How Chappell Roan avoided breaking strict Grammys rules despite turning up 'topless'
Chappell Roan’s risqué Grammys outfit didn’t break any dress code rules, all thanks to taking advantage of this one loophole.
Oh, what a dress for the annual occasion! The 'Pink Pony Club' singer left people scrambling to social media to talk about her sheer ensemble when she showed up on the red carpet of the 68th Grammy Awards on Sunday evening (1 February).
The dress in question featured a burgundy sheer fabric that was essentially held up via nipple rings, as she showcased an array of wine-stain-esque tattoos all over her body.
The Thierry Mugler piece by Miguel Castro Freitas was a version of a look that debuted in the 2026 show in the Spring, which was reportedly inspired by its Jeu de Paume 1998 couture show.
Advert
While Roan debuting the piece left jaws on the floor, this was due to two very different reasons.
One, people loved it (including moi), or two, they hated it and believed it infringed on the Grammy’s dress code rules which, if violated, will see stars receive a fine from hosting company, CBS.
Per CBS‘s guidelines, one must not show nipples.
"Chapell Roan the woman that you are,” one social media user praised.
As another wrote: "You look so good there are no words sufficient enough to suffice.”
But others weren’t so pleased.
“No offence but this is too nude for me for a public event,” wrote one user.
Later, Roan took to her social accounts to respond to those who were shocked.
Writing on Instagram on Monday afternoon, the singer said: “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird.
"I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly :D."
However, I think you’ll notice that Roan was actually wearing nipple pasties - or prosthetics - to cover both the nipple and areola in this instance, and the nipple rings were attached to said pasties.
Therefore, no nipple was on view.
It’s a very smart move considering the Mugler 1998 dress originally held onto actual nipple piercings on a fully naked breast.
One look that did go on to break the rules throughout the Grammys 50-plus year run was Bianca Censori‘s naked dress last year on the carpet.
Bianca and hubby Kanye West conducted a scandal like no other when the architect posed in a see-through gown with what looked like absolutely nothing underneath.
Of course, this broke the rules, and the pair were reportedly banned according to a source who spoke to the Express Tribune.
Topics: Chappell Roan, Grammys, Music, Fashion
Britt Jones