Images: Imaxtree
Hands up if you decided to purchase a sheer dress after being inundated by them on practically every runway and red carpet. And has the piece sat temptingly in your closet since then, but you’ve never actually worn it out? You’re not alone. Even though we’ve become accustomed to seeing gossamer styles at high frequency, the idea of actually wearing one ourselves can still be intimidating. It’s time to change that mindset. If you’ve got the dress and the appropriate pieces to go underneath, it’s time to actually wear it.
The lack of confidence is likely stemming from confusion about how to style sheer dresses. The red carpet often isn’t the best place for style tips because most of us aren’t brazen enough to wear a see-through gown with nothing more than a bra and panties underneath. The streets and runways offer better styling hacks on how to work transparent dresses into an existing wardrobe.
Draw inspiration from these wearable ways to rock sheer dresses every day. And remember that a confident attitude is the perfect finishing touch.
[ Next: Here’s Exactly What to Wear Under All Your Sheer Things ]
Proof Sheer Dresses Are Actually Wearable
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Tough Tutu
Wearing a short, sheer dress with nothing more than a bra and underwear can be tricky. Keep legs on display but layer an opaque formfitting frock underneath the diaphanous dress. To temper the saccharine connotations of a tutu style, work in a military jacket, lace-up platform boots and a trendy pair of tiny sunglasses.
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T-Shirt Twist
This is not the average T-shirt and jeans look. A longline white T-shirt layered over top of a sheer lace dress is as nonbasic as you can be. Choose an oversized men's T-shirt that's long enough to function as a tunic. Enhance the dressed-down vibe with sneakers and a roomy bag.
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Layer Up
Miu Miu has a mastery of layering and the Spring 2018 show provided ample inspiration on how to make sheer dresses wearable. To pull off the designer's signature quirky-retro style, begin with a white tank top and briefs or modest romper. Add the sheer dress, then an embellished coat. For a twist, add clashing knee-high socks and metallic sandals.
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Double Dress
Make an old frock feel like new by wearing a sheer dress over top. Don't be afraid to experiment with different proportions and styles. Get a cohesive finish by coordinating accessories with the sheer style. Furry slides, socks and cat eye sunglasses are fashion girl-approved options, but feel free to switch it up.
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Hard and Soft
The thing to keep in mind with any sheer dress outfit is that it's essential to have balance. It's possible to wear an unlined lace dress with underwear on full display provided there's something to juxtapose the sexiness — especially if the look is being worn in the daytime. High-waisted panties are a start, but a soft coat and combat boots are what really help temper the smoking hot nature of the sheer fabric.
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Slip of a Thing
Slip dresses are trending as much as sheer ones so why not combine both pieces together? A slip dress is actually the perfect complement to a see-through piece because it provides coverage without adding much bulk. Rather than gravitating toward midi or maxi lengths don't be afraid to team a mini slip under a sheer maxi dress. It will still provide enough coverage.
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On Top
It's not just about what you put underneath a sheer dress, it's also about what you put on top. Give a diaphanous dress the appearance of a skirt by layering a sweater over top. Choose a style with a longer hemline for a more modest finish, but layer a bodysuit or boy shorts underneath to be prepared if the top rises up. Ankle boots balance the exposed leg, while a belt cinched at the waist shows off curves.
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All Covered Up
Sheer dresses can be positively modest when styled the right way. Play around with the dress-over-pants trend with a shorter sheer dress layered over baggy trousers. Ankle boots provide further coverage. Contrast the conservative bottom half by wearing a flesh-toned sports bra or crop top underneath. The goal is to have the top look bare without actually exposing anything.
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Beach to Streets
Swimwear as streetwear is a bona fide trend. And a printed one-piece can work brilliantly under a wispy dress. Take a cue from Christian Dior — one of the strongest champions of sheer pieces — and finish the look with knee-high boots. If they have a fishnet design, even better.
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Be Bold
Want to make like the fashionistas and wear a chiffon dress with nothing more than a bra and underwear? It can be done. It's easiest to pull off with a dress in a darker shade rather than something flesh-toned. If the frock has a strong print or embellishment, even better. Remember, this isn't the time to showcase the sexiest lingerie you own. Vintage-inspired shapes with longer silhouettes are best. Surprise everyone by punctuating the look with chunky shoes. These acid green ankle boots are one brilliant example.
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Lace and Leather
Even a sidewalk-sweeping maxi skirt is in danger of looking too naked. Prevent concerned double takes by styling the unlined piece with a bright bodysuit and an even brighter motorcycle jacket. Then people will be looking again for the right reasons.
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Show Those Stripes
Wearing patterns and bright colors under a barely-there slip dress tricks the eye into thinking there's more to a look than there actually is. Embrace maximalism and wear strong patterns and contrasting colors in the way of a striped top, briefs and over-the-knee socks. Add in primary patent sandals and a roomy tote just because.
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Remember Rompers
Don't let all of the lingerie frequently on display under diaphanous dresses make you discount other pieces. A romper is another great option to layer under a lightweight frock because the coverage can be tweaked depending on the style. For instance, a long-sleeve romper provides plenty of modesty on top. What's more, a fashionable fanny pack slung around the hips actually helps make the look feel less exposed while offering hands-free shopping.
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Accessorize Wisely
Accessories can make or break the effect of a filmy dress, especially if it's being styled with a neutral bra and underwear. Add some much-needed weight to the look with black over-the-knee boots and a hat. The pieces may not seem like they would make much of a difference, but they do. Same goes with a box clutch.
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Trick of the Eye
The sheer dress and visible bra trends naturally work hand in hand. For the biggest impact, wear a black bra (and panties) underneath a thin dress that's close to your skin tone. It may feel like you're breaking a lingerie rule but the dark color provides weight to the outfit thus making it look less naked. Play up the effect with chunky black shoes and a matching bag.
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Reveal and Conceal
A translucent midi dress allows wearers the chance to play with interesting silhouettes. Rather than exposing legs try a pair of bright white jeans under a pastel frock. Seeing what the piece looks like under the sheer fabric and without it provides plenty of visual interest. A handful of accessories always helps to take things up a level. Same goes with bright mules.
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Pile It On
There really isn't much to a delicate lace dress, meaning it can be layered without looking bulky. For modesty's sake, begin with a shorter opaque black dress under an unlined version. Then go wild with a biker jacket, colored bag and beret. Don't forget the statement footwear. There will be plenty to look at rather than exposed flesh, making you feel less naked.
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Bottoms and Boots
Bring an embellished floaty dress into daytime by pairing it with trusty jeans and ankle boots. If the frock has a more exposed bodice, wear a crop top, bra or consider adding your own embellishment.
