Sydney Sweeney In A See-Through Dress Breaks The Internet, But Draws Backlash For Being Too 'Revealing'

By Favour Adegoke on October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
Updated on October 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM EDT

Sydney Sweeney at the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles Event
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Sydney Sweeney had all eyes on her as she walked the red carpet at Variety's 2025 Power of Women event.

Dressed in a sheer, floor-length gown, the actress showed off her stunning figure just days after shutting down rumors about having cosmetic surgery.

At the event, Sydney Sweeney also delivered a rousing speech to inspire women and drew parallels between herself and the character she plays in the upcoming sports biopic "Christy."

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What Sydney Sweeney Wore For The Event

Sydney Sweeney at the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles Event
Lisa O'Connor/ AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

For Variety's 2025 Power of Women event on Wednesday night, Sydney Sweeney turned heads with an outfit that had everyone talking about how stunning she looked.

She wore a floor-length gown made from a light, shimmering metallic silver fabric that left nothing to the imagination as it elegantly draped over her body.

The outfit featured a gathered detail at Sweeney's midsection with a scooped neck design that drew attention to the delicate hollow at her décolleté.

At the back, it showcased beautiful, intricate ruching down the center seam, which held the gown together gracefully.

For her hairstyle, Sweeney chose a short, smooth bob cut that framed her well-made-up face. She also accessorized with a pair of dangling diamond earrings and fine rings on her fingers.

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The Actress Gave An Emotional Speech At The Event

At the event, Sweeney captivated the audience with a speech that reflected on her journey in the film industry and her role in the upcoming biopic "Christy."

She began by saying that the event was about celebrating the power of women and that she was incredibly honored to be recognized.

Sweeney spoke about being "underestimated" in the industry while drawing parallels between herself and Christy Martin, whom she claimed was a survivor of abuse and manipulation at the hands of her husband.

"I know what it feels like … to have people define you before you've had a chance to define yourself," she said during the speech. "I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously."

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"Everyone of us has our own fight," the actress added. "Strength doesn't look loud sometimes, and sometimes it's about getting up again and again, no matter who is watching."

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Sydney Sweeney Says Women Should Never 'Shrink' Themselves

Sydney Sweeney at the 2025 AFI (American Film Institute) Fest Presented By Canva - Premiere Of Black Bear's 'Christy'
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency

Sweeney concluded her emotional speech with an encouraging message to women.

The "Eden" star urged them to never give up and to always pursue what they want, noting that fear of failure should not deter them, and to pick themselves back up if they "fall."

"You don't have to wait for permission to be brave, you don't have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable, and if you fall, you can just get right back up," Sweeney said.

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Fans Lauded Sydney Sweeney's Talent And Speech, With Her Stunning Outfit Still Getting Praise

Sydney Sweeney at the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles Event
Lisa O'Connor/ AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

On her social media page, Sweeney shared a clip of her giving the speech, which she followed with a thank you remark to the magazine, Martin, and "all the women who inspire us in big and small ways."'

The clip quickly gathered thousands of likes, alongside comments praising Sweeney's talent and her speech.

"So proud of you! What a smart, strong, powerful, beautiful white woman you are!" one user wrote.

"Syd, that was such an inspiring and empowering speech for women all around the world. Thank you for using your voice to make us feel truly seen, heard, and valued," a second X user commented.

Reacting to her stunning outfit, a fan wrote, "What a Greek or Roman sculptor would need to make a statue of a goddess."

However, some disapproved, calling the dress too "revealing" and racy.

A person on X commented, "So are we all gonna ignore how wrong it is to go out dressed like this? But ofc, it's Sydney Sweeney, we can overlook it."

Another noted, "Well, this is ironic, the power of women is their sexuality."

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Sydney Sweeney Intends To Age Gracefully

Sydney Sweeney at the 2025 AFI Fest - Premiere Of Black Bear's 'Christy'
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

For years, Sweeney has faced speculation about her appearance, with some suggesting she has undergone plastic surgery like many other high-profile celebrities.

But according to the actress, she has never gone under the knife, despite rumors swirling about her looks.

"I've never gotten anything done," the 28-year-old revealed in an interview with Variety. "I'm absolutely terrified of needles. No tattoos. Nothing."

The actress also revealed that she plans to "age gracefully," implying that she has no intention to go under the knife even at a later time.

"It's really funny. I'll see things online like 'comparison pictures.' I'm like, 'I'm 12 in that photo,'" Sweeney further remarked.

She added, "Of course, I'm going to look different. I have makeup on now, and I'm 15 years older."

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