In the realm of summer fashion, certain staples typically come to mind: linen sets, breezy dresses, and minimal layers. Shapewear, on the other hand, rarely tops the seasonal trend list. But Dakota Johnson known for her quietly daring fashion choices is turning expectations upside down by embracing sheer shapewear as a central piece in not just one, but two outfits worn back-to-back.
The Unexpected Appeal of Sheer Layers
On the surface, shapewear is utilitarian a hidden layer meant to smooth and support. But Johnson’s recent looks demonstrate how sheer shapewear can step out of the shadows and become a statement in itself. These choices aren’t just stylistic risks; they’re calculated evolutions of personal style, signaling a shift in how women are redefining comfort, body confidence, and seasonally appropriate layering.
Day One: A Bold Blend of Leather and Transparency
On the first day of her back-to-back fashion moment, Dakota Johnson stepped out in a head-turning all-black ensemble that blurred the lines between edgy and elegant. The centerpiece? A sheer black bodysuit featuring a plunging V-neck and a central seam an undeniably bold choice for summer weather. Over the bodysuit, she layered a structured, knee-length black leather coat from Balenciaga, instantly adding weight and sophistication.
While the leather outerwear might seem too heavy for warmer days, the look was expertly balanced with fashion-forward styling. Her bootcut jeans with raw hems provided a relaxed silhouette, and the open neckline kept the ensemble feeling light. Paired with black Khaite Colt wedge mules and cat-eye sunglasses, the outfit gave off a confident, modern vibe that nodded to both retro chic and futuristic polish without veering into costume territory.
Day Two: Soft Neutrals Meet Structure and Transparency
The following day, while promoting her upcoming film Materialists, Johnson gave the sheer shapewear trend another spin this time with a completely different tone. Her look featured a transparent scoopneck bodysuit by Commando, styled with a sharply tailored suede jacket in a soft latte hue from Khaite. This neutral-on-neutral palette offered a fresh, breathable aesthetic that felt more traditionally summery, but still fashion-forward.
The suede outerwear added structure, while the bodysuit underneath provided just the right amount of sensuality without being overt. Light-wash, straight-leg jeans and matching Khaite heels completed the outfit, proving that sheer pieces don’t have to be reserved for after-hours or red carpet events they can work in everyday wear, too, when styled thoughtfully.
Why This Matters: Blending Seasonal Transitions with Personal Aesthetic
What Dakota Johnson is doing is more than just setting trends she’s challenging fashion norms by bridging seasonal wear in unexpected ways. Wearing leather and suede in late spring or summer could easily be seen as impractical, but pairing these heavier textures with breathable, sheer elements offers a creative solution for transitional weather.
Moreover, these fashion choices align with a broader shift in how celebrities and consumers are approaching style. The line between undergarments and outerwear is increasingly blurred, with shapewear evolving from something hidden to something that can be proudly worn in the spotlight.
The Influence of Celebrity Styling
Much credit for Johnson’s seamless blending of softness and strength goes to her longtime stylist, Kate Young. Known for elevating her clients’ wardrobes with a refined edge, Young has helped Dakota consistently strike that delicate balance between classic and unconventional. With these two outfits, they’ve successfully reimagined shapewear as not just supportive but stylish and not just functional but foundational to an outfit’s aesthetic.
Final Thoughts: A Case for Shapewear in the Spotlight
Dakota Johnson’s back-to-back sheer shapewear looks might feel bold, but they represent a growing fashion narrative where comfort, confidence, and minimalism intersect. Rather than hiding behind oversized layers or sticking to predictable summer trends, Johnson is showing that you can experiment, break rules, and still look effortless.
By choosing to showcase shapewear in two distinct looks one edgy and dark, the other soft and structured she makes the case for reimagining how foundational pieces are worn. It’s a reminder that in fashion, the unexpected often becomes the unforgettable.
