How to wear sheer clothing this fall

Sheer clothing seems to be everywhere—spotted on the streets as well as the Spring 2025 runways, from the transparent pedal pushers worn at Simone Rocha to Alaïa’s hooded blouses and featherlight peplum trousers. After seasons of stripped-back utility and opaque minimalism, fashion is showing a softer side, and nothing is off limits. But why is everyone suddenly ready to bare it all?

“I think, right now, people just want to have more fun when they get dressed,” says Bazaar fashion news director Brooke Bobb. “We’ve been through a few fashion cycles focused on stealth wealth, softer minimalism, and of course, the ubiquitous and ever-changing social media trends that are here one day and gone the next. Sheer represents a sense of freedom and also risk-taking.”

Because with sheer, what you see is what you get—kind of. Sheer is adept at illusions, imitating delicate draping and ruching. Depending on your level of transparency, hints of skin can be teased or put on full display, showcasing the dimples and scars—seeming imperfections that, in reality, serve as a physical record of the beauty of being human. What makes sheer clothing intimidating is what makes it empowering.

When Chloé sent a stream of sheer ruffles down the Fall 2024 runway earlier this year, the return of boho chic felt cemented. Fast-forward to September, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find at least one blouse with cascading ruffles down the sleeve or a tiered, sheer maxi dress that feels very Stevie Nicks–coded on the racks.

And come next spring, you can expect sheer to get even more brazen. “Where fall ’24’s sheer may be more classic, we’re seeing some much kookier—and cooler—propositions for sheer come 2025,” says Bobb. “For example, Mrs Prada and Raf Simons’s sheer dress with puffed sleeves worn over a polo and tights, or Colleen Allen’s sheer pastel lingerie pedal pushers.”

When it comes to styling sheer pieces in a way that feels comfortable—and appropriate for the office or formal events—start by mixing in sheer with what you already have. “I personally love a sheer slip worn over a more colourful or patterned slip. Or you could do a tank and jeans with a sheer minidress over, or even a sheer button-down worn open,” says Bobb.

Dries Van Noten’s styling approach offers another starting point that’s easy to replicate. Layer a sheer blouse over a white camisole and throw a cropped blazer on top to showcase the contrast. Style it with a pair of pleated trousers and a low-heeled boot, and you’re ready to head to the office.

For evening soirées, you can kick it up a notch by donning a sheer skirt layered over a high-cut bodysuit, à la Saint Laurent, or a floor-length gown under a wool topcoat, for a look that feels elegant yet tough. Or you could lean into the Chloé effect by pairing your waterfall of ruffles with an over-the-knee leather boot and chunky gold accessories. The key is to have fun—play with texture, play with proportions, and most importantly, don’t overthink it.

Lead image credit: Giovanni Giannoni/Getty

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