The Story Behind Kristen Bell’s ‘Too Sexy’ Dress: A Deep Dive into Family, Fame, and ‘Nobody Wants This’

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Actress Kristen Bell sparked a viral moment on the red carpet for “Nobody Wants This” season 2, humorously revealing her pre-teen daughters deemed her stunning red Alex Perry dress “too sexy” — a warning she playfully defied, embodying her confident persona.

Hollywood star Kristen Bell recently made headlines not just for her role in the upcoming second season of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” but for a lighthearted fashion dispute with her toughest critics: her own daughters. Stepping onto the red carpet for the season premiere, Bell exuded confidence in a striking red gown, a choice that her pre-teen girls, Lincoln and Delta, found to be a bit too daring.

A Mother’s Playful Defiance: “Watch Me!”

The 45-year-old actress, known for her roles in “Frozen” and “The Good Place,” donned a slinky, low-cut, backless red dress designed by Alex Perry, complete with delicate lace accents. While the ensemble garnered praise from fashion critics, her daughters, Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10, had a very different opinion.

“My kids told me it was too sexy to wear out of the house,” Bell told Access Hollywood on the red carpet. Her response, delivered with characteristic wit, has since become a viral moment: “They said, ‘You can’t wear that!’ — I said, ‘Watch me!’ “

This humorous exchange offers a peek into the lively and candid dynamic of the Bell-Shepard household, often shared by Kristen and her husband, Dax Shepard.

Humor and Honesty: The Bell-Shepard Family Way

The “too sexy” dress incident is just another example of the family’s renowned sense of humor and their open approach to parenting. Bell, who shares her two daughters with husband Dax Shepard, 50, frequently embraces the amusing and sometimes unexpected aspects of family life.

In a memorable social media post earlier this year, Shepard delighted fans by sharing a photo of Bell and one of their daughters twinning in denim button-down shirts, black sweatpants, and white Converse sneakers. “Most twins are the same age, but mine are 35 years apart,” he quipped in the caption, celebrating their bond.

Another hilarious glimpse into their family life came on Mother’s Day, when one of her daughters (unnamed) presented Bell with a card that read “Happy Fathers Day Mom!” on the front. Inside, the message sweetly began with “Mom, I love you so much! To the moon and back!” before taking a turn with “Happy Mothers Day you creative and consiterate [sic] bitch!” This endearing anecdote, shared by Bell, showcased the unfiltered humor inherited by her children, as reported by People.

Kristen Bell/instagram Kristen Bell and daughters Delta and Lincoln
Kristen Bell/instagram Kristen Bell and daughters Delta and Lincoln enjoying a family moment, showcasing their close bond.

“Nobody Wants This”: On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Support

The occasion for Bell’s much-debated dress was the premiere of “Nobody Wants This,” a Netflix series she also executive produced. In the show, Bell plays Joanne, an irreverent woman who upends the safe life plan of a charming rabbi named Noah (played by Adam Brody). The series, which debuted on October 23, features steamy on-screen kisses between the love interests, a topic that has also sparked discussion within the Bell-Shepard household.

Far from being bothered, Dax Shepard is famously supportive of his wife’s professional endeavors, including her romantic scenes. Bell previously shared her philosophy: “When he got to make out with Minka Kelly on ‘Parenthood,’ I was like, ‘Yes. Get it.’ We’re married; we’re not dead.”

The sentiment is mutual. Shepard revealed his reaction to Bell’s kissing scene with Adam Brody at the New Yorker Festival last fall. Watching with a friend, he recounted: “My best friend, Aaron, from childhood, he goes, ‘Does she ever kiss you like that?'” Dax’s candid reply? “No, I didn’t even know she could kiss like that.” This playful transparency is a hallmark of their strong and often humorous marriage.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Kristen Bell at the season 2 premiere of ‘Nobody Wants This’ in L.A. on Oct. 16, 2025.

Celebrating Success: An Emmy Nod and Enduring Love

Beyond her red carpet fashion and family anecdotes, Kristen Bell’s performance in “Nobody Wants This” has garnered significant critical acclaim. In July, she received her first Emmy nomination for her role in the series, a testament to her talent and dedication.

Dax Shepard celebrated this achievement in his own inimitable style, sharing a risqué photo of Bell doing yoga (edited with a red square over her rear end) on Instagram. “People might not know everything that happens behind the scenes in order to create an Emmy nominated performance like Kristen’s,” he captioned the post, adding, “This may or may not have been a part of her training, but it felt right. Congratulations!!!!!”

The couple also recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. Bell marked the milestone with a humorous post featuring a photo of her straddling Shepard. Her caption playfully quoted him: “Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once said to me: ‘I would never kill you. A lot of men have killed their wives at a certain point. Even though I’m heavily incentivized to kill you, I never would.’ ❤ ️” This blend of dark humor and deep affection perfectly encapsulates their enduring bond.

Kristen Bell’s ability to seamlessly navigate the demands of a high-profile acting career with the candid, often hilarious realities of family life continues to endear her to fans. Her red carpet choice, while playfully debated by her daughters, ultimately stands as a symbol of her confident spirit and the authentic joy she brings to every aspect of her life.

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