Jun 28, 201205:13 PMGirl Next Door

British fashionista Charlotte Crowley tells you what to wear—and what NOT to wear.

Summer Trend Guide: Sheer

News Gab

Gwen Stefani tones down her risque sheer blouse with a blazer and jeans

They say with great power comes great responsibility, and with being stylish comes the challenge of staying on trend. Each new season brings with it new trends, new styles, new colours, fabrics, cuts... the list goes on. Being stylish involves knowing what the new trends are, which ones to take and which to leave, and how to wear them without compromising your own unique style. My next mini series will be guiding you through some of the hottest trends of the summer season, and how to wear them with the wardrobe you already have the style you already possess. From summer's soft pastels to bright neons, from mullet hems to Gatsby-inspired drop-waisted dresses, each week I will be exploring a new trend for the season and bring you tips on the easiest and most stylish ways to wear each one.

This week, we're exploring the sheer trend.

It took me a while to really “get” the sheer trend. Particularly sheer blouses. It's a blouse that you have to wear with another blouse under it? So you're wearing two blouses? That sounded like more effort than it was worth! But then I started to seem them everywhere. And then I started to fall in love with blouses masquerading as regular shirts, but that were in fact secretly sheer, and before I knew it, I was a convert. Sheer this season comes in many different forms- sheer panelled dresses, sheer pleated skirts, sheer pants etc., but I'm going to focus particularly on sheer blouses, as I feel they are the most popular sheer piece you can find, the most fun way to wear the trend, but also the most challenging to pull off. But I promise after my tips, you'll have no problems with the sheer trend.
 

1. First, stock up on camisoles and pretty bras

   The major issue with a sheer blouse is that it's, well, sheer. As in, you can see straight through it. Make sure you have something to wear underneath! Nude, white or grey bras or camis are best for under a light-coloured blouse, and black is best for under a dark blouse. Bandeau bras are also really cute underneath too.

2. Balance out the sexiness for daytime

   A sheer blouse is undoubtedly sexy, which makes it perfect for evening, but if you want to keep it day-time appropriate, add some more conservative pieces and layer up. Add a cute jacket or shirt over the top, and balance out with a longer-length skirt, jeans or pants.

3. Have fun with prints, patterns and colours

   Printed sheer blouses are a great way to detract from how sheer the material is- I usually wear a tank top under my sheer blouses, but my printed ones are more densely covered so I can get away with just a bra. Another fun thing to try is a bright coloured bra or top underneath (a neon cami under a black sheer blouse is a great way to work two trends at once), or add a patterned top underneath. 

 Email  Print