Sheer Dress Trend & How To Actually Wear It

We've all seen the red carpet looks where countless celebrities have embraced the naked or sheer dress trend. It's a bold statement look that almost guarantees admiration and chatter when worn. We've seen that happen for decades. The sheer dress trend may not be a hot and new idea, but it's one that has seen a strong resurgence especially over the past decade with celebrities like Rihanna and Florence Pugh styling their takes on the looks. 

It's not exactly a trend that's got everyone racing to the racks to try their own take of, and it makes sense. While it's a show-stopper, Vogue's "sexy, subversive, and powerful" trend isn't exactly something you can wear outside of the red carpet - unless you learn to style it and make it look and feel like you... but sheer. Keep reading for more on the sheer dress trend and how to crack the styling code so you can become a proud owner of a sheer, stylish piece.

Outfits

Since Yves Saint Laurent made his first sheer look, the trend has never quite left or gone out of fashion. For an industry that revels in change, a look with a longevity of decades signifies just how powerful of a statement it has been making and still making to this day. 

The Dress

The most frequently seen piece of clothing in this sheer trend is the sheer dress. It's versatile for styling and is great for layering. It's also the easiest to style if you look at it this way - if you're bold enough, a nude or color matching thong is enough to finish the look. But in most cases and for most people, that doesn't come close to cutting it. 

Start with a bra, bandeau, cami, or top tube and pair it with denim shorts, tights, leggings, a full high-waisted brief, or a thong. Pull over the sheer dress over top and leave it loose for a flowing fit or add a belt overtop the waistline. You can do the same with a bodycon dress underneath the sheer dress as well. 

From the most risqué pairing of a bra with thong, to more modest pairing of a tube top with leggings, the layer of the sheer dress added, it's a fashion statement to an otherwise normal look. You get to decide what areas you want the sheer effects to capture and what to cover. 

Something special about these pieces is no matter how you wear it, the choice of dawning them catches the eye and brings into appreciation the boldness and empowered nature of the person wearing it. It seem thats Vogue was right about these see through styles - as usual.

The Top

From the grand re-entrance of the sheer garments came the resurgence of sheer tops. Though there is less real estate, they do not lack in any way the bold and daring vibe the dress brings to the table. Styling wise, you can wear for example a bra, bandeau, cami, or top tube. You can even get fancy and wear a differently styled top underneath this (long patterned shirt under a short sleeved sheer top). A personal favorite combination is the halter top element underneath a sheer, long-sleeved top. There's something so mysterious about this combination that invites you in without revealing all the secrets hidden down under. 

The Skirt

The sheer skirts have seen many music festival grounds layered overtop shorts, full high-waisted brief, or a thong. It's a look that passed the vibe of the event - free and flowy. But you can bring it into the everyday world by re-paneling the sheer with tights, leggings, or pants as you see fit. Going the opposite route, you can snag a snug, sheer skirt (short, midi, or long) and layer that with a bodycon skirt or denim shorts. Flowly or snug, both elevate any look as layering often does. 

Sheer Done For You 

Layering is fun and having that inventory of pieces opens the doors up to so many funs styles to curate year-round. On the other hand, if curation isn't your cup of tea or you're on a time crunch, you can obtain the look with a plethora of what I like to call "sheer done for you" pieces. From dresses, to tops, and bottoms, brands and fashion designers take the guess work out and panel out the pieces so what needs to be covered is sewn in. There are different levels of sheerness to dabble in and it's all done for you. All you have to do is pick the style that calls out to you most and throw it on. 

Sheer Dress

Sheer Top

Sheer Skirt

Tube Top Set

Conclusion - The Sheer Dress Trend

The word "sheer" has had the ability to draw in attention and leave minds awe while wondering how the look can be attained. It's a trend doused in mystery as it's walked down red carpets as seen in getty images, and printed onto magazine covers as an item that is most desired and curiousity-inspiring. 

All that separates is a sheer layer of fabric - that's the power of the sheer dress trend. Whether you want a plunging neckline, or the "naked dressing" look, one sheer black dress if enough to check all the boxed. Instead of leaving it up to the celebrities and super models of the world to wear your desired looks, dabble in transparent fabrics with your own creation - layered or ... not!