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Hollywood's sheer style obsession: Is it sheer folly?

We’re all for a little peekaboo here and there, but one celebrity trend that’s averaging as many misses as hits is the sheer fabric one. From the red carpet to more casual press events, stars are swapping out sturdier fabric for lace, netting and organza, which can make for a sexy getup — or a risqué disaster.At Wednesday night’s “Iron Man 3” premiere, for example, Gwyneth Paltrow —
Cast member Gwyneth Paltrow, in an Antonio Berardi gown  gown, poses at the premiere of \"Iron Man 3\" in Hollywood, California on April 24, 2013.
Gwyneth Paltrow, in a revealing Antonio Berardi gown, poses at the premiere of \"Iron Man 3\" in Hollywood on April 24.MARIO ANZUONI / Today

We’re all for a little peekaboo here and there, but one celebrity trend that’s averaging as many misses as hits is the sheer fabric one. From the red carpet to more casual press events, stars are swapping out sturdier fabric for lace, netting and organza, which can make for a sexy getup — or a risqué disaster.

At Wednesday night’s “Iron Man 3” premiere, for example, Gwyneth Paltrow — currently the World’s Most Beautiful Woman, says People magazine — wore a Antonio Berardi gown that was all sophistication in the front, near nudity in the side and back. The stunning dress featured sheer panels that gave a good glimpse into the 40-year-old Oscar winner’s thigh and butt area, a style some found questionable.

Risque? Actress Gwyneth Paltrow shows some skin at the \"Iron Man 3\" premiere.
Risque? Actress Gwyneth Paltrow shows some skin at the \"Iron Man 3\" premiere.Jason Merritt / Today
Gwyneth Paltrow's Antonio Berardi gown featured sheer panels that some found a bit too revealing.
Actress and cookbook author Gwyneth Paltrow was named World’s Most Beautiful Woman by People magazine.David Livingston / Today

“Do you even wear underwear with that? What if the opaque fabric shifts over to one side?” wrote The Huffington Post. “Oy, this look might just be too stressful for us.”

(Interestingly, this comes a month after Paltrow apologized for her sheer – and bra-less – look at the 2002 Oscars).

Kim Kardashian, donning a LBD, is seen with Kanye West in New York City on April 24, 2013.
Kim Kardashian, in an LBD with peekaboo panel, is seen with Kanye West in New York City on April 24, 2013.Today

Kim Kardashian, 32, had a similar incident on Wednesday, when she (accidentally?) bared her underwear in a black dress featuring mesh panels that were placed a bit too high. The pregnant reality-TV star has publicly commented on the difficulties of dressing for one’s pregnancy (so we’ll give her a temporary pass).

Of course, the most famous sheer snafu occurred at this year’s SAG Awards, in which best actress winner Jennifer Lawrence’s Dior gown seemed to rip as she ascended the podium stairs. It didn't; the tiered couture creation simply possessed clear panels under the outer layer that made an unwanted appearance as she lifted the dress. But to many, it looked like a wardrobe malfunction.

Plenty of celebrities have obviously worn the trend with grace and beauty, but often because their outfits didn’t strategically place swaths of sheer paneling near the upper thighs, butt or nipples — danger territory. What do you think — are you a fan of the trend? Should celebrities continue flashing their thighs? And do they hate underwear?

Supermodel Heidi Klum, 38, showed off her thighs while on The Tonight Show with host Jay Leno on January 23, 2013.
Supermodel Heidi Klum, 38, showed off her thighs while on The Tonight Show with host Jay Leno on January 23, 2013.NBC / Today
Actress Kristen Stewart attends the UK Premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' on November 14, 2012 in London, England.
Actress Kristen Stewart attends the UK Premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' on November 14, 2012 in London, England.Dave J Hogan / Today

We all know no matter how hard they try, they can never be the queen of sheer — our girl Kate already holds the crown:

Before she was a duchess: Kate Middleton models on the catwalk at a student fashion show attended by Prince William, on March, 26, 2002 in St.Andrews, Scotland.
Before she was a duchess: Kate Middleton models on the catwalk at a student fashion show attended by Prince William, on March, 26, 2002 in St. Andrews, Scotland.Today