A Brief History of Celebs Wearing Lingerie on the Red Carpet

It may have been accidental, but we likely have Barbra Streisand to thank for the visible lingerie trend. Streisand didn’t know the bright lights at the Oscars would cause her already fashion-forward sequined sailor suit to turn transparent. But don’t feel too bad for her—she also walked away with an award for Best Actress for Funny Girl that night.

This was not the first nor the last time the icon wore a barely-there bra-like top, but it was certainly one of the greatest. And also perhaps one of the smallest, given the amount of under-boob we’re privy to.

Madonna has been championing underwear as outerwear basically since the womb. And yet this not-so-virginal bridal look still caused a huge stir, not just because of its overtly sexy style, but also because Madge wore it to perform "Like a Virgin" while writhing around atop a giant wedding cake. You do you, girl. 

Yes, we already mentioned Cher’s influence on the “bra as shirt” movement, but it would be impossible to talk about lingerie-inspired red carpet looks without bringing up this absolutely iconic Bob Mackie number. Though to be honest, that feathered Mohawk almost made us forget about the dress altogether. Almost.

Is she scratching her head because she only just realized she left her shirt at home? Or perhaps because she misread “red carpet” as “magic carpet”? We couldn’t help but wonder…WTF was going on with this outfit?

Parachute pants on the bottom, shredded Victorian corset on the top!

McGowan was definitely one of the first to actively choose to walk a red carpet with both breasts exposed and her rear in full view. Though when your date is Marilyn Manson in an iridescent pimp suit, we suppose you have to do something to get noticed.

The nipple pasty makes sense. The shoulder and elbow ones? We still have questions.

Fun fact: So many people were searching for photos of this sexy robe-inspired dress immediately following its red carpet debut, that it spurred the creation of Google Images. So thank you to JLo and Versace.

And on the seventh day, God created Beyoncé, and dressed her in go-go boots and a leather bralette.

Brit couldn’t even sit in this extremely short ensemble. So instead she changed into booty shorts and a green bra top with a live boa constrictor. You know, so she could be comfortable.

Thank goodness Janet had this floor-length suede and fur duster to keep her warm.

At this point, Eve’s bustier and jeans combo feels tame enough to wear to dinner with your in-laws.

The early aughts was a rough time for both LiLo and fashion in general. Was this a teddy picked up from Hot Topic or a designer dress? We honestly have no idea.

Thank you, Pink, for demonstrating the most tasteful way to show off your brassiere: with serious pinstripe trousers and a ruffled blouse.

"I know what matches my 1950s pin-up panties: A sequined American flag clutch and magenta heels!" (Also: Look at Baby Miley, soaking it all in and envisioning a world where she can swing naked on a giant steel ball while licking a hammer.)

Pop quiz: What's the best way to accessorize a white studded bra and panty set? With a matching cropped leather jacket, Breton cap and platform lace-up boots. Duh.

We had no idea our closets were missing the crucial addition of a BDSM-inspired vest with matching push-up bra, but Nicki Minaj, ever the forward thinker, did.

Think of this as Atelier Versace's homage to 50 Shades of Grey, which hit shelves just two years prior and was still riding the best-seller list. 

Bad Gal RiRi once told reporters that this ensemble was her only fashion regret ever. To be clear, she said she regretted wearing a nude thong instead of a matching bedazzled one. The rest of the look is utter perfection.

To call this ensemble lingerie feels like a stretch, but then again it is most certainly not a dress. While other celebs have dabbled in naked-esque styles, we think it’s safe to say Cyrus is the queen of skin-bearing fashion. (Also who knows? This probably is what Miley wears under her clothes on any given Wednesday.)

All hail the return of the granny panty.

What’s a gal to do when she doesn’t have the cleavage to make this metallic mesh gown look really scandalous? Wear a string thong, of course.

Look, if you’re a Victoria’s Secret model, we assume you wear a strapless bra, high-waisted panties and transparent sparkle gown to do your dishes. But whatever your reasoning, long live the red-carpet underpants party.