The "Naked" Dress of Summer 2020 Has Finally Arrived

Over the years, "naked" dresses have evolved from completely sheer to deceptively nude, and this summer, the transformation is even more drastic. Just a few months ago, we reported on cutout clothing being one of the biggest trends to hit the spring/summer 2020 runways, and now that we've reached peak hot-girl summer, the proof is in the pudding. "Naked" dresses always emphasize the flesh—whether it be showing it off beneath a sheer overlay or matching one's skin tone tenfold, but this summer, there is nothing coming between your skin and the great outdoors. 

Summer dresses are now revealing more than ever before thanks to the gaping cutouts placed at the ribs, crossbody, across the torso, and more, highlighting parts of the body that are normally fully covered. So far, we've seen designer Christopher Esber leading the pack in this new naked dress trend with fan-favorite brand Cult Gaia leading in close second thanks to its recent placement on It girl Hailey Bieber.

While this trend might seem daunting at first glance, I personally am more drawn to it than any naked dress in seasons prior. Maybe it's because of the fact that I know I could wear Christopher Esber for the rest of my life and be happy, or maybe it's because I don't love the way I look in a fully nude-colored dress, but there is something about the 2020 "naked" dress that not only makes me feel like a true fashion girl, but that also makes me feel comfortable in my own skin, and that's worth celebrating, no?

Ahead, see how some of fashion's favorites are styling the "naked" dress trend of 2020 and shop the best versions for yourself. 

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

If Hailey Bieber wore it, you know it's worth paying attention to.

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(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

This particular frock is certainly daring, but worth the risk if you ask me. 

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

If an all-over cutout dress is a bit too much for your particular taste, try out a more subdued version like this. 

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

No back? No problem. This open-back number will serve you through summer and beyond.

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Cutout dresses are getting more inventive by the second. Just take this Bottega Veneta number with the gaping side. 

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(Image credit: @christopher_esber)

If you're considering framing this, you're not the only one. This cutout and crisscrossed dress is basically heaven on earth. 

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(Image credit: @sheamarie)

This might look like two pieces, but it's actually one. Christopher Esber is the king of pushing the boundaries of cutout dresses. 

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

I am pretty sure this one is actually two pieces, but it looks just as impressive as a cutout dress so I'm including it here. 

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Curious about how to wear this summer dress trend come fall? Look no further. 

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(Image credit: @camillecharrierie )

One more shot of this Cult Gaia dress since it's basically a delicacy at this point. 

Next up, shop all the cool and trendy items I'm buying from Nordstorm right now

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.