STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE (2); AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC
DECEMBER 27, 2016 @ 1:00 PM
BY: ANDREA CHENG
There are sexy dresses, and then there are sexy dresses. 2016 delivered no shortage of the latter, with the sexiest of the sexiest led by Hollywood's most fearless. At the 2016 American Music Awards, Chrissy Teigen had everyone atwitter with her scandalously waist-high slit.
But she wasn't alone—the year saw an onslaught of racy, eyebrow-raising, wardrobe-malfunction-taunting slits, like Bella Hadid's custom Alexandre Vauthier number at Cannes or Bella Thorne's naked look, courtesy of Steven Khalil, at the Critics' Choice Awards, or Ciara's glittery Philipp Plein design at the Billboard Music Awards. There were also navel-plunging necklines, an alarming number of cut-outs, and completely see-through dresses. Scroll through to see what we're talking about. Below, the 12 sexiest red carpet dresses of 2016.
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1. BELLA HADID
Bella Hadid in custom Alexandre Vauthier and De Grisogono jewels at the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival.
FREDERICK M. BROWN/GETTY
2. CHRISSY TEIGEN
Chrissy Teigen in Yousef Akba with Dsquared2 heels and a Monique Lhuillier clutch at the American Music Awards.
JEFF KRAVITZ/FILMMAGIC
3. BELLA THORNE
Bella Thorne in Steven Khalil and Stuart Weitzman sandals at the Critics' Choice Awards.
FRAZER HARRISON/BBMA2016
4. CIARA
Ciara in Philipp Plein and Jacob & Co. jewelry at the Billboard Music Awards.
KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE
5. KENDALL JENNER
Kendall Jenner in Atelier Versace at the Met Gala.
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6. ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO
Alessandra Ambrosio in Redemption at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS gala.
DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES
7. KYLIE JENNER
Kylie Jenner in Balmain at the Met Gala.
JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP
8. CHARLIZE THERON
Charlize Theron in Dior with jewelry by Harry Winston at the Academy Awards.
JAMIE MCCARTHY/GETTY
9. ASHLEY GRAHAM
Ashley Graham in custom Naeem Khan and Stuart Weitzman shoes at the MTV Video Music Awards.
JAMIE MCCARTHY/GETTY
10. KANYE WEST AND KIM KARDASHIAN WEST
Kim Kardashian West in vintage John Galliano and Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Looking truly sexy involves knowing what to bare-and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where's the mystery? "Choose one-only one-body part and show it off," advises Jen Rade, stylist to Jenna Fischer and Angelina Jolie. "If it's cleavage, don't show your legs. If it's your legs, stay covered on top."
2. ROUND UP WHITE BUTTON-DOWNS
Take a classic cue from Marilyn Monroe! They elevate jeans and keep ball skirts from drifting into fantasy-land. But all that mileage comes at a cost: a short shelf life. So buy three, don't overbleach (which can cause yellowing), and refresh regularly.
3. ACCESSORIZE IN BRIGHTS
If you've got a closet full of neutrals-be they navy, black, camel, or gray-add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. Not only is a hunter green satchel more lively than ho-hum black, but it's also surprisingly versatile. Feeling really brave? Wear a neutral base with shoes and a bag in two different complementary colors.
4. THINK IN MULTIPLES
Take a cue from Jackie O, who had a closet full of sheath dresses. If you find an especially flattering fit right off the rack, go ahead and buy doubles. When it works, why question it?
5. THROW ON A SCARF
It's the ultimate accessory according to a host of the best-dressed women we interviewed. Stash one in your purse or carry-on to transform simple Ts in the time it takes to make a knot.
"Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly," says designer Shoshanna Gruss. For instance, if you're petite and shapely, it's best to avoid tall columns and billowy maxis even if you love them. Go for a dress with a defined waist and just-above-the-knee hem.
8. HIT THE DRESSING ROOM PREPARED
If you're shopping for that ultra-important dress, get a true feel for the fit by bringing your hip or thigh slimmer with you. And while you're at it, bring heels, lipstick, and a hairbrush. These will help you get a better sense of the final result.
9. SHOW SOME LOYALTY
A great-fitting dress or pair of pants from a line one season may mean similar success the next, as shown by Pippa Middleton. Designers, especially higher-end ones, tend to size their clothes based on a regular fit model.
10. GO FOR THE KNOCKOUT ACCENT
If your evening dress is a stark stunner (or has a lot of embellishment), one single showstopping accessory, like Grace Kelly's earrings, is all you need.
From cutout dresses on red carpets to sleek suits at Cannes, Bella Hadid's style is always on point. Here, an ongoing look at the model's best outfits.
1. JULY 26, 2017
In Nike while out in New York City.
2. JULY 18, 2017
Out in New York City.
3. JULY 17, 2017
Out in New York City.
4. JUNE 18, 2017
Out to Father's Day dinner in Los Angeles.
5. JUNE 1, 2017
In Dior At The Dior Makeup Pump n Volume Mascara Campaigon Los Angeles launch.
6. MAY 27, 2017
At the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, France, during the Cannes Film Festival.
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