Nene Leakes doesn't just walk into a room; she orchestrates an event. Honestly, if you’ve been following the "OG of ATL" lately, you know she’s traded the "white refrigerator" energy for something way more high-fashion and, frankly, a lot more transparent. The internet went into a literal tailspin recently when a Nene Leakes see through look surfaced on her Instagram, featuring a chest-baring sheer mini gown that left very little to the imagination.
People were mad. Some were obsessed. It’s basically the Nene cycle we’ve seen for two decades, just with more mesh.
Why the Nene Leakes See Through Trend Is Sparking So Much Drama
Late in 2025, Nene posted a series of photos in a sheer gown trimmed with feathers. It was bold. The top was almost entirely see-through, save for some strategically placed pasties and feather wisps. While her loyal fans—the ones who’ve been there since she was "very rich"—were screaming "Yesss Queen," a vocal group of critics jumped in to call it the "worst representation."
Does she care? Clearly not. She posted the outfit three separate times.
That’s the thing about Nene. She’s 58 now, and she’s leaning into this "naked illusion" phase with a level of confidence that feels almost rebellious. It’s not just one dress, either. We’ve seen the bedazzled mesh dresses, the semi-sheer jumpsuits with the "bodysuit" lining, and that LaQuan Smith cutout moment that basically broke the Bravo-sphere.
The Evolution of the "Glam-ma" Style
Remember 2008 Nene? The wig was different. The teeth were different. The clothes were... well, they were very "Atlanta socialite trying to find her footing."
Fast forward to today, and she’s working with stylists like Paris Chea and rocking brands that usually require a runway invite.
- The Lace Illusion: Back in September, she wore a lace dress that looked like it was painted on. No underwear, just vibes.
- The Crystal Mesh: For a night out in December, she hit a luxury restaurant in a crystal-encrusted mesh number that racked up over a million views.
- The Feathers and Skin: Her birthday shoot (Sagittarius season, obviously) featured a sheer top with knee-high boots and a blonde wig that looked like it cost more than a small car.
Some people on Reddit claim it's "too much" for a woman in her late 50s. They talk about the "Instagram baddie" aesthetic and how she’s "photoshopping her pores off." But if you actually look at the trajectory, Nene has always used her body as a billboard for her own brand of power.
What People Get Wrong About the "See Through" Controversy
The biggest misconception is that these outfits are a "cry for attention" because she’s been off the main Real Housewives of Atlanta cast for a while.
Kinda the opposite.
Nene is actually more relevant now than she’s been in years. Between her podcast, The Nene Leakes Show, and the massive news that she’s returning for Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip, she’s in a "homecoming" era. The sheer clothes aren't a distraction; they’re a uniform. She’s saying, "I’m still here, I still look like this, and I’m still the one you’re talking about."
Facts vs. Rumors: The "Editing" Allegations
You can't talk about a Nene Leakes see through outfit without mentioning the commenters who swear she’s a CGI creation. One user famously claimed they saw her at the St. Regis and she "didn't look like that."
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Look, Nene has been 100% transparent about her plastic surgery. She’s talked about the nose jobs, the breast lift, the lipo, and the BBL. When a woman owns her surgeries that loudly, she’s usually not hiding behind a filter as much as people think—she just really likes how she looks in high-key lighting.
The Business of Being Bare
There’s a method to the madness. These viral fashion moments translate to real numbers.
When she wore an orange feather-detailed tank from LaPointe? It sold out.
When she wore the LaQuan Smith dress? Her engagement metrics spiked.
She knows that a "scandalous" sheer dress is a gateway to people clicking on her YouTube talk show or buying tickets to her live appearances. It’s the "Polo Classic" energy—she might show up in a flowy Carolina Herrera gown one day, but the next day, she’s going to give you skin. It keeps the "fashion police" (which she used to be a part of on E!) talking.
How to Navigate the "Nene Aesthetic" Without the Drama
If you’re looking at Nene’s style and wondering how to pull off the sheer trend without becoming a neighborhood talking point, here’s the reality:
- Pasties are non-negotiable: Unless you're on a closed set, Nene’s "pastie and mesh" combo is the only way to avoid a total wardrobe malfunction.
- Texture matters: Notice how she often balances a see-through top with feathers or heavy sequins. It creates a "distraction" that makes the look feel like art rather than just exposure.
- Confidence is the actual outfit: If you look uncomfortable in mesh, you look naked. If you look like Nene, you look like a boss.
Nene’s return to the Bravo universe in 2026 is basically the victory lap she’s been waiting for. Whether you love the sheer gowns or think they’re "too much," you can’t deny that she’s controlled the narrative. She didn’t wait for an invite back to the table; she built a new table, put on a see-through dress, and waited for everyone else to pull up a chair.
Keep an eye on her Instagram during the Ultimate Road Trip premiere. If history tells us anything, the outfits are only going to get riskier as the cameras start rolling again.
Actionable Insight: If you're inspired by the sheer trend, start with "illusion" panels—mesh inserts that give the look of skin without the full exposure—to test your comfort level before going full Nene.