Great Outfits in Fashion History: Gwyneth Paltrow's 1998 Giorgio Armani Naked Dress

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

Gwyneth Paltrow is very much in the business of influencing trends, rather than following them. And that's been the case for decades: Take, for example, the "naked" Giorgio Armani dress she wore back in 1998, at the New York City premiere of "Shakespeare in Love."

Paltrow wore a sheer gown with Cher-level sparkly embroidery that feels particularly current looking back at it from 2024. She arrived with a black shawl (it was December, after all) that she quickly ditched, unveiling the gauzy periwinkle number beneath. With swirling designs on a diaphanous fabric, the soft, romantic pattern called upon the forbidden and romantic aspects of the film, in which a young Shakespeare falls for Paltrow's character, a female actor who has snuck into his onstage cast at a time when women weren't allowed perform.

Paltrow paired the gown with simple bracelets and matching strappy sandals, true to the minimalistic styling she still favors. As for makeup, she chose a smoky periwinkle eye look with smudged liner and mauve lip color.

Want to try this shimmering Shakespearian look for yourself? Shop our Paltrow-inspired picks below.

Sndys Martini Maxi Dress, $77, available here

LPA Serafina Lace Maxi Dress, $228 $160, available here

Skims Low Back Long Dress, $108, available here

Seroya Narissa Metallic Knit Maxi Dress, $228, available here

LaQuan Smith Sleeveless Gown with Criss Cross Draping, $2,600, available here

Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick, $26, available here

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal, $128, available here

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