Fashion fashion faux pas or fashion redemption? Madonna and Lewis Hamilton wore white after Labour Day to the Met Gala – but Britney and Justin's matching denim is pure fashion cringe 2 decades later

South China Morning Post

2 days ago

In 1969, Barbra Streisand made waves
at the Oscars in a sheer black bodysuit. It's now one of her most iconic looks, but that fashion faux pas sparked scandalous tabloid headlines at the time. Fast-forward more than half a century and that sartorial choice seems tame next to today's Hollywood red carpets, which thrive on daring choices. No event is complete without at least one celebrity baring it all with the 'naked dress' trend.
Barbra Streisand in her now-iconic sheer black bodysuit, at the 1969 Academy Awards.
Once-immutable rules, like making sure your undergarments are not visible or never over-accessorising –
Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel famously advised, 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off' – are a thing of the past.
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Barbra Streisand accepts her best actress award at the 1969 Oscars in a see-through outfit.
So are traditional fashion guidelines obsolete? Here's a look at a few of the cardinal sins of fashion and whether they still apply today.
Don't wear white after Labour Day
Lewis Hamilton arrives at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom ivory suit by Grace Wales Bonner. Photo: AFP
This outdated American faux pas, upheld by the 19th century upper crust to separate themselves from the working class, is utterly arbitrary. There's no rule preventing you from wearing white, cream, ivory, or any shade of the hue all year round.
Madonna at the 2025 Met Gala in a cream suit by Tom Ford. via AFP
For inspiration, look no further than the
2025 Met Gala , where stars like Lewis Hamilton and Madonna donned the much-maligned colour.
Tights as pants