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 make the trend feel effortless, 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: Diish 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 and longline coat at Paris Fashion Week, perfectly demonstrating how to pair transparent pieces with tailoring, while Olivia Palermo went more understated with her Altuzarra co-ord.
© Getty Images
How to style sheer
Styling sheer pieces is all about layering, and when it comes to underwear, 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 underwear in the same colour as the clothing for a chic look. If you’re after something understated, choose seamless, simple styles, or alternatively make a feature of your underwear with a lace, silk or embellished bra.
When it comes to sheer midi skirts, many styles already come layered over a mini skirt. Just add a relaxed-fit white tee or sweater, or, if the skirt comes with a matching shirt, 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 slightly more modest look, or swap for a bra when dressing for the evening. For sheer trousers, an oversized blazer or shirt is an easy way to add coverage through the hip and look effortlessly cool.
I 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. Try a sheer shirt with a pair of slouchy 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 the swimwear do the layering for you.
