Kim Kardashian once again captivated her millions of followers with a bold fashion statement, posting a series of provocative photos on Instagram that showcased her in a sheer lace dress against a scenic ocean backdrop.
The 45-year-old reality TV star and actress shared the images on Friday, November 7, via her personal Instagram account, where she has over 360 million followers. In the carousel of snaps, Kardashian posed on rocks with the sea behind her, highlighting the daring outfit from various angles. Some photos captured her gazing directly at the camera, while others showed her looking out to the ocean, emphasizing the dress's transparency and her figure.
Kardashian kept her caption simple, using only a gray heart emoji, “🩶.” However, the post quickly drew enthusiastic responses from family and friends. Her sister Khloe Kardashian, 41, commented, “Stunnnnnn,” expressing her admiration. Celebrity trainer Melissa Alcantara added, “Wow so beautiful 😍,” according to the details reported by Us Weekly.
This latest display comes amid a string of attention-grabbing appearances by Kardashian, who has long been known for pushing fashion boundaries. Earlier that week, on Monday, November 5, she shared behind-the-scenes images from a nude photoshoot for Re-Edition Magazine. In those photos, Kardashian appeared completely nude except for body paint designed to mimic clothing, including a plunging top, tailored blazer, high-waisted pants, and a brown leather belt. She wore only a thong, which was painted to blend seamlessly with the rest of the illusion.
Kardashian's affinity for sheer and revealing attire is well-documented. Over the years, she has donned numerous “naked dresses” for high-profile events, such as her memorable “wet look” gown at the 2019 Met Gala. That outfit, a form-fitting, crystal-embellished dress by Thierry Mugler, evoked the image of emerging from the ocean and became one of her most iconic red carpet moments.
Perhaps her most controversial fashion choice was wearing Marilyn Monroe's historic gown to the 2022 Met Gala. The dress, originally worn by Monroe in 1962 when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday celebration, was loaned to Kardashian by Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. The gown, designed by Bob Mackie and Jean Louis, is a shimmering, skin-tight number that has become a symbol of Hollywood glamour.
However, the decision sparked significant backlash. Kardashian revealed on an episode of The Kardashians in 2022 that she initially couldn't fit into the dress. “I had to try the prototype first and see if that fit, and once it fit they sent the original,” she told her sisters Kourtney and Khloe. “And when I went to put it on, it wouldn’t even go up over my hips. And I was just devastated.”
To wear the gown, Kardashian lost 16 pounds in three weeks, a move that drew criticism from fans and health experts who accused her of promoting unhealthy weight loss practices. Additionally, concerns arose about potential damage to the fragile, historical garment. Some reports suggested that wearing it on the red carpet might have caused rips or other harm.
Kardashian addressed these allegations directly in a Vanity Fair video released on Monday, November 3, where she underwent a lie detector test. In the clip, singer Teyana Taylor asked her, “I wanna settle this for once and for all. Did you whoop Marilyn Monroe’s dress?” Kardashian, looking at a photo of herself in the gown, responded firmly, “No.”
Ripley's Believe It or Not supported her claim. In a statement issued in June 2022, Amanda Joiner, the museum's vice president of publishing and licensing, stated, “From the bottom of the Met steps, where Kim got into the dress, to the top where it was returned, the dress was in the same condition it started in.” This reassurance came after initial controversy, including reports that the museum had nearly denied Kardashian the opportunity due to fit issues.
Beyond the Monroe dress, Kardashian's fashion history includes other standout moments. At the 2023 Met Gala, she covered her curves in 50,000 real pearls for a custom Schiaparelli gown, paying homage to Karl Lagerfeld. Us Weekly has also highlighted her series of “bum-baring” looks over the years, from sheer pants to cut-out dresses that accentuate her figure.
The recent Instagram post aligns with Kardashian's ongoing role in the entertainment industry. Currently, she stars in the Hulu series All’s Fair, a legal drama where she plays a divorce lawyer. This marks a shift from her reality TV roots on Keeping Up with the Kardashians to more scripted projects, including her appearance in American Horror Story.
Fans and critics alike continue to debate Kardashian's influence on fashion and body image. While some praise her for embracing body positivity and bold styles, others argue that her choices perpetuate unrealistic standards. Despite the mixed reactions, her posts consistently generate massive engagement, with the sheer lace dress photos racking up millions of likes within hours.
Looking ahead, Kardashian shows no signs of toning down her provocative aesthetic. With upcoming projects and events, including potential red carpet appearances, she remains a fixture in celebrity news. As one source close to her reportedly told Us Weekly, her style evolution reflects a blend of confidence and controversy that keeps the public talking.
In the broader context of celebrity culture, Kardashian's fashion risks highlight the intersection of personal expression and public scrutiny. From her early days as a stylist to Paris Hilton to building a billion-dollar empire with SKIMS, her brand thrives on such moments. Whether posing in sheer lace by the sea or donning historical artifacts, she continues to redefine what it means to be a style icon in the digital age.