Sheer coverage
...without baring it all
I know wearing something sheer can seem daunting, but hear me out.
I’ve owned a few sheer pieces in the past, and the one that stands out to me was this yellow, semi-transparent, lacy number I bought from For Love and Lemons to wear on our honeymoon in 2014. I loved it at the time, but it was the kind of dress you’d wear to a beach vacation and nowhere else. That was back then—when I was in my 20s and perfectly comfortable with showing a lot of skin.
As my style has evolved, my interpretation of wearing sheer pieces has too. I see it less in the in the scantily clad, overexposed way. And am more interested in the stylish, creating-interest-in-your-outfit kind of way.
While I think sheer will always be synonymous with sexy, are there ways to do it without feeling so… naked? This is what I wanted to explore here—the different facets of it that can be incorporated in more practical ways.
The sheer shirt
This Organza shirt from Donni (in white or black) is my ideal sheer top. A light and airy summer layer you can actually wear, casually or dressed up over a simple dress. What I think makes it work so well is that the button-down style and relaxed fit help offset the see-through look. I find that when a sheer top also has classic elements, it’s much less intimidating to wear.
Another option that isn’t as sheer.
A long halter top for another dressy (but way less pricey) option.
A sheer dress
Remember last year when sheer dresses that left nothing to the imagination ruled the red carpets and runways? That trend felt a bit too extreme for real life. Personally, I’m not bold enough to wear a completely sheer dress unless, of course, it’s a beach cover-up. I want something that doesn’t require me to think about what to wear underneath. Something with substantial coverage already built in, like this Reformation dress or this L’Academie one.
A Toteme dress (still splurge-y but on sale) with strategic coverage.
I’ve never bought anything from this brand before, but I love the contrasting style of this dress with the chiffon sheer bottom.
Throwing a beach cover-up into the mix—this white one is simple but chic.
Mesh flats
Jelly sandals may be having their moment, but if I had to choose between that trend and mesh flats, I’d go with the latter. No shade towards jellies, it’s as simple as personal preference. I see a little more versatility and longevity with mesh flats and feel like they’re just… more me. These from the Row are obviously the dream, but this crochet pair has a similar feel for less than half the price.
Another neutral, this time, white: Reformation x Laura Harrier / Arket / Anthropologie / Mango
Red, which is pretty much a neutral at this point: Arket / Jeffrey Campbell mules (on sale)
Crystal-embellished: Expensive but stunning Christopher Esber ones / Also pricey by Khaite / wallet-friendly Mango option
Mesh bras/bralettes
Another way to achieve that sheer effect this summer: a black mesh bra underneath a white linen shirt or button-down. I admit this is trickier to pull off because it has to be made to look intentional, rather than a slip-up. I would wear a loose-fitting shirt and stick to a mesh bra that’s pretty opaque with only a little bit of it peeking through.
A bralette that looks supportive and pretty.
Good ol’ reliable Gap.
So far, I haven’t been disappointed by Skims. This mesh scoop bra has really good reviews and is currently on sale.
Sheer makeup
If sheer clothes or accessories still seem like a stretch, there’s always makeup. I used to be someone who preferred products with full coverage, but I’ve really embraced a simpler, more natural look over the years. Honestly, it’s helped me save so much time and money. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, but these are my everyday staples for enhancing my skin and giving it a glowy look.
MERIT products are pretty much all I wear nowadays because they’re so quick and easy to use. I use the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum underneath my moisturizer, then the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick (in Camel) to blend imperfections, the Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer (in Seine) to contour, the Flush Balm (in Mood) on my cheeks and the Day Glow (in Citrine) to highlight. They go on light (but are also buildable), giving a nice, clean makeup look that feels like it’s just a better version of your skin.
The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (I use 4 medium) is another sheer product I love. It’s sometimes the only thing I’ll wear in the summertime and on vacation when I’m more tanned and don’t mind going (almost) barefaced. I apply it on the high points of my face and then dab with a beauty blender to give my skin a dewy finish. I loved it so much, I ended up getting it for my mom, too.
Let me know how you feel about the sheer trend and if it’s something you’d try or skip. x
*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend what I love and would wear.
Great roundup! I love the idea of transitioning the sheer look into makeup as an easy way to step into the trend!
Love this roundup! I just picked up the Donni organza shirt and can’t wait to style it for the rest of the summer and into fall