Fashion

Nicole Kidman Goes Nearly Nude in This Prada Dress

by Mary Avant

Yes, they have envious bodies and stunning faces. Yes, they have access to the most high-fashion designers and couture gowns on a daily basis. And yes, they have stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists to help them look their absolute best at each step. But that doesn’t mean celebrities are always going to look downright flawless for each and every red carpet appearance they make. After all, even the best-dressed stars deserve to have an “off” fashion day every once in a while (I’m still looking at you and your confusing Met Gala gown, Lupita).

But even though I know this is true, it still sends a little jolt through me every time I see a gorgeous star — especially one known for her unparalleled beauty and impeccable style — step out in something that’s, well, a little less than stellar. And that’s exactly how I would describe the undeniably beautiful Nicole Kidman’s most recent outfit: Not so impressive and, if I'm being honest, even a little questionable.

Showing up to the 2014 Celebrate Life Ball in her home country of Australia, the Grace of Monaco star hit the red carpet in a nude Prada number that not only nearly blended in with her fair skin — leaving her looking actually nude at a glance — but also struggled to stun in the fit and embellishment departments.

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In theory, this gown should be lovely. A blush-colored, floor-sweeping gown from one of the most highly regarded Italian fashion houses that’s embellished with beautiful silver paillettes and a cleavage-bearing neckline? Sounds good to me. But when you throw in that oddly fitting, under-breast ruching and the two strands of embellishments that dissect her midsection — which would make even the tiniest of women look about twice as wide in the middle — that’s where it all goes off track. And with a hue that nude, it would have been fabulous to see a little color somewhere else, whether it was with a bright clutch, some colorful earrings, or even a deeper red lip.

But let’s at least give her this: From the neck up, she looked as drop-dead gorgeous as ever.

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I think it's best for everyone that we just put this rare misstep out of our minds, which is why I'm leaving you with this fabulous look from the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where Kidman absolutely killed it.

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See? Now the damage is undone.