Q. I’ve spotted a beautiful transparent dress hanging on the rails at Topshop but even though I love it, I’m worried about how to wear the sheer look without looking tarty. Any suggestions?
A. See through, sheer or transparent, whatever you want to call it, it's a fashion statement. These gorgeous light fabrics can be floaty and romantic or minimal and cutting edge. From organza dresses to chiffon blouses, this season, the sheer look has been championed by the likes of Gucci, Burberry Prorsum and Louis Vuitton. But how do you wear it without revealing everything?
Well, there are a few tricks. The figure-skimming slip worn underneath is the best option and you can buy from the likes of Marks and Spencer or Debenhams in black, white or flesh tones. Marks and Spencer’s is so like real skin it's difficult to tell the difference. More importantly, they hold you in and hide your modesty. They're available in bras, bodies and small or large pants.
Another way to do sheer is by layering. Layer contrasting colours to show your slip or bra - just make sure it's ultra feminine. Sheer fashion is about showing something off. Sometimes it’s a sheer fabric layered over a nice cloth, but more often than not sheer is about showing off skin. Like all things in fashion, that means when you’re wearing sheer don’t do it to shock but to flatter – wear sheer to show off a great asset - such as a fantastic cleavage or great legs.
Leave something to the imagination .What's key is having the confidence to wear it and having a great body certainly helps.
SHEER CLOTHING CUES
DO: Keep your see-through styles sexy (not sleazy) with these going-bare basics.
DO: Layer sheer items over light-weight, body-hugging cottons or silks.
DO: Layer similarly hued sheer pieces.
DO: Try a stretch chiffon wrap dress over a sheer slip in a matching color.
DON'T: Wear anything sheer without linings or matching underpinnings.
DON'T: Wear heavy jewelry or fabrics (i.e., denim) with delicate fabrics.
