The actress Sydney Sweeney has begun 2026 as she means to go on, commanding attention with a series of daring fashion choices that leave little to the imagination. The Euphoria and The White Lotus star, 28, is no stranger to headlines for her revealing ensembles, having previously featured on the Daily Mail's list of the most scandalous outfits of 2025.
A Bold Start to the Awards Season
Despite being overlooked for major awards this season, Sweeney made a striking appearance at a star-studded Golden Globes party hosted by Variety at The Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She put a provocative spin on the classic little black dress, wearing a sultry one-shoulder Vivienne Westwood mini dress that prominently displayed her cleavage.
This look was merely a precursor to an even more audacious move. For the cover of W Magazine, Sweeney posed completely nude, her body adorned only in shimmering gold paint. The photoshoot appeared to be a direct homage to Shirley Eaton's famous gilded death scene in the James Bond film Goldfinger, marking what many consider her most risqué magazine cover to date.
Retro Inspirations and Red Carpet Statements
Sweeney's style, curated by sought-after stylist Molly Dickson, frequently draws from iconic retro moments. In December 2025, she channelled Marilyn Monroe at the Los Angeles premiere of her film The Housemaid. She wore a plunging white custom Galia Lahav halter dress, reminiscent of the outfit Monroe wore in The Seven Year Itch.
Her taste for dramatic transparency was also on display at the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles event in October 2025. There, she wore a floor-length silver gown by Christian Cowan and Elias Matso from their Spring 2026 collection, featuring a completely sheer, bra-less bodice that stunned onlookers.
Beyond the Red Carpet
Sweeney's controversial fashion moments are not confined to premieres and awards parties. She regularly uses her Instagram platform, followed by nearly 26 million people, to showcase swimwear and lingerie for brands like Frankies Bikinis. Her promotional work has not been without issue; a July 2025 campaign for American Eagle sparked accusations of promoting eugenics and white supremacy, though the actress later dismissed the controversy, focusing on the product.
From the micro miniskirts at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards to the golden body paint of 2026, Sydney Sweeney consistently uses fashion as a tool for making statements. With a new season of Euphoria on the horizon, where her character Cassie Howard will reportedly become an OnlyFans creator, it seems the actress's penchant for boundary-pushing style is perfectly in sync with her on-screen roles.
