The boldest looks Zendaya has worn, from sheer gowns to suits of armor

Zendaya at "The Drama" premiere in New York City. Cindy Ord/Getty Images 2026-04-04T12:54:01.265Z Share Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. Zendaya is a certified style icon both on the red carpet and off. Her fashion is often daring, feminine, and fashion-forward. The Emmy-winning actor gravitates toward sheer dresses and historical fashion pieces. AI-generated summary Summaries are generated by an AI model trained on Business Insider's articles. AI may make mistakes or provide inaccurate/incomplete information. We're unable to load that answer right now. Please try again. What influences Zendaya's fashion choices? Who are Zendaya's favorite designers? How does Zendaya impact fashion trends? How has Zendaya's style evolved over time? What makes Zendaya a style icon? No one does fashion quite like Zendaya.The 29-year-old actor has been making showstopping appearances on red carpets since the start of her career, and her style only seems to get better with time. You might remember the orange Louis Vuitton gown she wore to the 2025 Golden Globes and the striking white suit she wore to last year's Met Gala.She also knows a thing or two about daring ensembles. Here's a look at the boldest looks she's ever worn, from see-through dresses to silver armor. Zendaya made her first Met Gala appearance in May 2015. Zendaya attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 4, 2015. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Zendaya's standout dress was designed by Fausto Puglisi. It had a sleeveless black bodice and a red miniskirt with embroidered suns. The latter piece was especially unique, as it extended into a train behind her.To complete the look, she wore a gold sun headband and a matching bracelet. In December of that year, she wore a pair of very wide-legged pants to Rihanna's Diamond Ball. Zendaya attends the Diamond Ball in Santa Monica, California, on December 10, 2015. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Her striped pants and single-sleeved crop top were designed by Rosie Assoulin. Though both pieces are now sold out, they previously retailed for a combined total of $3,490. The actor paired a black dress with a wild pair of shoes for a Grammys after-party in February 2016. Zendaya at Universal Music Group's Grammys after-party on February 15, 2016. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Zendaya's long-sleeved gown had a plunging neckline that extended to her metal belt. The slit in her skirt, on the other hand, helped her show off black sandals that had 14 buckle straps each.The actor's blonde, cropped hairstyle also helped her stand out on the red carpet. Zendaya later wore one of her most confusing looks to date in October 2016. Zendaya attends WE Day in Toronto on October 19, 2016. Arthur Mola/Invision/AP On the blue carpet, she was photographed wearing a white shirtdress underneath an oversize, ripped-up sweater. She completed the look by wearing over-the-knee boots with red laces. Zendaya wore a white dress with a bubble skirt at the 2016 Glamour Women of the Year event. Zendaya at the Glamour Women of the Year event in California on November 14, 2016. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images She was an honoree that night and looked stunning in the Reem Acra design, which also had sheer pink sleeves covered in ruffles. She looked glamorous in a semi-sheer gown at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Zendaya attends the MTV Movie & TV Awards in Los Angeles on May 7, 2017. Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettyImages The green Zuhair Murad dress was made of transparent fabric and featured a plunging neckline and open back. In June 2017, Zendaya donned a two-piece outfit reminiscent of her "Shake It Up" days. Zendaya attends a "Spider-Man: Homecoming" photo call on June 15, 2017. KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx/AP For a "Spider-Man: Homecoming" photo call, she paired a black-and-yellow striped cardigan with a blue tutu and white belt. The actor also wore white pumps and an updo hairstyle. Zendaya was pretty in pink at the "Spider-Man: Homecoming" premiere in June 2017. Zendaya at the "Spider-Man: Homecoming" premiere in Hollywood on June 28, 2017. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Her custom Ralph & Russo gown was bright pink, with a high neckline and rows of fabric that cascaded from her shoulders down to the red carpet. The dress also had a plunging cutout across the chest, as well as a thigh-high slit, which revealed her pink pumps. For Variety's Power of Young Hollywood event in August 2017, Zendaya wore a bold outfit covered in sparkles. Zendaya attends the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event on August 8, 2017. Phil Mccarten/Invision/AP Her high-neck top had long sleeves and was held together by pink buttons. Zendaya's pants, on the other hand, were wide-legged and reached her ankles. Zendaya wore a Vivetta gown to the annual Fashion Awards in December 2017. Zendaya attends the Fashion Awards in London on December 4, 2017. Matt Crossick/PA Images/Getty Images Zendaya's dress had a floor-length velvet skirt and long sleeves covered with silver stars. Its bodice was almost entirely sheer, aside from two black horses that covered her chest. The actor opted for an oversize minidress at the Tiffany & Co. Paper Flowers event in May 2018. Zendaya attends a Tiffany & Co. event in New York City on May 3, 2018. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Her billowing dress had balloon-style sleeves, a high neckline, and a giant bow on the side of her neck. To complete the bold look, Zendaya wore a black headband and polka-dot-print shoes. The actor resembled Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala. Zendaya attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 7, 2018. Sean Zanni/Getty Images Zendaya was one of three celebrities to wear an armor-inspired outfit that night. Still, her Versace gown stood out thanks to its sparkling skirt, scoop-style neckline, and metal padding. At the GQ Men of the Year Awards in September of that year, Zendaya wore a colorful gown with a daring skirt. Zendaya attends the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London on September 5, 2018. Stuart C. Wilson/GettyImages Her gown had a sparkling yellow bodice, which was wrapped with purple silk that extended into a single sleeve draped down her back. Additionally, Zendaya's skirt had a tall slit that extended above her thigh. She opted for a standout tiered gown at an Âme Jewelry event in December 2018. Zendaya attends an Âme Jewelry event in Los Angeles on December 13, 2018. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images Designed by Marc Jacobs, Zendaya's sleeveless dress was partially made from pink-and-orange feathers. She paired it with pink pumps and wore her hair in an updo. Zendaya experimented with ruffles once again in February 2019. Zendaya attends a Lancôme event in Los Angeles on February 21, 2019. Donato Sardella/Getty Images At a Lancôme event, during which Zendaya was named the brand's Global Ambassador, the actor wore a red, long-sleeved jumpsuit. Each sleeve had red ruffles attached, and her outfit perfectly matched her bright heels. Then, in June 2019, Zendaya wore a two-piece outfit with a unique print. Zendaya leaves "Good Morning America" in New York City on June 24, 2019. James Devaney/Getty Images While visiting "Good Morning America," Zendaya was photographed wearing a sleeveless shirtdress covered in car blueprints. Her pants were also covered in the daring design. The actor showed her affinity for bold prints the following day. Zendaya leaves MTV in New York City on June 25, 2019. Raymond Hall/Getty Images Zendaya's three-piece ensemble comprised a suit-style jacket, loose shorts, and tall boots — all of which had the same red-and-white print. Zendaya put her own twist on a superhero suit while at the "Spider-Man: Far From Home" premiere. Zendaya attends the "Spider-Man: Far From Home" premiere on June 26, 2019. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Her Armani Privé gown had a red sleeveless top that connected to her black high-low skirt. The daring gown was also backless and paired perfectly with her pointed pumps. Zendaya then put a feminine spin on a menswear-inspired look during Paris Fashion Week. Zendaya attends a Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture show in Paris on July 2, 2019. Jacopo Raul/Getty Images Her tuxedo-style crop top and sleek black trousers were custom-made for her by Armani. She paired the outfit with sheer black tights and Christian Louboutin pumps, which retailed for $845 at the time. She wore one of her most sultry looks to date at the Emmys in September 2019. Zendaya attends the Emmys in Los Angeles on September 22, 2019. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images Her green Vera Wang gown had a sheer strapless bodice and a silk floor-length skirt with a slit. She also wore matching green heels and a cuff-style bracelet. By October of that year, Zendaya was mixing men's and women's wear. Zendaya at the Elle Women In Hollywood event on October 14, 2019. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Designed by Peter Do, her daring outfit included a button-up shirt, pleated pants, a skirt, and a cropped jacket with shoulder pads. The actor kicked off 2020 with a hot-pink outfit. Zendaya at the Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 12, 2020. Steve Granitz/WireImage She walked the Critics' Choice Awards red carpet in January wearing a bright two-piece designed by Tom Ford. The outfit included a metallic breastplate and a mid-rise skirt. She also wore a dress with daring cutouts, giant pockets, and a split sleeve that same month. Zendaya attends the AAA Art Awards in New York City on January 30, 2020. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Her edgy look, designed by Christopher Esber, cost $1,035. That night, Zendaya also wore Vhernier jewelry and $695 Christian Louboutin pumps. In February of that year, Zendaya donned a sheer shirtdress that made her look like she was draped in leaves. Zendaya attends a Bvlgari event in New York City on February 6, 2020. Steven Ferdman/Stringer/Getty Images Rahul Mishra Couture designed her outfit, and her jewels were from Bvlgari. In June 2021, she attended the BET Awards in a semi-sheer gown with a plunging neckline. Zendaya attends the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 27, 2021. Bennett Raglin/via Getty Images The purple-and-green dress was a vintage Versace design.

Stylist Law Roach coordinated the look, and Zendaya revealed on Instagram that the outfit was inspired by Beyoncé wearing the same dress during her first performance of "Crazy in Love." Zendaya then brought back the "naked" fashion trend at the 2021 Venice Film Festival in September. Zendaya attends the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2021. John Phillips/Stringer/Getty Images She wore a sleeveless, tan dress custom-made by Balmain.It had a scoop neckline and ruched bodice, as well as a floor-length skirt with a small train and a bold slit that extended almost to her hip. On Instagram, Balmain revealed that the gown was created from leather "using an exact model of the star's bust."The actor completed the look with pointed Louboutin heels in the same color as her dress, diamond studs, an emerald ring, and a statement snake necklace. A few days later, she paired a tiny crop top with a standout skirt. Zendaya attends a "Dune" event at the Venice Film Festival on September 6, 2021. Kristy Sparow/Stringer/Getty Images Designed by Alaïa, the two-piece set had a purple long-sleeved top that fit almost like a bralette. Its long sleeves also had tiny holes in them, as did its high-waisted skirt.The latter part of the outfit was form-fitting up to her knees, where it was covered in a thick, fur-like material. While promoting "Dune" in November 2021, Zendaya wore a top made entirely from chains. Zendaya attends a "Dune" event in London on October 17, 2021. Tim P. Whitby/Stringer/Getty Images She wore the backless Vivienne Westwood top with a high-waisted, checker-print skirt and cream-colored pumps. She then showed off her bold style at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards. Zendaya attends the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on November 10, 2021. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images She wore a red Vera Wang ensemble that included a strapless bra and a floor-length skirt. The latter stood out because it had a round ruffle around her hips.Zendaya also accessorized with diamond jewelry and rosy makeup. Later that month, the actor was photographed wearing a black gown with a creepy detail. Zendaya attends an event in Paris on November 29, 2021. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images Her Roberto Cavalli dress was backless but with a piece of gold jewelry attached to the open space. It was shaped like a scorpion and extended from her shoulders to her backside. After stunning on the 2022 Emmys red carpet, Zendaya attended HBO's after-party in a red dress with a plunging neckline. Zendaya attends HBO's Emmys Party in West Hollywood on September 12, 2022. Gilbert Flores/Getty Images Valentino designed her long-sleeved dress, featuring a form-fitting bodice, a mermaid skirt, and a thin train. She wore it with a messy bun and diamond jewelry.The Italian fashion house also created the black ball gown she wore to the actual ceremony.

During Paris Fashion Week 2022, Zendaya attended a Valentino runway while wearing a sheer design from the fashion house. Zendaya attends a Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022. Dominique Charriau/Getty Images Her see-through jumpsuit was bedazzled with Valentino's monogram, as was her matching blazer.She wore no bra or shirt underneath but added dark shorts and pointed heels. Months later, she wore two standout looks at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards. Zendaya attends the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on February 25, 2023. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images First, she hit the red carpet in a black, vintage Versace gown with neon-green detailing.While it was vibrant in color, it also stood out thanks to its split bustier bodice and gathered fabric across the back of its skirt. She later changed into a white Prada ensemble during the actual show. Zendaya attends the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on February 25, 2023. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images The two-piece set from Prada's 1993 spring collection included a bra with star-shaped cups and a floor-length skirt with matching shapes across its cutout waistline. The actor chose a backless look for CinemaCon 2023. Zendaya attends CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 25, 2023. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Gabe Ginsburg/Getty Images From the front, Zendaya's Louis Vuitton ensemble looked chic and classic. It featured a gray vest atop baggy brown trousers and white pumps.When she turned around, however, Zendaya revealed just how daring her outfit actually was. The halter top had no fabric across her back, only a loose belt that kept it in place. In 2024, Zendaya embraced the "Dune" aesthetic with multiple daring outfits. Zendaya attends the Mexico premiere of "Dune: Part Two" on February 6, 2024. Angel Delgado/Getty Images At the movie's Mexico premiere, for example, she wore a custom two-piece set from Bottega Veneta.It included a high-waisted skirt with a leather waistband and thigh-high slit, as well as a long-sleeved crop top that revealed the underside of her chest.It made for one of the most daring looks Zendaya wore throughout the "Dune" press tour. Her most memorable "Dune" look was an archive piece that made the star look like a robot. Zendaya attends the "Dune: Part Two" premiere in London on February 15, 2024. Mike Marsland/Getty Images She wore a silver suit of armor with see-through panels, designed and created by Thierry Mugler in 1995.Roach told podcast host Recho Omondi that he and the actor began talking about styling the piece before "Dune: Part Two" began filming.They eventually flew to Paris to meet with the fashion house's creative director, Casey Cadwallader, and, after some convincing, scheduled a fitting.Roach told Omondi that the suit fit Zendaya like a glove, and he cried. In October 2024, Zendaya channeled Cher with a skin-baring dress covered in sparkles. Zendaya attends the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in Cleveland on October 19, 2024. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Bob Mackie designed Zendaya's sparkle-covered gown for a 2001 collection.The vintage piece featured crisscrossed sheer fabric across her chest, small straps that crossed over her waist and hips, and a form-fitting skirt with a tall slit. After a quiet 2025, Zendaya returned to the spotlight this year in daring fashion. Zendaya at "The Drama" after-party in New York City. Aeon/Getty Images After a press tour full of elegant looks to promote her film "The Drama," Zendaya was photographed entering an after-party in a more daring look.She wore a blue halter gown from Di Petsa, which had a sheer bodice and strategically placed string detailing. It matched her makeup and jewels perfectly.