The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
THE see-through (sheer) trend is perhaps the craziest look we have seen yet in fashion, but it’s also well positioned to be the prettiest. It’s great for those who want to bare a little flesh without going Lady Gaga or Rihanna on the streets. The trick is in how you wear it, on runways nothing is left to the imagination but the formula for real life is to layer the dress (or top) over a t-shirt and jeans. Driving that point home, we’ve seen some on the streets already adopting the idea with surprising ease.
While sheer gowns may glide effortlessly down the catwalk and runways overseas, most are still hesitant about incorporating sheer into everyday wear. With the following tips it should be easier to pull off.
Stock up on lingerie to keep you covered and stick to paneled dresses, skirts, and blouses if you’re feeling on the safe side. Maybe less really is more after all. Take baby steps. See-through clothing is intimidating and if you’re just trying it out for the first time, ease into it. Start with one sheer element, whether it’s a shirt, skirt, or a dress — and wear it right.
There’s no doubt that a swatch of skin can be both daring and chic without revealing too much. For the less adventurous, stick to sheer-panelled tops and dresses that take all the guesswork out of wearing the sheer trend. Translucent fabrics can draw interest to longer shaped styles or opaque fabrics.
Go for sporty vibes with a sheer-paneled tee or rock a midi-skirt this summer.
Choose something incompatible with your regular undergarments. On the flipside, you may put on the item and discover that it is just as weird as you expected it to be. Sometimes, you’ll love it anyway, like if the fit is very flattering. In these instances, you have to work really hard not to convince yourself that you can find a bra for that. When getting your sheer garment, try it on with what you plan to pair it with. This will give you assurance about your purchasing decision.
Layering a sheer chiffon dress or blouse over a crop top adds dimension and wearability to any outfit. Keep things simple underneath with a nude bra or discreet slip or dare to be bold and rock a sporty bandeau and high-waisted pants or shorts. Even the slouchiest of tops look effortlessly cool when it comes to sheer fabrics. From drapey blouses to rompers, the sheer trend ensures that slouchy silhouettes feel instantly sexy, not sloppy. For the less adventurous who want to get in on the sheer trend, a good way to do this would be to invest in casual outer pieces like capes or kimonos.
DON’T mix styles. If you’re going to veer into sheer, you want to make sure your look stays consistent. Typically speaking, if you’re wearing black lace you want to wear a black bra, tank top, bandeau top or camisole underneath — not a nude, thick, grandma bra. Nude tank tops can work, but nude bras are never going to perfectly match your skin tone, so don’t think you can pop your granny bra under there and no one will notice. Keep it simple.
Find the perfect flesh-coloured camisole. A great camisole, ideally made of stretchy cotton that’s form-fitting and not bulky, will totally change your wardrobe options. Suddenly, sheer button-down blouses become a staple. Buy this whenever you find it, because having it in the closet already takes the stress out of buying sheer or open-knit shirts.
Last, but not least, DON’T go full bondage. You’re already showing enough skin — no need to go 50 shades darker. Stay away from see through bottoms.
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