The Sheer Phenomenon
2024, has left little to the imagination. The Sheer trend once reserved for daring runway moments, has now fully taken over red carpets, street style and everyday wardrobes.
But why has sheer fashion become so dominant, and what does it say about the cultural landscape of fashion?
Fashion trends often starts with celebrities paving the way, as they attend some of the most sort after events from the Grammys to the Met Gala and the Oscars. Sheer has been everywhere, whether it’s crystal embellished mesh, delicate lace, see through chiffon. Stars like Rhianna, Kendall Jenner and Beyoncé have made it a red carpet staple.
One of the most talked about looks to this day is Rhianna’s crystal mesh gown embellished in 216,000 Swarovski crystals worn to the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2014, it was a nod to old Hollywood glamour and was inspired by movie star Josephine Baker. Since then “naked dresses” have become a popular addition to the red carpet. Last year sheer dresses dominated the red carpet, Anitta’s Vanity Fair Oscar party similarly relates to Rhianna’s 2014 look. It shows that fashion always comes back around and even celebrities are influenced by each other.
From Runway to Reality
While sheer has long been a fixture in haute couture, 2024 has seen the arise of high-street brands and fast fashion retailers embracing sheer blouses, mesh layering pieces, and see-through skirts, making the trend accessible to the masses. Designers have played a major role in the comeback of this trend with brands like Mugler, Valentino and Ludovic de Saint Sernin using sheer in unexpected ways. This is slightly due to the fact that there has been a resurgence of 90s style. It has been reimagined in a modern twist with sleek silhouettes, innovative fabric and better technology to produce designs better than ever. Designers are looking at ways to create a canvas of art that sparkles from every angle you look.
Social media has played an important role by making sheer fashion more accessible, influencers and stylists are sharing ways to make sheer pieces more wearable in everyday life. Street style stars are pairing sheer tops with structured blazers, layering transparent dresses over lingerie-inspired bodysuits, and experimenting with unexpected textures. Nowadays they can have just as much influence as celebrities with their constant flow of content into their lives, outfit decisions and daily activities. The Gen Z population want to be like them and feel stylish and cool.
Now that’s why I am here to help give a few styling tips without feeling overexposed.
Layer strategically - this can be partnering sheer tops with bralettes or bodysuits for day looks, leaving opportunity to remove a layer to create a more daring evening look but still feeling elegant.
Mix textures - contrasting sheer with denim, leather or even wool adds depths. One of my personal favourites is layering delicate lace skirts over jeans, it adds character and personality to your outfit whilst looking trendy.
Sheer panels - If you don’t feel confident in full sheer, look for products that offer accents of sheer.
Stick to a monochrome colour palette - Sophistication and elegance is recognised more in neutral colours, black and nude tones.
If you’re looking to embrace this trend, follow the styling guidelines outlined above. By incorporating these elements, you’ll not only exude confidence and sensuality but also elevate your looks into a form of artistic expression.
Pave the streets with your everyday red carpet looks!
