Sheer clothing has been on the cutting edge of fashion for as long as anybody can remember. What began as a summer staple has now taken over the entire calendar year. From mesh tops to sheer tights, sheer fabric has been popular with trendsetters in the fashion world. And yet despite this, most women feel they can’t pull this look off. If you feel this way, then you are not alone.
Sheer fabric is not for everybody. Putting on something so transparent can be counterintuitive for some, but the benefits of wearing something so revealing can be seen in the amount of confidence it provides. What’s more, it’s the perfect look that skirts the line between sexy and sophisticated. And while these pros outweigh the cons, you may still feel that sheer fabric is not right for you. After all, showing off skin doesn’t come naturally to most women.
But if you still feel that you want to give sheer clothing another shot, we’re here to help. Sheer clothing may be intimidating for most women but you don’t have to be one of them. With these easy tricks, you can slay in see-through outfits.
Start Small
The world of see-through clothing is vast, and by jumping into the deep end too quickly, you might find yourself drowning in a sea of camisoles and laser-cut skirts. The best way to start is to invest in one article of sheer clothing. By doing this, you avoid the pitfalls of spending too much on too many clothes you may not even wear.
When picking your first see-through top or skirt, be sure to pick one that fits the rest of your wardrobe. Try matching your selections to some basics you have at home, like tops or jeans, to see if your sheer clothing of choice works. This way, you can style your sheer clothing around the wardrobe you already have and not the other way around. Doing so will allow you to see how many versatile looks you can create with just a few items in your closet.
What To Look For
If you have very little experience in picking out sheer clothing, then don’t fret. Here are some things you can look out for. Sheer clothing may look ill-fitting or out of shape, especially when you see it hanging in a store. However, don’t let this dissuade you. Sheer clothing, like camisoles designed to be worn outside, is made to hug the contours of the wearer, and as such, will adjust once you’ve put it on a few times.
Speaking of camisoles, be sure to pick one in your size. Because of their body-hugging properties, tight camisoles will not only be unflattering but also uncomfortable. Pick one in a shape that is right for you and soon, you’ll see why this trend is here to stay.
Another thing you may want to consider is versatility. Try picturing how many outfits you can make with one article of sheer clothing to see how far you can stretch both its value and your imagination. For instance, an organza blouse works wonders when paired with either jeans and flats or a skirt and heels. Speaking of pairings, let’s talk about layering.
Layered Looks
Layering and sheer clothing are the surprise pairing of the moment. Layering sheer clothing over or under other pieces allows you to show off just the right amount of skin you are comfortable with. However, layering in excess can also be a bad thing. To achieve the proper balance, you must first identify what look you’re trying to pull off with the sheer clothing you’re about to wear.
Sheer blouses also work in the same fashion. Layer your sheer top underneath a suit and you won’t look out of place at a red carpet event. If you’re after something more casual, replace your dress pants with jeans and you’ll fit right in at Coachella.
Intimates Worn Outside
Camisoles worn outside the bedroom are nothing new and offer so much versatility in terms of looks. Trying to live an active lifestyle? Try pairing them with some bike shorts, a sports bra, and sneakers. If you’re after a night out of town, replace those with a jacket, jeans, and heels. Perhaps you have a crop top you’ve been dying to wear but have been too afraid to try? Pull a sheer top over it and ease into your newly found confidence.
Sheer Skirts and Dresses
Sheer skirts and dresses, on the other hand, work best when they are layered over another pair of bottoms. A pair of shorts or a mini skirt underneath your sheer skirt or dress looks better than you think. Work that look with a great pair of shoes and you can kick butt wherever you go.
Another look that’s all the rage is a blouse underneath a sheer dress. Try on a basic white blouse underneath a semi-sheer dress for that upscale look. This will help you achieve a fancier feel without having too much on.
Use Optical Illusions
If you’re still struggling with the idea of revealing too much, today’s sheer clothing also comes in a variety of patterns and prints. Try sticking to these to see if it works. The patterns and prints work wonders in fooling the eyes because it keeps your outfit looking busy. Double down on this look and pair it with some rugged jeans or a vintage jacket to pull off that rock and roll aesthetic,
Color Blocking
Color is another weapon in your arsenal against prying eyes. Color blocking is a technique that stylists use to break up an outfit into sections and style from there. By grouping your look into colors, you are able to not only seamlessly pull an outfit together, but also show off in the way you are comfortable with. If you have a sheer top, try pairing it with a bright jacket or blazer. Accessories also work in breaking your outfit into sections. Large jewelry is effective in highlighting your look as well as keeping your eyes away from places you don’t want them to wander to.
Go Easy
And finally, go easy on yourself. Don’t get the first item you see, especially if it feels like you’ll show off more than you are ready for. Stick to items that have partial or smaller see-through portions and work your way up. By starting slowly, you can adjust your comfort level and boost your confidence at the same time.
A laser-cut skirt, for example, is a great starter piece because of the versatility and the right amount of transparency it offers. Clothes with mesh panels are also a great choice. Jersey dresses with mesh panels can upscale a simple dress into something that can be worn to much fancier events. Be warned though: too much of anything is bad. And when it comes to mesh panels, too much mesh will have you looking like somebody right out of a metal concert.
Sheer fabric can be intimidating at first, but hopefully, you’ve picked up a trick or two to work around it. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you won’t stray too far out of your comfort zone. Stick to looks that work and you’ll soon find yourself slaying everything from cafes to catwalks.
