Melissa Joan Hart's Inappropriate Outfit At The 1997 American Music Awards Turned Heads

Actor Melissa Joan Hart was one of the most memorable faces seen on TV screens in the 1990s. The blond beauty won over audiences with her charming characters and flawless smile, and she established herself as a style icon while starring in the Nickelodeon series "Clarissa Explains It All" from 1991 to 1994. By the time she helmed "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" in 1996, Hart had grown into a young woman who was open to experimenting with mature fashions. For instance, she took a risk by wearing a sheer and slimming lace slip dress, a flirty option for warm days and nights, to the American Music Awards in 1997.

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The risqué number resembled a sexy nightgown, as it hugged her body and cascaded over her long legs. The see-through material left her chest nearly bare but was detailed with small black floral details that were strategically placed to prevent a nip-slip. Her floor-length skirt included a panel of black velvet to cover her bottom half while still keeping her waist exposed on each side, showing off her black underwear. Skinny straps just barely kept the dress' V-neckline in place and acted as a focal point on the backless gown. Hart smiled shyly while paring the ensemble with a dainty necklace, black sandals, and a sweet updo with a side part. Overall, the look was a little too daring for this specific event, but we can't deny that she looked great. 

Melissa Joan Hart looked as though she was channeling her famous witch character with her wickedly cheeky gown at the 1997 American Music Awards. She challenged the notion of being America's sweetheart by wearing a revealing A-line dress that showed a lot of skin. Luckily, the sheer dress didn't result in one of the worst award-show wardrobe malfunctions of all time, but it easily could've with one wrong turn. Its dark, daring fabric felt beautifully sinister and balanced elements of feminine style with subtle flower embroidery. This proved to be a pattern for Hart, who attended several red carpets throughout the '90s in black dresses, complete with occasional lace details and, of course, on-trend chunky accessories. Her boyfriend at the time, James Fields, matched her ensemble in a classic black suit. 

Hart looked back on the outfit fondly when speaking to Today in 2017. "This was the first glamorous red carpet I ever went to and I loved this dress," she said. "I felt very sassy." But for a major music awards ceremony, the family-friendly television star could have opted for an outfit that was more traditional. This would have been a great time for Hart to embrace bold colors or a wider silhouette to appear more glamourous. When it comes to elevating a slip dress for any occasion, you never want to appear underdressed. Even a stylish coat, such as the gorgeous red number she wore to a Christmas tree lighting the following year, would've made the barely there dress feel more appropriate.