (2023)
At the Met Gala, Kim wore a Daniel Roseberry dress draped in 50,000 freshwater pearls. It was glamorous yet risqué, blending old-school vibes with modern edge. The pearls made it heavy, but she made it look effortless.
Miley Cyrus’s VMAs Outfit (2013)
Miley Cyrus twerked her way into headlines at the MTV VMAs in a nude-toned two-piece that was more bikini than dress. It was all about shock and shedding her old image mission accomplished, with tons of chatter to follow.
Florence Pugh’s Sheer Valentino Gown (2022)
Florence Pugh wore a pink, see-through Valentino dress to a fashion event, proudly showing off her figure. Some criticized it, but she clapped back, making it a moment about confidence and owning your style.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Dundas Dress (2019)
At the Met Gala, Emily Ratajkowski’s showgirl-inspired Dundas look was all cutouts and barely-there fabric. It fit the “Camp” theme perfectly, turning heads with its playful, over-the-top daring.
These dresses didn’t just get worn—they made history. Whether they shocked us, started trends, or showed pure guts, they’re the ones we still can’t forget. Which one’s your favorite?
