Trend Spotlight - Sheer Dressing
Far from being a new trend, the sheer dress has been sported by ‘it girls’ of every decade. Jane Birkin styled hers with baskets and the teeniest of hem lines, Kate Moss delivered one of her most memorable looks of all time in 1993 wearing a sheer silver dress to a models party. Sarah Jessica Parker too has had her moment with the trend, her Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw wearing a sheer and flirtatious number on more than one occasion.
More recently the sheer style has become a staple for brands such as Jacquemus, Nensi Dojaka, and Di Petsa just to name a few. It’s no surprise that the trend was seen all over the runways of the most recent fashion weeks in varying iterations, and fashion experts are in firm agreement that sheer dressing will be a key trend for 2023.
Despite it’s select popularity across the decades, this year may prove to be the most accessible year yet to dip into the trend. From barely there event dresses, to sheer turtle necks appearing under masculine suits and boxy silhouettes, we’ll be seeing sheer fabrics make their mark in both menswear and womenswear, and styled on all body types as we transition to warmer weather dressing.
We round up our favourite designers and and outfits sporting the look to serve as inspiration for the season ahead.
Bottega Veneta Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Matthieu Blazy, creative director of Bottega Veneta opted to open their Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear show with a white sheer slip dress. Reminiscent of the 90s style we know and love this all white ensemble refreshes the look. Grounding the sheer dress with flat boots and minimal jewellery keeps the sheer style wearable without becoming distracting.
Sid Neigum FALL 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Sid Neigum also showed their most recent Ready-to-Wear collection, featuring a number of sheer dresses. The overall feel was much edgier, pairing the delicate sheer fabrics with contrasting undergarments and over the knee boots peeking through the dresses. With heavier jewellery the sheer garments maintain a toughness despite the delicate nature of the fabric.
Acne Studios Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Acne Studios Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Acne Studios sent models of all genders down their pastel pink runway in Paris for their Spring Ready-to-Wear collection. Taking inspiration from a kitschy wedding the looks were altogether whimsical, but the womenswear looks in particular offered easy inspiration for introducing the sheer trend to a curious wardrobe. Not just being favoured in silk and taffeta fabrics, sheer and distressed knitwear will be a key component this season.
Camille Charriere wearing Harris Reed for her Wedding Photo from British Vogue
A long time supporter and wearer of the trend, Camille Charriere wore an up cycled lace gown by Harris Reed when marrying husband François Larpin in December 2021.
Boss Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Boss opted for a subtler approach to sheer dressing with their Ready-to-Wear collection. Instead of head to toe see through garments, Boss utilised the barely-there fabrics in a more suggestive approach. Socks, undershirts peeking through suits, or mesh skirts overlaying workwear, these sheer elements provided balance and add effortless femininity to stripped back suiting.
MSGM Spring Ready-to-Wear 2023 Photo from Vogue Runway
For the more daring, MSGM offers a youthful play on the style, paired with oversized t-shirts and trainers, the neon mesh skirt feels almost nonchalant in attitude.
Di Petsa Fall 2022 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Di Petsa Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Sheer garments have been a mainstay in all of Di Petsa’s collections, inspired by her Greek heritage and ancient myths the wet look dresses have an ethereal feeling to them. The draping and placement of the sheer panels within the garments don’t feel overly revealing and are crafted to all bodies, maternity looks forming the opening looks of Di Petsa’s last three collections. The diversity within Di Petsa’s runways highlight how adaptable the sheer trend can be, and feels like a celebration of all feminine bodies.
Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Photo from Vogue Runway
Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s debut show for Ann Demeulemeester featured a number of sheer looks; full length, dramatic sheer gowns made their way down the runway in shades of black, white and grey. Though this subtler styling which formed the second look in the collection nods to a more accessible version of the trend. The sheer high neck shirt under a classic masculine suit gave a refreshing twist to a timeless silhouette, and offers inspiration for updating a classic evening look.
Words by Sophie Thomalla
