The Sexiest Dresses of All Time

Beyoncé’s Freakum Dress On the “Mrs. Carter Show” tour, Beyoncé belted out “Freakum Dress,” the anthem for all dangerously sexy dre... Beyoncé’s Freakum Dress On the “Mrs. Carter Show” tour, Beyoncé belted out “Freakum Dress,” the anthem for all dangerously sexy dresses while power-strutting across the stage in a backless, floor-grazing, red silk chiffon-paneled gown by Alon Livne. According to the song’s lyrics, freakum dresses should be “short and backless.” While Bey’s dress didn’t seem to fit the “short” criteria, when she sauntered to the front of the stage, a gust of wind lifted up the dress’s waist-high slits, exposing more leg than a standard short dress ever could. And the dress’s attributes didn’t stop there: The fiery showstopper also featured a triangular torso cutout and built-in gold jewelry dotted with Swarovski bling. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/2013 Kevin Mazur

Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress When she first tried on this slinky, black, off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian design, Princess Diana deemed it... Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress When she first tried on this slinky, black, off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian design, Princess Diana deemed it “too daring.” But a few years later, in 1994, on the day Prince Charles admitted on television to having an affair, Princess Di changed her mind, and attended a Vanity Fair party at the Serpentine Gallery in the stunning creation that quickly became known as “the revenge dress.” Three years later, it sold for $74,000 at a charity auction. Sweet, indeed. Photo: Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images/2006 Getty Images

Salma Hayek's Bright-White Dress Before the now-infamous nipple-pasty dress came this stunning, simple white halter gown — a memorable design fro... Salma Hayek's Bright-White Dress Before the now-infamous nipple-pasty dress came this stunning, simple white halter gown — a memorable design from Tom Ford’s early years at Gucci. Salma Hayek pulled the unforgiving garment off flawlessly, wearing it to Ford’s 1997 Fashion Benefit for AIDS Project Los Angeles, along with purple eye shadow and some bicep bling. Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Azzedine Alaïa Bandage Dress Azzedine Alaïa (a.k.a. “the King of Cling”) should receive all credit for creating the skintight, curve-hu... Azzedine Alaïa Bandage Dress Azzedine Alaïa (a.k.a. “the King of Cling”) should receive all credit for creating the skintight, curve-hugging creation known as “The Bandage.” In 1981, Bill Cunningham took notice of Alaïa’s’s figure-enhancing clothes and wrote in Women’s Wear Daily that “an unknown designer” was “putting women back in clothes designed to illuminate the curves of the female.” His body-con dresses quickly attracted a loyal following from the original supermodels — including Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, and Veronica Webb — and the designer shot to fame. Photo: Desiree Navarro/Getty Images/2013 Desiree Navarro

Hervé Leger Bender Dress In the late ‘80s, a descendant (and competitor) of Alaïa’s “Bandage” made a huge splash in the fashion world... Hervé Leger Bender Dress In the late ‘80s, a descendant (and competitor) of Alaïa’s “Bandage” made a huge splash in the fashion world. French designer Hervé Peugnet sewed together bandagelike strips of Lycra and Spandex to create what was dubbed “The Bender”: a skintight sheath into which celebrities, supermodels, and party animals eagerly squeezed themselves for special occasions. Iman got married in one of them and Kim Kardashian shimmied into another while pregnant — a true testament to the dress’s ability to both cling and stretch. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images/2013 Gary Miller

Tom Ford Backless Zipper Dress Tom Ford’s fall 2012 open-back zipper sheath is the dressed-up dress version of a mullet: all business and sl... Tom Ford Backless Zipper Dress Tom Ford’s fall 2012 open-back zipper sheath is the dressed-up dress version of a mullet: all business and sleek sophistication in the front and a party in the back — thanks to its complete lack of back. Its not-so-innocent giant zipper detail resting on the lower back just screams, “I’m not zipped up when I could be!” Its sophisticated yet sexy appeal drew in a number of high-visibility fans, including Kate Moss, Jennifer Lawrence, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez. Photo: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images/2012 Julien Hekimian

Rihanna's Nude CFDA Dress At the 2014 CFDA Awards, Bad Gal RiRi ruffled feathers by showing up in a completely sheer, Swarovski-encrusted, fishne... Rihanna's Nude CFDA Dress At the 2014 CFDA Awards, Bad Gal RiRi ruffled feathers by showing up in a completely sheer, Swarovski-encrusted, fishnet gown by Adam Selman. The singer had a rather eventful evening: She freed her nipples, exposed her butt cheeks, twerked, and then took home the Fashion Icon Award, presented to her by a rather more conservatively clad Anna Wintour. When E! News asked if she planned to wear the dress again, Rihanna said, “Why? Yes, I am. Do my tits bother you? They're covered in Swarovski crystals!" Translation: “Shine bright like a diamond.” Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/2014 Getty Images

Elizabeth Hurley's Versace Safety-Pin Dress In 1994, Hugh Grant attended the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere with his relatively unknown gir... Elizabeth Hurley's Versace Safety-Pin Dress In 1994, Hugh Grant attended the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere with his relatively unknown girlfriend at the time, Elizabeth Hurley. But once the press photographed what Hurley was wearing — a skimpy, slashed, skin-baring black dress that was just barely held together with giant gold safety pins — she was catapulted into stardom (the sheath in question would later be referred to as simply “That Dress”). To borrow Scott Disick’s words: “Versace! Versace! Versace! Versace!” Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images/1994 Getty Images

Rita Hayworth's Gilda Dress As the star of 1946’s Gilda, Rita Hayworth slayed in her role as the ultimate femme fatale. In one of the film’s icon... Rita Hayworth's Gilda Dress As the star of 1946’s Gilda, Rita Hayworth slayed in her role as the ultimate femme fatale. In one of the film’s iconic scenes, Gilda performs a striptease to “Put the Blame on Mame” while wearing a figure-hugging, black strapless satin dress paired with matching shoulder-length gloves. The sensual dress by Jean Louis, along with Hayworth’s provocative moves, turned Hayworth into one of the most lusted-after pinup girls of the 1940s. Photo: Copyright © Everett Collection / Everett Collection

Marilyn Monroe's ‘Happy Birthday’ Dress On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe breathily and provocatively sang, “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to... Marilyn Monroe's ‘Happy Birthday’ Dress On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe breathily and provocatively sang, “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden, wearing an outfit as racy and scandalous as her performance. She took the stage in a white fur coat that she shrugged off to reveal a nude, unlined, open-back, sheer dress by Jean Louis that glimmered with sequins and beading. The evening sheath was allegedly so tight that Monroe was sewn into it (while wearing nothing underneath). The dress sold for $1.27 million in 2007. Photo: Corbis/© Corbis. All Rights Reserved.

Tina Turner's Gold Fringe Mini The Queen of Rock’s taste in dresses — short and bold — is refreshingly consistent and only fitting for someone bl... Tina Turner's Gold Fringe Mini The Queen of Rock’s taste in dresses — short and bold — is refreshingly consistent and only fitting for someone blessed with such fantastic legs. Flashy minidresses in red, black, and gold have always made up her go-to onstage outfit. One of the more iconic items in her wardrobe? The gold fringe minidress that she debuted for “Proud Mary” and then enthusiastically wiggled about in onstage while covering the Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman” in 1982. Photo: David Redfern/Getty Images/Redferns

J.Lo's Green Versace Dress Jennifer Lopez shocked the world in 2000 when she attended the Grammys in a green silk chiffon dress by Versace featur... J.Lo's Green Versace Dress Jennifer Lopez shocked the world in 2000 when she attended the Grammys in a green silk chiffon dress by Versace featuring a neckline that plunged all the way to her belly button. It was also one of the first looks to display the red-carpet triple threat of thigh-high slits, sheer fabric, and sideboob. What held her luxe saronglike “outfit” together? One bejeweled clasp and plenty of double-sided tape. Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Carmen Kass's Met Ball Dress By the time Carmen Kass wore this edgy Gucci gown to the 2003 Met Ball, precariously fastened bodices were a recogni... Carmen Kass's Met Ball Dress By the time Carmen Kass wore this edgy Gucci gown to the 2003 Met Ball, precariously fastened bodices were a recognizable Tom Ford staple. This design also featured a suggestive bow around the neck and strappy, low-cut back, pulling together a high-end, subtle bondage look. Photo: Gregory Pace/Getty Images

Mary Quant Mini After opening her first boutique, Bazaar, on London’s King’s Road in 1955, British designer Mary Quant noticed that young, trendy... Mary Quant Mini After opening her first boutique, Bazaar, on London’s King’s Road in 1955, British designer Mary Quant noticed that young, trendy shoppers, when trying on standard knee-length skirts, would roll the waistline to lift the hem to rebellious new heights. The savvy businesswoman saw the demand and delivered; in 1962, she debuted “the Mini,” a rebellious, leg-liberating creation with a hemline that hit several inches above the knee (no rolling necessary). Quant’s design objective at the time? To dress women so men “would feel like tearing the wrapping off.” Demand for the short skirts skyrocketed and the Mini became the official uniform of Mod and the Swinging Sixties. Photo: Getty Images/© Corbis. All Rights Reserved.

Geri Halliwell's Union Jack Dress At the 1997 BRIT Awards, Geri Halliwell strutted onstage with her fellow Spice Girls in a microscopic dress tha... Geri Halliwell's Union Jack Dress At the 1997 BRIT Awards, Geri Halliwell strutted onstage with her fellow Spice Girls in a microscopic dress that flaunted the Union Jack on the front and a peace sign on the back. Prior to the performance, “Ginger Spice” had been slated to wear a simple black Gucci dress. But to give the garment more pizzazz, her sister sewed on a Union Jack tea towel, reclaiming the flag as an emblem for “Cool Britannia” and '90s-style “Girl Power.” Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images/2006 Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow's Iron Man Sidebutt At the Iron Man 3 premiere in 2013, Gwyneth Paltrow ditched her underwear to show off her toned haunches in ... Gwyneth Paltrow's Iron Man Sidebutt At the Iron Man 3 premiere in 2013, Gwyneth Paltrow ditched her underwear to show off her toned haunches in a sheer-paneled Antonio Berardi gown, establishing “sidebutt” as the hottest red-carpet trend. But on Ellen, the Goop Goddess explained that working the look didn’t come easy. “Let’s just say everyone went scrambling for a razor … I work a '70s vibe, you know what I mean?” Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/2013 Getty Images

Angelina Jolie's Right-Leg Dress Angelina Jolie’s lone, pale leg jutting out of her black velvet Atelier Versace dress commanded all the attentio... Angelina Jolie's Right-Leg Dress Angelina Jolie’s lone, pale leg jutting out of her black velvet Atelier Versace dress commanded all the attention at the 2012 Oscars. At the sight of the actress’s overexposed right limb, the internet went nuts, spawning countless glorious memes and even a parody Twitter account called “Angie’s Right Leg,” which gained over 15,000 followers that night. Photo: Dan MacMedan/Getty Images/2012 Dan MacMedan

Anja Rubik's Pelvic Slit Dress Just a few months after Angie’s Leg rose to prominence, model Anja Rubik attempted to topple the famed wan appenda... Anja Rubik's Pelvic Slit Dress Just a few months after Angie’s Leg rose to prominence, model Anja Rubik attempted to topple the famed wan appendage from its high throne. Rubik showed up to the 2012 Met Gala in a skimpy, creamy gown by Anthony Vaccarello that featured a slit all the way up to her pelvis that bared the entirety of her right leg and her jutting iliac crest. Rubik naturally went commando that evening — dangerously so — and somehow managed to reveal even more skin up top by way of a diagonal chest cutout. Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images/2012 Rabbani and Solimene Photography

Cindy Crawford's Red Versace Plunge Dress At the Academy Awards in 1991, Cindy Crawford graced the red carpet in a bright-red Versace gown with a... Cindy Crawford's Red Versace Plunge Dress At the Academy Awards in 1991, Cindy Crawford graced the red carpet in a bright-red Versace gown with a plunging neckline, cross-back, and one very high thigh-high slit. Richard Gere happened to be her date that evening, not that anyone really noticed. Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

The Flapper Dress During the Roaring Twenties, the flapper dress gained notoriety as the bold antithesis of the ankle-grazing, heavily corseted ... The Flapper Dress During the Roaring Twenties, the flapper dress gained notoriety as the bold antithesis of the ankle-grazing, heavily corseted Victorian dresses that came before it. Legions of young, smart, sexually liberated women adopted the new dress known for its loose, boyish silhouette, above-the-knee cut, flirty spaghetti straps, and sexy fringe. Stylish women of the time, who also rocked the bob, like Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Colleen Moore, helped bring the rebellious flapper look to life. Photo: Everett Collection/Copyright (c) Mary Evans Picture Library 2008

The DVF Wrap From the moment it debuted in 1974 Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress became a symbol of the women’s liberation movement — and a war... The DVF Wrap From the moment it debuted in 1974 Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress became a symbol of the women’s liberation movement — and a wardrobe classic. With its easy V-neck, subtle cling, and ability to accommodate a huge variety of prints, the easy yet sophisticated piece offers women a combination of comfort, ease, and polish that’s both empowering and timeless. Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton have worn the dress for important diplomatic (or charitable) occasions, and it’s had a lengthy life onscreen, too, famously appearing on Cybill Shepherd in Taxi Driver and Amy Adams in American Hustle. Photo: Copyright © ©Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Co / Everett Collection

Rihanna's “Butt Cleavage” Dress Just when it seemed that celebrities had exposed every crack, curve, cleft, and limb available, the ever-innovati... Rihanna's “Butt Cleavage” Dress Just when it seemed that celebrities had exposed every crack, curve, cleft, and limb available, the ever-innovative Rihanna pulled one final trick out of her ... bag. After the 2014 Met Gala, RiRi changed into a long, copper-toned, backless dress that exposed three inches of her butt crack — or to be more tasteful, “butt cleavage.” She accentuated her crack’s allure with a dainty gold chain stretched horizontally across her tailbone. Photo: NCP/Star Max/Getty Images/2014 Star Max

The Double-Slit Dress The double-slit dress features frontal slits on both legs that can climb to the upper-thighs — or in Kendall Jenner’s case,... The Double-Slit Dress The double-slit dress features frontal slits on both legs that can climb to the upper-thighs — or in Kendall Jenner’s case, above her pelvis. Celebrities including Jenner, Solange, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez have all fallen prey to the dangerous allure of an open frontal panel and made it out alive — unlike Australian television personality Kylie Gillies, who had to act fast to protect her privates from an unexpected gust of wind. Photo: George Pimentel/Getty Images/2014 George Pimentel

Versace Bondage Dress Cindy Crawford attended the MTV Video Music Awards in 1992 dressed in one of Gianni Versace’s “bondage dresses,” bringing s... Versace Bondage Dress Cindy Crawford attended the MTV Video Music Awards in 1992 dressed in one of Gianni Versace’s “bondage dresses,” bringing straps, buckles, leather, lace, and blatant eroticism to the red carpet. In 2011, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga both wore the halter version for Complex and Cosmo. Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, former Disney stars eager to shed their squeaky-clean images, have also been hypnotized by the luxe boob-cages. After all, there’s nothing like wearing red-carpet-ready bondage (designed the year you were born) to prove that you’re all grown up! Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/2013 WireImage

Jane Birkin's See-Through Dress Long before Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, and Rihanna went braless in super-sheer gowns, Jane Birkin nailed the look... Jane Birkin's See-Through Dress Long before Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, and Rihanna went braless in super-sheer gowns, Jane Birkin nailed the look in 1969. The no-bra pioneer attended the Paris premiere of Slogan in a black see-through minidress that exposed everything underneath — save for what her panties censored. The look scandalized Parisians and heightened Birkin’s celebrity. Photo: Keystone-France/Getty Images/KEYSTONE-FRANCE

Alexander Wang Laser-Cut Dress It was only natural that the sexy, geometric, Tron-like cutout dresses from Alexander Wang’s spring 2013 coll... Alexander Wang Laser-Cut Dress It was only natural that the sexy, geometric, Tron-like cutout dresses from Alexander Wang’s spring 2013 collection would find homes in the closets of the young, edgy, and cool. Rihanna, Zoë Kravitz, Karlie Kloss, and Jourdan Dunn are only a few of the many names who stepped out wearing these bold dresses punctuated by cutout geometric panels that reveal plenty of skin. Photo: Dominique Charriau/Getty Images/2012 Dominique Charriau

Cher's Bob Mackie See-Through Gown After Cher met Bob Mackie on the set of The Carol Burnett Show in 1967, they made fashion history together for... Cher's Bob Mackie See-Through Gown After Cher met Bob Mackie on the set of The Carol Burnett Show in 1967, they made fashion history together for decades, leaving a fabulous trail of sequins, beads, feathers, and sheer fabric wherever they went. One of her more scandalous looks? The black, sequined, see-through gown with strategically placed fringe and beading that Cher wore to the 1988 Academy Awards. While she won Best Actress for her role in Moonstruck, her barely there outfit won Most Ballsy. Photo: Darlene Hammond/Getty Images

Madonna's ‘Like a Virgin’ Dress While performing “Like a Virgin” at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, her Madgesty famously popped out of a cak... Madonna's ‘Like a Virgin’ Dress While performing “Like a Virgin” at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, her Madgesty famously popped out of a cake, writhed onstage, and even flashed her underpants — “accidentally” — in a not-so-innocent, white wedding dress made up of a lacy bustier and plenty of flouncy tulle. In 2003, the next generation of pop princesses paid tribute to the legendary performance: Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera dressed in replica wedding dresses, performed onstage with Madge, and took turns smooching the Queen of Pop. Photo: David McGough/Getty Images/Time & Life Pictures

Farrah Fawcett’s Gold Chain-Mail Dress At the 1978 Academy Awards, the Charlie’s Angels actress doused the red carpet with a sprinkle of Studio 5... Farrah Fawcett’s Gold Chain-Mail Dress At the 1978 Academy Awards, the Charlie’s Angels actress doused the red carpet with a sprinkle of Studio 54 magic with her outfit choice: a slinky, gold gown made of chain mail by Stephen Burrows — the man behind all things “disco chic.” Fawcett’s feathered locks paired with a metal dress that moved like liquid gold: a match made in disco heaven. Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Naomi Watts's Lace-Up Oscars Gown Naomi Watts can usually be counted on to pick an unexpected Oscars dress (this year she wore a fancy Armani Pri... Naomi Watts's Lace-Up Oscars Gown Naomi Watts can usually be counted on to pick an unexpected Oscars dress (this year she wore a fancy Armani Privé brick wall), but it’s hard to imagine how she’ll ever top the risqué, Tom Ford for Gucci number — which featured an edgy, lace-up bodice and carefully engineered halter tie — that she wore in 2002. Photo: S Granitz/WireImage/Gett Images

Twiggy's Micro Mini Mary Quant introduced the “Mini” in the early ‘60s, kickstarting the craze for shorter hemlines, and the look culminated in t... Twiggy's Micro Mini Mary Quant introduced the “Mini” in the early ‘60s, kickstarting the craze for shorter hemlines, and the look culminated in the micro-mini, which featured hemlines that inched to the fingertips and higher. Twiggy, the impossibly thin, doe-eyed, "It" girl of the moment, did more than anyone to drive the shorter silhouette’s popularity. Photo: Corbis/© Corbis. All Rights Reserved.

Jaimie Alexander's Sidebutt-Baring Azzaro At the Thor: The Dark World premiere in May of 2013, actress Jaimie Alexander aggressively seized upon ... Jaimie Alexander's Sidebutt-Baring Azzaro At the Thor: The Dark World premiere in May of 2013, actress Jaimie Alexander aggressively seized upon the trends du jour: sheer panels and sidebutt. Alexander’s Azzaro dress left little to the imagination: the wiggly, see-through river that cleaved the dress exposed major sideboob, stomach, pelvic bone, and the front of one entire leg. It didn’t end there. The back view exposed a healthy chunk of her left butt cheek and other miscellaneous private body parts. Alexander’s baffling explanation for the baffling item? "I went through so many dresses and I just thought, You know what, this one covers all my tattoos!" Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/2013 Getty Images

Marilyn Monroe's Subway Dress The image of Marilyn Monroe standing over the subway grate in 1955’s The Seven Year Itch is legendary. William Trav... Marilyn Monroe's Subway Dress The image of Marilyn Monroe standing over the subway grate in 1955’s The Seven Year Itch is legendary. William Travilla designed the ivory halter dress famous for its plunging neckline and billowing skirt. It sold for $4.6 million in 2011. Photo: Copyright © 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection

Julia Roberts’s Red Dress in Pretty Woman When Pretty Woman hit theaters in 1990, America fell hard for Julia Roberts. The defining moment? When... Julia Roberts’s Red Dress in Pretty Woman When Pretty Woman hit theaters in 1990, America fell hard for Julia Roberts. The defining moment? When Roberts’s Vivian, en route to the opera, changes from her vinyl hooker attire into an elegantly draped, off-the-shoulder crimson dress. Costume designer Marilyn Vance stitched the piece herself — and if it hadn’t been for her strong vision the stunning dress would have been what the studio thought was best: a boring black ball gown. Photo: ©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Alicia Silverstone's White Dress in Clueless In Clueless, the appearance of Cher Horowitz’s tiny white Calvin Klein minidress leads to one of th... Alicia Silverstone's White Dress in Clueless In Clueless, the appearance of Cher Horowitz’s tiny white Calvin Klein minidress leads to one of the best exchanges of dialogue in the movie: "What the hell is that?" "A dress!" "Says who?" "Calvin Klein!” The minimal, figure-hugging, spaghetti-strap dress perfectly captured '90s style. In 2010, Calvin Klein’s creative director Francisco Costa reissued the dress in red and white, capitalizing off the rise of '90s nostalgia by selling the slinky items for $915 each. Photo: Copyright © ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection

Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface As Elvira Hancock in Scarface, Michelle Pfeiffer possessed an enviable wardrobe stuffed with slinky, backless, jew... Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface As Elvira Hancock in Scarface, Michelle Pfeiffer possessed an enviable wardrobe stuffed with slinky, backless, jewel-toned dresses with the most delicate straps, high slits, and plunging necklines (for Elvira, wearing a bra was always optional). Photo: ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita Anita Ekberg’s unforgettable moment in La Dolce Vita involves the Trevi Fountain and a revealing, strapless black ... Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita Anita Ekberg’s unforgettable moment in La Dolce Vita involves the Trevi Fountain and a revealing, strapless black gown by Piero Gherardi. After climbing into the fountain in said dress and frolicking solo, the voluptuous Ekberg lures a fully clothed man — an accessory that complements any dress — into the water with her. Photo: Everett Collection/Copyright © Everett Collection / Everett Collection

Brigitte Bardot’s And God Created Woman Dress Brigitte Bardot’s dishevelled barefoot dancing scene and raw, sexual energy in 1956’s And God Crea... Brigitte Bardot’s And God Created Woman Dress Brigitte Bardot’s dishevelled barefoot dancing scene and raw, sexual energy in 1956’s And God Created Woman scandalized Americans so much that psychologists were summoned to analyze the actress. It turned out that Bardot’s frenetic swaying of her hips and swift unbuttoning of her long green skirt while dancing the mambo were actions that marked her as a “sex kitten.” We never would have guessed! Photo: Copyright © Everett Collection / Everett Collection

Pippa Middleton's Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Bridesmaid Dress Pippa Middleton nearly upstaged the Duchess-to-be on the day of the Royal W... Pippa Middleton's Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Bridesmaid Dress Pippa Middleton nearly upstaged the Duchess-to-be on the day of the Royal Wedding in 2011. The Maid of Honor wore a tight, formfitting ivory gown — also designed by Sarah Burton — that soon had the internet buzzing about her royal rear. Shortly after its royal debut, Pippa’s rump inspired its own medical procedure: “The Pippa Butt Lift.” Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/2011 Getty Images

Barbarella's Green Dress by Paco Rabanne In the 1968 cult sci-fi classic, Jane Fonda plays Barbarella, an intergalactic spy who wears the tiniest... Barbarella's Green Dress by Paco Rabanne In the 1968 cult sci-fi classic, Jane Fonda plays Barbarella, an intergalactic spy who wears the tiniest, skimpiest, most futuristic outfits ever imaginable fashioned from leotards, bodices, linked plastic tiles, PVC, and chain mail. In large part due to Fonda's wardrobe in the film, the New York Times dubbed Barbarella “the most iconic sex goddess of the '60s." Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection

Kate Moss in Liza Bruce Silver Spaghetti-Strap Dress In September of 1993, the very year that Kate Moss entered the “It" girl ranks after ap... Kate Moss in Liza Bruce Silver Spaghetti-Strap Dress In September of 1993, the very year that Kate Moss entered the “It" girl ranks after appearing in the provocative Calvin Klein Obsession ad campaign, the young waif went clubbing sans-bra at an Elite Model Agency party with fellow supermodel, Naomi Campbell. It wasn’t so surprising that the face of the decade stole the show in a completely sheer, silver Liza Bruce maxidress with skinny spaghetti straps that hid nothing underneath. More surprising was Moss’s fresh-faced and happy look — the antithesis of “heroin chic." Photo: Richard Young/Rex USA/Copyright (c) 1993 Rex USA. No use without permission.

Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct In the unforgettable police-interrogation scene in Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone coolly smokes a cigarette in a sh... Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct In the unforgettable police-interrogation scene in Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone coolly smokes a cigarette in a short, sleeveless turtleneck dress and slowly uncrosses her legs to reveal far more than the detective expected. Both the scene and the white dress by Ellen Mirojnick have gone down in history. Photo: Copyright © ©TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Colle / Everett Collection

Jean Harlow's Satin Dress In the ‘30s, Jean Harlow was known for her platinum-blonde waves, pencil-thin arched brows, and languid, bias-cut sati... Jean Harlow's Satin Dress In the ‘30s, Jean Harlow was known for her platinum-blonde waves, pencil-thin arched brows, and languid, bias-cut satin evening gowns ... that she often wore with nothing underneath. Harlow exuded sexuality and would even go as far as to ice her breasts to ensure that they were as perky as possible before acting out her scenes. Photo: George Hurrell/Getty Images

Elizabeth Taylor's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Slip Elizabeth Taylor had plenty of fashionable moments on film, but one of her most sensual and fashio... Elizabeth Taylor's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Slip Elizabeth Taylor had plenty of fashionable moments on film, but one of her most sensual and fashionable looks? Her turn as Maggie the Cat in 1958’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, in which she paraded around in heels and barely there fitted slips. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection

Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not In 1944’s To Have or Have Not, Lauren Bacall not only teaches Humphrey Bogart how to whistle, but also pul... Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not In 1944’s To Have or Have Not, Lauren Bacall not only teaches Humphrey Bogart how to whistle, but also pulls out all the stops in a svelte black satin gown that features a midriff cutout. The dress’s bold midsection, along with its structured shoulders, combined to make a powerful and seductive silhouette. Photo: Copyright © Everett Collection / Everett Collection

Jessica Rabbit's Glittery Red Dress “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way,” Jessica Rabbit coos in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The hypersexualized c... Jessica Rabbit's Glittery Red Dress “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way,” Jessica Rabbit coos in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The hypersexualized cartoon’s uniform was a strapless, sparkling red dress with a plunging back and enormous slit that clung to her every animated curve. Photo: Copyright © ©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everet / Everett Collection

The Gibson Girl's S-Curve Dresses In the 1890s, illustrator Charles Dana Gibson created “The Gibson Girl,” who came to represent the female idea... The Gibson Girl's S-Curve Dresses In the 1890s, illustrator Charles Dana Gibson created “The Gibson Girl,” who came to represent the female ideal. She wore her hair swept into a chignon and was tall, confident, and graceful. She also possessed a tiny waist and a covetable “S-curve silhouette,” so-named for its jutting bust and bum — a posture only possible via corsets laced to the knees. Photo: National Library of Australia

Diana Ross's "Disco Diva" Dresses Once Diana left the the Supremes to pursue her solo career, she came into her own as a “disco diva” a... Diana Ross's "Disco Diva" Dresses Once Diana left the the Supremes to pursue her solo career, she came into her own as a “disco diva” and fashion trailblazer. Ross routinely slipped into stunning creations covered in sequins, feathers, and fringe, and always managed to look fabulous — no matter how over-the-top the dress. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Jayne Mansfield's Nip-Slip Dress Sophia Loren made stink-eye history in April of 1957 when she encountered Jayne Mansfield’s breasts at a dinner... Jayne Mansfield's Nip-Slip Dress Sophia Loren made stink-eye history in April of 1957 when she encountered Jayne Mansfield’s breasts at a dinner party at Romanoff’s. In the iconic photo of the moment, Loren stares at Mansfield’s breasts with dripping disdain while a clueless Mansfield smiles wide, boobs pooling out of her extremely low-cut dress. In 2014, Loren revisited the moment with Entertainment Weekly: “Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I’m staring at her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate. In my face you can see the fear. I’m so frightened that everything in her dress is going to blow — BOOM! — and spill all over the table.” It was an early case of #freethenipple versus #fearthenipple. Photo: MOA/Getty Images

Rose McGowan's Nonexistent String Dress At the 1998 MTV VMAs, Rose McGowan showed up in her infamous, barely there “dress” made of see-through ch... Rose McGowan's Nonexistent String Dress At the 1998 MTV VMAs, Rose McGowan showed up in her infamous, barely there “dress” made of see-through chain link in the front and mere threads in the back. But rather than baring absolutely all, she chose to cover/accent her private bits with a tiny leopard-print G-string that matched the suit — multicolored, leopard print — worn by her date, Marilyn Manson. If that’s not a declaration of true love, we don’t know what is. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images/@2005 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

André Courrèges "Space Age" Mod One of the founding fathers of futuristic fashion, French designer André Courr&egr... André Courrèges "Space Age" Mod One of the founding fathers of futuristic fashion, French designer André Courrèges added incalculable amounts of groovitude to the '60s with the creation of “Moon Girl,” “Space Age,” and “Couture Future” collections featuring short, impeccably tailored A-line dresses (with cutouts in unexpected places), flat-heeled go-go boots, helmetlike hats, and kooky bug-eyed goggles. Women from Catherine Deneuve to Jackie Kennedy snapped up his beyond-mod designs. Photo: Thierry Orban/Corbis/© Corbis. All Rights Reserved.

The Tom Ford Nipple-Pasties Dress After exposing her butt cleavage and attending the CFDAs in a see-through gown, the Fashion Icon of 2014 lived... The Tom Ford Nipple-Pasties Dress After exposing her butt cleavage and attending the CFDAs in a see-through gown, the Fashion Icon of 2014 lived up to her title and caused another huge stir at the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala. The unwritten fashion taboo she crushed that night? Wearing nipple pasties to a formal red-carpet event. RiRi debuted Tom Ford’s divisive gown, and the rest of the runway look, pairing her lavender-hued, black-tie nipple adornments with matching metallic sandals and sheer thigh-highs. Then she posed for photographs while coyly baring her entire left leg — just in case anybody needed a little more skin. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images/2014 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Kate Middleton's Sheer College-Fashion-Show Dress At the University of St. Andrews’s “Don't Walk” charity fashion show in 2002, the Duchess-to-be... Kate Middleton's Sheer College-Fashion-Show Dress At the University of St. Andrews’s “Don't Walk” charity fashion show in 2002, the Duchess-to-be walked down the runway in a sheer, knitted black-and-gold silk dress (that began life as a skirt) wearing nothing but a very visible black bra and panties underneath. As the story goes, the sight of Kate sauntering down the runway in the see-through dress piqued Prince William’s interest — and the rest is history. Photo: Ferdaus Shamim/Getty Images/2011 Ferdaus Shamim

Rudi Gernreich Topless Dresses ('60s) In 1964, Austrian-American designer Rudi Gernreich fashioned the first monokini, a topless bathing suit tha... Rudi Gernreich Topless Dresses ('60s) In 1964, Austrian-American designer Rudi Gernreich fashioned the first monokini, a topless bathing suit that left the breasts uncovered and open to the elements. After the monokini gained notoriety, Gernreich implemented his free-breasts design into daywear and eveningwear. The not-so-subtle difference between the monokini bathing suit and the monokini gown? Nipple pasties. Photo: Corbis/© Corbis. All Rights Reserved.

Vikki Dougan’s Backless Dress In a 1957 letter to anthropologist Robert Ardrey, Elia Kazan wrote, “Marilyn Monroe, the ‘front,’ has been replaced... Vikki Dougan’s Backless Dress In a 1957 letter to anthropologist Robert Ardrey, Elia Kazan wrote, “Marilyn Monroe, the ‘front,’ has been replaced by Vikki Dougan, ‘the back.’ This girl was at an award party where she made a presentation for the Foreign Press of Hollywood. She wore a dress that was cut so low in the back that you could see the cleavage. This caused a sensation.” Dougan, a model, rose to notoriety in the ‘50s for attending social events wearing a series of daring backless gowns that very often flashed some crack. In 1953, “The Back” was featured on the cover of Life, and was allegedly the inspiration for the sultry cartoon Jessica Rabbit. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Sexiest Dresses of All Time

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