What Emma Watson's Sheer Gown Says About Her Underboob Controversy

Emma Watson, a feminist advocate and UN Women ambassador, recently faced backlash for posing in a crochet cape and little else for Vanity Fair, because to some, showing that much skin is anti-everything Watson claims to stand for. But the actress isn’t letting the criticism get to her — and she definitely isn’t going to let the public dictate how she dresses.

Watson defiantly walked the red carpet at the New York premiere of Beauty and the Beast in another revealing ensemble on Monday night. Her black floor-length gown with a high slit over one leg featured sheer paneling in the bodice. The see-through panels created a large diamond-shaped keyhole over her chest and exposed some sideboob. The back featured a large open cutout with a big bow on top and a cascading train. The stunning piece was Givenchy haute couture.

While she didn’t expose as much as she did in the magazine spread, this is daring for a woman who’s been criticized for showing too much skin lately. After seeing the Tim Walker-lensed photo shoot, many Twitter users chastised Watson.

Of course, anyone — feminists included — can wear whatever they want. And in response to the controversy, Watson implied as much: “It just always reveals to me how many misconceptions and what a misunderstanding there is of what feminism is,” the 26-year-old said. “Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality. I really don’t know what my tits have to do with it. It’s very confusing.”

With the black gown, she styled her hair in an updo with a little height on the top, and her makeup was simple, save for a dark red lip. Her black box clutch, nails, and strappy heels matched the dress. And she wore four seriously awesome — but equally elegant — hoops on her ears.

Moral of the story: No one tells Watson what to wear.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

• All of the Best Eco Brands From Emma Watson’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Tour

• Emma Watson Channeled Belle’s Famous Yellow Dress at a Beauty and the Beast Event

• #WhatFeministsWear Is Trending Because of Emma Watson

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