Seeing through this style phenomenon
Sheer dressing is no stranger to fashion’s spotlight. For a few seasons now, transparent styling has enjoyed enduring popularity everywhere from runways and red carpets to street style hotspots. It’s come in many different forms from ethereal maxi gowns to simpler co-ords. We’ve seen it all. The “naked dress phenomenon” – celebrity-approved sheer dresses that bare all, often bedazzled and figure-hugging, as well as grunge-inspired mesh and, more recently, sheer looks centred around ‘90s-style simplicity. And love for sheer dressing shows no sign of declining.
While styling inspiration for sheer dressing may be plenty in the latest collections and at star-studded events, the trend continues to pose a wearability conundrum. How can we make it a part of our everyday wardrobes? And how can it transition into autumn? Luckily for you all, I’m a huge fan of sheer dressing and I don’t plan on switching out my transparent fabrics anytime soon. So let’s break down all the ways I love to wear the trend, for the sheer fun of it.
Business Chic
It may not be what you first think of when the term sheer dressing comes to mind but office-approved sheer looks mean business. Light and lending well to layering, sheer pieces are a great option for smarter transitional looks that provide a happy medium between summery linen midis and chilly-weather-approved chunky knits. Sheer shirts worn over simple spaghetti-strap tanks and midi skirts with sheer hems present a modest take on the trend while channelling the coveted Office Siren aesthetic. Sheer suits were a favourite of mine from the Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 runways.
Out All Night
Sheer looks are perfect for elegance after dark and they don’t have to be quite as daring as you think. You can make fully sheer dresses or top and skirt co-ords a little more modest with the addition of exposed bralettes and micro shorts or bodysuits worn underneath that offer more coverage than traditional underwear. But if you want to incorporate the trend in a more subtle way, try styles with strategically-placed sheer mesh panels. Lace is also a great option that’s super timeless, either as a full look or with trim details (I love wearing with a classic black blazer over the top).
images source : Pinterest
Make It ‘90s
Love for ‘90s-style minimalism is well established so why not make it a little more risqué? Kate Moss championed sheer simplicity throughout the decade. The first look that comes to mind is her iconic maxi slip dress finished with a metallic sheen but I’m also a fan of sheer top and skirt co-ords in neutral shades to channel the style era’s notorious no-fuss approach. Dress up with open-toe heels and a sleek shoulder bag or make more casual with trainers and your favourite everything tote. For something a bit different but no less easy to wear, I love incorporating denim into my sheer looks with jeans featuring sheer panels and overlays.
Boho Love
Boho chic is one of my favourite style revivals from recent seasons, and considering how much fashion loves to resurrect trends and aesthetics, that’s high praise. Floaty boho-inspired silhouettes, asymmetrical draping and ruffles are all well suited to light, sheer fabrics. Think gorgeous silk muslin or mesh if you want something more affordable. I adore sheer long dresses that seem to cascade off your body, complete with ruffles and waterfall hems. And to make autumn-approved, add leather boots and chunky gold jewellery for a look that gives off cool girl energy.
To sheer or not to sheer – what’s your take? Daring? Yes. Fun to style? Most definitely! Sheer dressing may seem a little risqué but what I love about any trend that appears a little too out there at first is that it’s so much fun to play around with and make more modest and wearable as part of your wardrobe. Shop more styles from my Sheer Dressing Edit below.
Shop My Sheer Dressing Edit
