The Sultriest Oscars Dresses of All Time

From Halle Berry's see-through Elie Saab to Angelina Jolie's slit-up-to-there velvet Versace.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:04pm

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It's true that celebrities save their most glamorous gowns for the Oscars, which mark the grand finale of awards season. But over the years, this prestigious red carpet's played host to plenty of plunging necklines, hip-high slits and scandalous see-through numbers, too. Here, the sultriest Academy Awards dresses of all time.

Why it matters

The Oscars red carpet is one of the most watched fashion events of the year, with celebrities pulling out all the stops to make a statement with their daring and revealing gown choices. These memorable looks have become iconic moments in pop culture and fashion history.

The details

The article highlights some of the most sultry Oscars dresses from over the years, including Halle Berry's sheer Elie Saab gown in 2025, Issa Rae's plunging green velvet Ami Paris dress in 2024, and Rihanna's semi-sheer Alaïa look in 2023. Other standout looks include Andra Day's gold cutout chainmail Vera Wang gown in 2021 and Angelina Jolie's high-slit black velvet Atelier Versace dress in 2012 that inspired its own Twitter account.

  • The article covers Oscars fashion from 1970 to 2026.

The players

Halle Berry

An American actress who has won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Issa Rae

An American actress, writer, producer and television presenter, best known for creating and starring in the HBO series Insecure.

Rihanna

A Barbadian singer, songwriter, and businesswoman, known for her bold and trendsetting fashion choices.

Andra Day

An American singer and actress, nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film The United States vs. Billie Holiday.

Angelina Jolie

An American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian who is one of the world's most popular and recognizable celebrities.

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The takeaway

The Oscars red carpet has long been a stage for celebrities to push the boundaries of fashion and make bold, daring style statements. These iconic, sultry looks have become ingrained in pop culture and continue to inspire and influence fashion trends.