Just days after declaring that women should “flaunt what they got,” Sydney Sweeney took that message to heart — and straight to the red carpet. The Euphoria and White Lotus star arrived at Variety’s Power of Women event wearing a sheer, crystal-covered gown that left little to the imagination and instantly became one of the most talked-about looks of the night.
The 28-year-old actress stunned at the Beverly Hills Hotel on October 29 in a daring, see-through Christian Cowan x Elias Matso gown from the upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The glittering, barely-there dress hugged every curve and caught the light from every angle, ensuring that all eyes were on her. With a sleek platinum bob, soft rosy makeup, and a nude lip, Sweeney completed her look with understated confidence and a quiet kind of power.
Her appearance came just days after an interview with Variety, where she opened up about body confidence, fame, and being labeled a “sex symbol.” Sweeney explained that while her roles often spark controversy, her sense of self is grounded in strength — not approval.
“I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t,” she told Variety. “So when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a sex symbol,’ or ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good, and I’m doing it for myself because I feel strong.’ I hope that I can inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got and feel good, because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room.”
Sweeney also revealed that she has never had any cosmetic procedures, saying, “I’ve never gotten anything done. I’m absolutely terrified of needles. No tattoos. Nothing. I’m going to age gracefully.” She even addressed the constant online comparisons between her younger and current self: “I’m like, ‘I’m 12 in that photo. Of course I’m going to look different. I have makeup on now and I’m 15 years older.’”
While her transparency has made her one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars, it’s also fueled a nonstop conversation about her image — one that reached new heights at the Power of Women event.
The annual gala, which celebrates women in entertainment making a positive impact both on and off screen, featured honorees including Kate Hudson, Wanda Sykes, Sharon Stone, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Sweeney was introduced onstage by Stone, who praised her for her talent and resilience.
In her speech, Sweeney reflected on the parallels between herself and her latest role — portraying real-life boxing champion Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy. “I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I recognized something of myself in Christy,” she said. “I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define me before I get the chance to define myself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously.”
That message — about being seen — took on new meaning when she stepped onto the red carpet in her daring outfit.
Social media lit up almost immediately. Fans flooded comment sections with admiration, calling her look “flawless,” “empowering,” and “modern-day Marilyn Monroe energy.” One fan wrote, “Wowsa! Hard to take your eyes off Sydney, that’s for sure! Hotter than hot!” Another added, “God took his time with Sydney Sweeney.”
But the praise didn’t come without criticism. Some users accused her of taking the message of empowerment too far, describing her outfit as “too revealing” or “attention-seeking.”
“What’s wrong with women who expose their private parts in such a shameful way???” one person commented. Another wrote, “So funny how women empowerment went from women being more than sex objects to being nude in public and calling it empowering.”
One critic even added, “I’m old enough to remember when this was considered soft porn.”
Still, Sweeney’s fans defended her, pointing out that her confidence and style choices align perfectly with her recent statements about self-expression. Her supporters praised her for being unapologetic and refusing to let others define what confidence should look like.
As the online debate raged, one thing became clear — Sweeney knew exactly what she was doing. Her dress wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a declaration. A reminder that owning your power sometimes means refusing to play it safe.
Whether people loved it or hated it, Sydney Sweeney ensured that everyone was watching — and talking.