Baring all
or trying not to. How to wear the sheer skirt trend
I never thought I would say this, but there’s something about a sheer skirt that I’m really into, like for myself. And this is coming from someone who hated showing her legs for years.
It may be because the diaphanous layers provide slight coverage, making the peek-a-boo look less intimidating than a mini. Or maybe it’s just me? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not entirely into the bum-baring, but a snippet of sheer, and I’m here for it.
I’ve been trialling the trend slightly with a cutout skirt that, when I walk, reveals some skin, so now I feel I can finally graduate onto a sheer layer.
Right now, it's not just me who's into sheer skirts. On the catwalks of Copenhagen Fashion Week ss24, brief-baring skirts were in, with Remain and Kernemilk showcasing floor-skimming styles reworked in embellished, see-through fabrics.
But it was Prada who decreed the return of the gauzy style for its autumn 2022 collection, and the popularity hasn’t waned.
The Italian fashion house’s half-and-half style combines a sheer layer with different fabrics like leather or mohair, is a street-style favourite and provides plenty of inspiration for wearing.
But can you wear it in real life without feeling scantily clad? For me, it’s about flashing a bit of flesh rather than baring all.
Take a style cue from Tibi and pair a transparent skirt with a layer, whether a dress, slip or a longline shirt, that gives coverage in the bits that you rather conceal. I also love the contrast of the crisp white shirt and sheer layer. Unexpected but chic - and no bum-baring - wahoo!
Playing with proportions is critical to not feeling so naked-y. Try teaming a slinky see-through skirt with something more voluminous up top, whether it’s an oversized blazer, t-shirt, knit or bomber.
Not only will it give coverage, but it also gives a louche, effortless, cool-girl vibe to the outfit, and contrasted pairings are always the key to the best outfits.
Layering will make a sheer skirt far more wearable - and even a simple addition of an opaque will cover up a skin-baring skirt and make it look more chic.
Fabric choice is also something to consider - lace, embellishment or open-work knitted styles will offer a more conceal and reveal take without being overly revealing.
Try teaming a mini skirt over a sheer dress, leaving a sheer veil and a small leg section on show. Or slip a pair of jeans or cropped trousers under the thin layer to tick off another catwalk trend returning - skirt over trousers.
It’s all about balance and trying to keep your outfit still feel grown-up and elegant. Styling the skirt with a clever pairing of basics and neutral tones will elevate the look and stop it from looking too risque.
If you want to go down the bare-your-briefs route, ensure you’ve got seamless style in a boy short or granny pant silhouette in a complimentary colour to your sheer skirt for a subtle blend and less look-you-can-see-my-underwear vibes.
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