Sheer dresses are dominating the runway - these are the best to buy (and what to wear underneath)

It seems that everyone is stripping this summer. Not because of the heatwave mind you, but because baring all is very much en vogue. 

Following the ubiquitous ‘naked dress’ trend that dominated 2025 (and my daily to-do list when planning articles), sheer silhouettes have stayed firmly on the scene - adopted by high fashion and high street labels alike.

Fashion experts will understand that this comes as no surprise, as sheer textures have long been a mainstay on the catwalk. In fact, gauzy layers have become enmeshed (pun fully intended) in the DNA of several leading brands, ensuring that - season in and season out - we’re treated to a fresh new spin on the transparent trend. 

© Getty Images

On British soil, Simone Rocha, Nensi Dojaka, Molly Goddard and Yuhan Wang have continuously championed see-through looks in recent seasons, using whimsical textures such as lace and tulle to create an elegant take on transparent garments. A moment for Kate Moss’ iconic 90s sheer slip dress - a moment of It-Brit legend.

© Imaxtree

© Imaxtree

© Imaxtree

© Imaxtree

© Imaxtree

© Imaxtree

Hop over the channel and you’ll find Jonathan Anderson scaling up sheer dresses at Dior and Matthieu Blazy funnelling pastel-toned mousseline shift midis down the mushroom-flanked runway at Chanel - taking the material to haute new heights. It would be amiss not to shoutout Jean Paul Gaultier here, whose mesh tattoo print dresses have become a widely coveted celebrity staple.

Milan has always been ahead of the curve - after all, what is Italian fashion if not sexy? Y2K-inspired sheer glam continues to enthrall at Blumarine, Ferragamo and Valentino - with sensual Michele-esque lace reining supreme. Tom Ford for Gucci warrants little explanation, its iron grip on the minds and shopping baskets of vintage devotees remains as strong as ever.

Not forgetting the Belgian designers who subverted sheer designs, marking a shift away from overt femininity in favour of the avant-garde. Gothic romanticism and monochromes remain Ann Demeulemeester’s bread and butter, while in Dries Van Noten’s studio, unexpected prints and bombastic colourways continue to intrigue. 

While not one for the more conservative shoppers, the sheer dress stands as one of fashion’s fiercest love affairs. With a history steeped in designer craftsmanship and female sexual liberation, the garment will forever be a statement. 

© Imaxtree

Yet, we understand that sheer style can be hard to get right. As someone still traumatised by the eye-watering sums I spent on flimsy mesh tops during Fresher's Week, I understand the hesitation. Fortunately, I’ve done the leg work for you. Browse my edit of the most elegant styles below and embrace the look with confidence this summer.

Sheer dresses to shop now:

Lingerie to layer beneath:

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