Think Margot Robbie invented the naked dress? Victoria Beckham wore one first


The most talked-about red carpet trend was first embraced by former Spice Girl Victoria in 1997


Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie© Getty
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
February 11, 2026
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Wuthering Heights hits the cinema on Friday, 13th February, just in time for Valentine's Day 2026. The film's female lead, Margot Robbie, has reignited gothic fashion during her worldwide press tour alongside co-star Jacob Elordi for the past two weeks, bringing her fashion credentials to the forefront of our minds.

As a fashion editor who has been writing about fashion for over fifteen years, I've loved every single statement dress the 35-year-old has donned this month in the lead up to the release, from her red and black flowing Schiaparelli gown to her Victoria Beckham feathered mini dress.

Margot Robbie is seen on January 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© GC Images
Margot wore a gothic naked dress by Alexander McQueen

I don't like to play favourites, but the stunning star of Barbie appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! wearing a glorious Alexander McQueen creation. Styled to perfection by Andrew Mukamal, Margot's outfit gave the illusion of a naked dress, as it featured strategically placed, ornate black lace detail. The ethereal gown showcased an exquisite mix of fluted sleeves, a flirty, theatrical hem that was graduated at the front, and a visible (albeit very chic) VPL. It was as if the Australian-born star was bringing back her naked dress from 2025 into 2026, with an all new genre. 

Margot Robbie wearing sheer dress embellished with rhinestones© Getty Images
Margot's naked dress from 2025 was embellished with rhinestones

Margot repopularised the trend in September 2025, when she famously wore a crystal-encrusted, almost see-through gown by Armani Privé Couture on the red carpet for the premiere of her film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey in London.

Margot Robbie's Armani Privè gown epitomised the naked dress trend© @patidubroff
Margot's Armani Privè gown epitomised the naked dress trend
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The dress featured a myriad of beading, sequins, pearls, and embroidered floral-paisley motifs, creating a tapestry-like effect across the entire fabric, cementing the trend and inspiring many others afterward, from Lily Allen to Lily James, who all donned naked dresses of their own.

Victoria Beckham's naked dress

Although it may seem that Margot single-handedly pioneered this risky style, it was actually none other than Victoria Beckham who showcased it eighteen years ago.

Victoria wore a naked style dress by Maria Grachvogel at the BRITS 1997© Redferns
Victoria wore a naked style dress by Maria Grachvogel at the BRITS 1997

Almost to the day, Victoria headed to the BRIT Awards for the first time in February 1997,  where her band, the Spice Girls, were nominated for Best Video and Best Single, which they went on to win. VB delighted onlookers in her stunning dress, which was by high-end designer Maria Grachvogel. 

VB's dress had a see-through skirt© Redferns
VB's dress had a see-through skirt

The dress featured a delicate, almost gossamer-like bodice and a totally sheer skirt, in a muted grey tone, which showed off her legs in sultry fashion. It gave the illusion of nudity, in a classy way, and I think this custom dress wouldn't look out of place today. Perhaps the mother of four will bring it back? We hope so.

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