Sheer dressing has officially moved beyond the runway and red carpet. It's been having a moment over the past couple of years, and has now evolved from Fashion Week favourite to something we actually want to wear.
If you love the trend but aren’t quite sure how to make it work in real life, I’m here to show you how to style sheer pieces with confidence. It doesn't have to be revealing. Done right, they can look chic and sophisticated. The secret is all in the styling - clever layering, considered proportions and, of course, the right underwear.
From pairing delicate organza with sharp tailoring to choosing low-contrast base layers or embracing a sheer co-ord, there are lots of ways to wear the trend, and there are some seriously good high street pieces to try right now, adding instant depth and high-fashion energy to your wardrobe.
- The wear-everywhere shirt: M&S Utility Shirt, £45
- The silk matching set: Dissh Sian Black Silk Organza Shirt, £200, & Sian Midi Skirt, £180
- The holiday co-ord: Maebe Palm Top, £50 & Palm Pants, £55
- The date night top: Susamusa Arki Top, £90
- The bomber jacket: Massimo Dutti Fluid Overshirt, £120
- The office-appropriate blouse: Arket Silk Organza Blouse, £119
Sheer on the runway
Sheer pieces were all over both the spring/summer and autumn/winter 2026 runways. Sportmax championed the trend with floaty chiffon and silk co-ords in oversized silhouettes, which I've seen widely emulated across the high street. Chanel followed suit with a Haute Couture collection awash with sheer designs, from pastel midi skirts to head-to-toe translucent looks.
More recently, Dior and Prada incorporated delicate transparency into their autumn occasionwear via chic polka dots and playful ruffles. Special mentions also go to Alaïa, who put sheer fine-knitwear firmly in the spotlight, and Saint Laurent, where sultry sheer lace took centre stage.
Sheer on the street
Leonie Hanne wore a pair of mesh sheer trousers with an oversized blazer cinched at the waist and a longline coat at Paris Fashion Week, perfectly demonstrating how to pair fluid transparent pieces with structured tailoring, while Olivia Palermo went more understated with her breezy Altuzarra co-ord in New York.
© Getty Images
For an evening approach, Jessica Alba channelled dark romance with a sheer chiffon slip dress spliced with lace panels from Fendi's Resort 2027 collection. She layered high-waisted briefs beneath the transparent fabric, balancing the delicate silhouette with heavy gold cuffs and pointed stilettos. And Kate Moss delivered her trademark vampy style in a black sheer polka dot blouse with a netted midi skirt, both by Tom Ford.
How to style sheer
The biggest dilemma most of us face when styling sheer pieces is what to do about underwear, and deciding whether you want it to be seen or not. Ultimately, it’s about wearing what makes you feel comfortable. I’d personally always choose pieces in the same colour as the clothing for a chic look. If you’re after something understated, go for seamless, simple styles, or alternatively make a feature out of it with a lace, silk or embellished bra.
When it comes to sheer midi skirts, many styles already come layered over a mini skirt, so all you need to do is add a shirt, relaxed-fit white tee or sweater. If the skirt comes with a matching piece, style the two together, as seen at Dissh and COS. Matching sheer shirts often come with camis too, which you can wear underneath for a more modest look, then for evening, you can swap the cami for a bra. With sheer trousers, an oversized blazer or shirt is an easy way to add coverage through the hips.
© @margauxbtnI love high-low dressing, and one of the easiest ways to wear the sheer trend is to balance something revealing with more casual or structured pieces. If you’re going for a sheer shirt and bra combination, pair it with relaxed-fit jeans or tailored wide-leg trousers. And if you’re still nervous about the trend, on holiday is the perfect place to experiment. Wear sheer pieces over a simple bikini and let your swimwear do the layering for you.
The best sheer pieces to shop now
M&S Sheer Collared Utility Shirt
Editor's Note:
M&S just dropped this sheer shirt as part of the new autumn collection and it's the ideal piece to wear with slouchy denim.
Dissh Sian Black Silk Organza Shirt & Skirt
Editor's Note:
I love this Dissh set as it can be styled in so many ways. Wear it as the full co-ord, style the shirt with jeans, or wear the midi skirt with a shirt or an oversized knit. Made from 100% silk, it feels and looks luxurious.
Because of Alice Sheer Chiffon Longline Camisole
Editor's Note:
A longline cami might seem tricky to style, but BOA have nailed it with these tailored wide-leg trousers, demonstrating sheer can definitely look sophisticated.
Maebe Palm Top & Pants
Editor's Note:
If you're heading on holiday, this Maebe co-ord should be on your wish list. The fluid cut and elasticated waist are so flattering, and you can dress it down at the beach or elevate it for evening drinks depending on your accessories. I'd wear it with a white bikini in a simple cut.
Reformation Yasmin Top
Editor's Note:
Available in black and cream, Reformation's Yasmin top features a chic boat neck and waist-defining ruching. I'd style it with leather trousers for the new season.
Massimo Dutti Fluid Overshirt
Editor's Note:
Throw on this overshirt from Massimo Dutti for a subtle take on the trend. It features a high neck and voluminous sleeves with elasticated cuffs to create a gathered effect.
COS Sheer Pintucked Shirt & Skirt
Editor's Note:
Summer's not quite over yet and this co-ord from COS will keep you firmly in sunshine mode. With it's layered silhouette, you could wear it everywhere from the office to on holiday.
Susamusa Arki Top
Editor's Note:
Style Susamusa's sheer top with your favourite trousers and a lace bra for a sultry, effortless date night outfit.
Arket Silk Organza Blouse
Editor's Note:
Made from silk organza with a matching slip top and a stand collar, this chic blouse from Arket's new collection is ideal when you want to wear the sheer trend and still look modest.
