Why sheer layers are no longer just for summer
Sheer fabrics used to belong firmly in summer wardrobes—think sundresses, beach ponchos, and gauzy cover-ups. Today, the see-through effect is less about revealing skin and more about layering with intent, playing with proportions, and adding a dose of creativity to everyday outfits.
Think of sheer not as a category of clothing but as a styling tool: it can soften tailoring, bring drama to casual outfits, or add intrigue to evening wear without ever tipping into “too much.”
We’ve been seeing sheer layers everywhere lately, from ponchos paired casually with jeans to gauzy versions draped over formal dresses. A sheer poncho, in particular, is unexpectedly versatile: tossed over denim and a tee, it gives an air of nonchalance; layered over a gown, it lends lightness and movement. Maxi skirts and pants are also having a sheer revival. Instead of full lining, designers are showing translucent bottoms styled with shorts, minis, or slips underneath—a peekaboo effect that feels daring but wearable.
Designers approached sheer and lace this season with strikingly different moods. Fendi showed sheer lace blouses that balanced transparency with polish, while Chloé leaned into romance, unveiling billowing gowns that gave lace a free-spirited, bohemian sensibility. Collectively, these runway moments show the versatility of sheer and lace layers. They can be playful, dramatic, romantic, or refined, depending on how they’re styled. The message is clear: Transparency is no longer a fleeting summer flirtation but a year-round way of dressing.
Celebrities have been leading the sheer trend—showing us it’s really all about how you style it. Zendaya has mastered the art of layering sheer Valentino gowns that feel dramatic but never too revealing. Florence Pugh treats sheer as her signature power move. It’s fearless, fun, and totally unapologetic.
On the more wearable side, Hailey Bieber often throws a sheer blouse over denim, striking that perfect mix of cool and polished. And then there’s Bella Hadid, who’s brought back the sheer-dress-over-jeans combo and turned it into a street-style staple. Proving that sheer isn’t just for the red carpet, sheer layers can slip seamlessly into everyday style.
Outfit formulas to try:
1. The sheer blouse formula
A sheer blouse has an easy elegance that feels instantly chic, especially when you let it take center stage. Instead of automatically reaching for a camisole, try layering it over a bralette or delicate tank to highlight the fabric’s lightness. The trick is in the mix—balancing the softness with structure like tailored trousers or crisp denim, and finishing with loafers, pointed flats, or slingback heels.
The effect? Polished with just the right touch of allure, making it a go-to for everything from brunch to a night out.
For an even easier take, some pieces are designed to deliver that sheer look without the fuss of layering. The Patton mesh short-sleeved bodysuit, for instance, has a sleek mesh outer layer that hugs the body, creating the illusion of transparency while offering support. Paired with jeans or a high-waisted skirt, it instantly pulls a look together that feels simple, a little daring, and completely wearable.
2. The maxi skirt remix
The sheer maxi skirt has quickly become one of the easiest ways to try the trend. Choose versions with layered panels or soft overlays that let you show just a hint of what is underneath, whether it is micro shorts, a mini slip, or even tailored shorts in a contrasting shade. Styled this way, the look feels daring yet still wearable.
To give the flowing fabric a sense of balance, pair the skirt with chunky boots or classic white sneakers, or opt for strappy sandals when you want something more laid-back. The combination feels modern and playful—striking that sweet spot between dreamy and grounded.
3. The poncho move
The poncho has shed its bohemian reputation and stepped into something lighter and more refined, thanks to sheer fabrics. Tossed casually over jeans and a simple tee, it has a way of transforming an everyday outfit into something that feels considered and chic. Worn over an evening gown, the same piece creates an airy sense of movement that feels almost otherworldly.
What makes the sheer poncho so appealing is its versatility—it is less about serving as outerwear and more about acting as a finishing layer that shifts the entire mood of your look. Depending on how you wear it, it can read as effortless, dramatic, or even subtly avant-garde.
4. The sheer trousers experiment
Sheer trousers may feel like the boldest move in the mix but when styled with intention, they are far more wearable than they first appear. Wide-leg versions in chiffon or lace look especially striking when layered over high-waist briefs, biker shorts, or even sleek leggings. Plus, it gives just the right mix of coverage and confidence.
During the day, ground them with an oversized blazer or a crisp button-down for structure and ease. At night, swap in a silky camisole or fitted bodysuit to lean into something more sultry without losing refinement.
Footwear shifts the energy completely—heels lengthen the silhouette and heighten the drama, while sneakers or flats make the look feel relaxed and cool. The secret is balance: Keep the under layer simple and the top sharp, then let the trousers take the spotlight.
