Inappropriate Dakota Johnson Outfits She'll Never Live Down

From red carpet premieres to NYC sightings, Dakota Johnson has proven her fashion prowess with enviable, cool-girl outfits. Her day-time looks are defined by a classic minimalism and chic effortlessness, while her eveningwear combines elegance, shimmer, and skin. According to stylist Kate Young, the celeb's standout style can be attributed to her interest in fashion. "She likes clothes. Not all actresses do," the expert told Vogue in 2021. "It's fun trying on clothes with her; it's not serious or stressful, and she humors me."

Still, being a Gucci ambassador doesn't make you immune to fashion faux pas. Just as Johnson has been caught wearing some outdated trends, the "Materialists" actor has sported some inappropriate outfits over the years. Sometimes, these style choices have the star standing out for all the wrong reasons, while others have led to headline-making wardrobe malfunctions. So, while we've definitely taken style notes from Johnson before, there are some inappropriate outfits that she'll never live down. 

Dakota's wardrobe choice led to an onstage malfunction

First, Dakota Johnson suffered a wardrobe malfunction during the 2016 People's Choice Awards, with the Texas native accepting an award for Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress after starring in "Fifty Shades of Grey" in 2015. The star's Armani Privé top broke when hugging presenter Leslie Mann, with the spaghetti-strapped piece nearly coming off altogether.

Luckily, she was able to play it off with a joke before expressing thanks for the accolade. "It's not like nobody here hasn't already seen my boobs," she remarked, referring to the nudity featured in the erotic romance film. While the celeb definitely looked eye-catching in the sparkly two-piece, the ensemble ultimately became memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The actor missed the mark with 2016 Met Gala look

Dakota Johnson's next inappropriate look comes from the 2016 Met Gala, with "The Social Network" actor managing to both miss the mark of the theme and look underdressed for the occasion. Titled "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," the year's exhibit explored the dichotomy between handmade and machine-made garments, with many of the high-profile attendees opting for futuristic ensembles and intricately-crafted pieces. Meanwhile, Johnson wore a Gucci dress featuring a lace-trimmed, deep-V neckline and a bold star print. While this might make for a unique ensemble at another event, it definitely falls flat as a look for the momentous occasion, with the star paling in comparison to the gala's other attendees.

She picked a confusing dress to promote Fifty Shades Darker

Next, Dakota Johnson's outfit choice for the Madrid premiere of "Fifty Shades Darker" marked another questionable look. While the "Nepo Baby" previously teased the risqué vibes of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movies with plunging necklines and backless gowns, she opted for a modest silhouette and traditional details for the Madrid event. The ruffled Gucci gown featured a tiered skirt, collared neckline, and gold piping, channeling a vintage aesthetic. Though Johnson isn't required to method dress or show skin at premiere events, this particular ensemble turned our heads for how out of place it felt.

Dakota looked extremely under-styled at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Though Dakota Johnson looks beautiful going makeup-free, her minimal styling at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party was a major fashion misstep. The actor wore a floor-length gown from Gucci, with the black piece consisting of a droopy, peach-colored bow around the waist. She styled the outfit with a half-up hairstyle and subtle, bronze eyeshadow. There is often elegance to be found in simplicity, but sometimes minimalism can read as unprepared and dull. In this way, given that the Oscars are all about Hollywood glamour and glitz, this underwhelming look had Johnson sticking out in the worst way possible.

The star had to hold up her dress while on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Dakota Johnson suffered another wardrobe malfunction when appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in 2024. The star wore a sleek Bottega Veneta midi-dress to promote her movie "Daddio," with the black piece featuring unique hardware straps decorated with a dainty flower and leaf. Unfortunately, this embellishment nearly led to an accidental flashing when one of the straps broke mid-interview, resulting in Johnson having to manually hold up the bodice of her gown. Though she didn't let the awkward mishap completely derail her interview, it definitely had us thinking this wasn't the best pick for the occasion.

She realized her plunging neckline wasn't the best late night choice

Dakota Johnson's late-night mishaps continued into 2025, as she sported a low-cut mini-dress that constantly threatened a nip-slip while on "The Tonight Show." "This is the wrong outfit," she said lightheartedly during the interview, with the combination of the plunging neckline and angled seating requiring her to stay aware of her cleavage. "I'll keep my posture real good."

While the outfit lands the actor among celebrities who've demonstrated the versatility of the little black dress, it proved to be an inappropriate choice for her interview. Luckily, she made it through the night without revealing more than intended, with Johnson and Fallon even using random props to jokingly cover up her cleavage throughout the segment.

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