As a professional stylist, my job is to stay on top of the latest fashion trends so that I can show my clients ways to wear them. The sheer trend is everywhere lately – whether it be the runways, the red carpet or the streets. While the more literal iterations may not be for everyone, there are certainly subtle ways to incorporate a show of skin into your looks. Read on.
What is the trend?
Sheer fabrics have been a fashion mainstay since Kate Moss wore her naked dress in the 90s, but the recent resurgence of the street trend may be attributable to “that” Prada skirt. Ever since the designer presented a demure mini layered over a long, lingerie inspired sheer slip in the Fall 2022 RTW show, showing skin has been back in. This spring, expect to see designs in fabrics like tulle, mesh, chiffon, organza, and lace in neutral colors (think black, white, and earth tones) and pastels.
Chanel
Prada
Carven
Victoria Beckham
Saint Laurent
Dries Van Noten
Givenchy
Loewe
Khaite
Altuzarra
Dior
Proenza Schouler
Who is wearing it?
Designers like Valentino, Saint Laurent and Givenchy are masters of the art of sheer dressing, and celebrities are here for it. Who can forget Kendall Jenner’s dress at the 2021 Met Gala, or Florence Pugh’s nipple-baring pink number that had the internet abuzz last summer? She pushed the envelope even further at this year’s Vanity Fair party following the Oscars, wearing a completely sheer dress by Simone Rocha for Jean Paul Gaultier. Even JLaw got in on the trend for the event in a delicate sheer floral Regency gown from the Givenchy archives.
For the record, women are not the only ones to embrace sheer dressing. Zoë Kravitz recently roasted her rock star dad Lenny for his affinity for see-through shirts: “According to my dad, if it doesn’t expose your nipples, it’s not a shirt.”
How to wear it
For most of us, wearing the sheer trend means tastefully incorporating an unexpected show of skin into your look. Try these tricks.
- Wear a sheer top. You can choose to wear it over a fitted camisole with spaghetti straps for a more modest look, or over a lace bra or bodysuit if you are in the right company. I would still suggest wearing a blazer over that combination because you never know who you might run into.
- Wear a sheer skirt. This can be a really fun way to play with the trend, but it requires good underpinnings. Opt for a fitted slip in the same color as the skirt and choose its length depending on how much leg you want to show. For a casual look, pair it with an oversized sweater; for a dressier look, try a blazer or leather jacket.
- Wear a sheer dress. Once again, underpinnings are key. While I love an extra show of skin in certain areas like the legs and arms, I think it’s more tasteful to keep your private parts – well – private.
- IRL. I wore a sheer lace dress for a recent date night. The dress in question falls to my knees and comes with a separate full slip. I switched that slip out for a black bra and half slip for an added show of skin, and added a structured blazer to keep the look somewhere between lady and siren. Here is the look.
How do you feel about the sheer trend? Would you wear it? As always, you can reach me here if you need styling help.
