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1700s

Marie Antoinette wears her ‘la chemise de la reine’ – a gossamer white muslin gown – only while in the company of her nearest and dearest.
 

1962

Marilyn Monroe was said to have been sewn into the sheer flesh-coloured gown she wore (braless) to sing “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.
 

1970s

Jane Birkin sports a sheer minidress to Studio 54 in the ‘70s.
 

1992

Elaine’s nipple accidentally makes a guest appearance in her Christmas Card photo in this memorable Seinfeld episode in 1992.

 

1993

No one wears sheer like a carefree Kate Moss, here in silvery Liza Bruce in 1993.
 

1999

Before Anthony Vaccarello brought the pastie to YSL, Lil’ Kim sported one to the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
 

2004

Remember Nipplegate? Aka Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” during the 2004 Super Bowl.
 

2013

Beyoncé’s trompe l’oeil outfits for her 2013 Mrs. Carter tour were designed by The Blonds and Ralph & Russo.

 

2014

CFDA Fashion Icon Award winner Rihanna wears a barely there crystal embellished Adam Selman dress to the 2014 ceremony and breaks the Internet.
 

2015

Facebook overturns their policy on breast-feeding photos the same year thanks to #FreeTheNipple campaign.

 

2015

Instagram removes topless images from the accounts of celebs like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Scout Willis. The nipple ban is blamed on Apple’s iTunes store policies for family friendly apps.

 

2017

For fall/winter 2017, even more conventional designers such as Loewe, Temperley London and Calvin Klein showcase sheers looks sans bras.