The look immediately sparked debate online. While some fashion insiders praised its historical inspiration, many viewers were less impressed.
“Disgusting. Absolutely low class,” one user wrote.
Another criticized the trend of shock-focused red carpet fashion, asking, “Let’s hope this is the last event where we see this. Award shows need a dress code. We don’t need to see your b**bs, ladies!”
Roan’s outfit, along with Heidi Klum’s earlier on the same night, was seen as part of a growing trend of female celebrities wearing sheer, skin-baring ensembles, a movement that’s been gaining momentum since 2025.
Stars like Julia Fox, Florence Pugh, Bianca Censori, Teyana Taylor, Kristen Stewart, and Dakota Johnson have all embraced the aesthetic. When asked about the backlash, Johnson told Vogue Germany in 2023, “I really don’t care.”
Yet many viewers were less forgiving.
“Reeks of desperation,” one viewer commented.
“These dresses aren’t empowering women or showing a feminine side,” one argued. “They’re showing that these women are willing to do just about anything to be ‘remembered.’”
“I am all for freedom of dress but really? That’s too much, and it doesn’t even look good,” another wrote.
At the same time, there are those who defended Roan’s look.
”I don’t see why you all hate it so much, all tatted and pierced up. I thought it was appropriate,” on fan wrote.
”I’m obsessed with this look. She killed it. Shock factor. Memorable. And will be talked about for days to come,” another weighed in.
Known for theatrical fashion and boundary-pushing visuals, Roan’s Grammys appearance was far from an outlier. At the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, she paid tribute to Cyndi Lauper with a look only true fans could decode.
For the Grammys, Roan was styled by LA’s Genesis Webb in an outfit inspired by Lauper’s True Colors music video, complete with a newspaper skirt cut into Rococo-style hips, a sparkling bustier, vintage jewelry, and a glittering custom headpiece.
“Look at me! I may not have talent, but I can stretch the envelope,” one critic mocked. “This makes Victoria’s Secret look demure and tasteful.”
Fans were divided. “She can definitely pull [the look] off,” one admitted. “She has a great body. I thought it was a Halloween costume at first.” Meanwhile, others expressed fatigue:
“Enough already,” one posted. “These looks aren’t memorable. They’re pitiful.”
“What is with these female musicians or actresses showing their bodies like that?” another asked. “I know modesty seems to be a thing of the past anyways, but this is taking it way too far.”
Amid the controversy, Roan remains a strong contender for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for The Subway, and she is scheduled to present during the ceremony. Last year, she took home Best New Artist for her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and earned five other nominations, including three for her hit “Good Luck, Babe!”
Chappell Roan’s sheer Mugler gown has tongues wagging and keyboards clacking. Is it bold artistry or just shock for shock’s sake? One thing’s certain: no one’s staying quiet about this look.