What to wear under a see through dress
Looking to make a fashion statement? Call it what you will – sheer, see through, mesh – in our humble opinion, transparent dresses are among the last frontiers of glamour. However, while the transparent trend dazzles on red carpets and fashion weeks, for us mere mortals, there’s always that burning question. What do I wear under a sheer dress?
The trend is definitely not going out of style anytime soon. Celebs like Florence Pugh, Dua Lipa, Ice Spice, and Doja Cat have all rocked the daring look. And who could forget Kate Moss’s iconic “naked dress” from the 90’s?
The good news is, not just Instagram influencers and celebrities can look good in the trend. If you’re ready to take on this trend, follow these five fashion tips on how to style a see through dress!
1. Matching underwear is a must
There are so many versions of the see-through dress out there – the black sheer dress, the sheer lace dress, or even the mesh dress. For those wishing to go all in – brave the transparent dress trend to the fullest and wear matching underwear beneath dress.
But is it okay if you can see your underwear in a sheer dress? It was a fashion no-no in the past, but now it’s fashion statement!
There are definitely different levels of sheerness, so go with what you’re comfortable with. Keep things as simple and opaque as possible and, unless you’re Kendall Jenner at the Met Gala, try your best to avoid a G-string. If you want to tone it down a tad, go with a sleek body suit instead of the matching underwear set.
SKIMS
Sheer Seamless Smoothing Thong Bodysuit
$64.00
Neiman Marcus
SKIMS
Lace-trimmed Camisole Bodysuit - Pink - M (UK12-14)
$87.58
Harvey Nichols
SKIMS
Fits Everybody Square-Neck Bodysuit
$58.00
Neiman Marcus
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpt Mid-thigh Bodysuit - Light Brown - Xxs (UK4 / Xxs)
$103.04
Harvey Nichols
SKIMS
Fits Everybody Square-Neck Bodysuit
$58.00
Neiman Marcus
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit - Beige - Xxl (UK18 / Xxl)
$100.46
Harvey Nichols
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
$78.00
Neiman Marcus
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit - Cream - Xxl (UK18 / Xxl) White
$95.31
Harvey Nichols
2. Combine with bike shorts
If you like the idea of a matching underwear set, but want a little more coverage, a cool bike short look might just be the way to go.
Whether it’s a short transparent dress or a long maxi style, opt for a model of stretch cotton shorts or biker shorts that are in the same color as the dress, or in a contrasting hue.
Avoid wearing shorts that are skin colored – as this can look like shapewear. It’s the perfect summer outfit – a light, sheer dress to keep you cool and a pair of comfortable shorts to keep you covered in all the right places.
-40%
Calvin Klein
logo-print bike shorts - women - Elastane/Polyester - 4 - Black
$229.00
$382.00
FARFETCH
SPLITS59
Airweight Bike Shorts in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$68.00
Nordstrom
3. Layer with a slip dress
The layering hack that never goes out of style? The slip! The grandmother’s must-have is among the simplest and most versatile styles to wear beneath a transparent dress.
If you don’t have a slip dress handy, just layer your look with another dress! Depending on the cut of the your dress, you can layer with a tank dress or even one with long sleeves.
Layering is a great way to add dimension, shape, and creativity to otherwise basic piece. There are a multitude of ways that you can combine and create outfits – all with just one simple black sheer dress.
-60%
LHD
floral slip dress - women - Fabric - 2 - Blue
$100.00
$250.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Department Five
lodo-print dress - women - Cotton - M - Red
$119.00
$170.00
FARFETCH
-50%
Pinko
midi slip dress with lace bands - women - Viscose/Polyamide - 42 - Blue
$211.00
$420.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Toteme
satin slip midi dress - women - Viscose - 34 - Green
$281.00
$468.00
FARFETCH
4. Wear a blazer or oversized jacket
Maybe you’re not ready to completely commit to the see through dress trend and that’s totally ok. You can still wear a matching underwear set or slip dress underneath, but then layer with a longer oversized blazer or jacket to still have that sexy, peek-a-boo effect without feeling like you’re baring it all.
Fashion influencer, Leonie Hanne loves a see through dress – and elevates the look with a matching electric blue blazer.
Moschino
Denim Blazer - Blue
$274.77
Italist
-41%
Maeve
Rue Oversized Blazer by Maeve Jacket White
$99.95
$168.00
Anthropologie
Walter Baker
Jagger Oversized Fit Blazer Brown
$50.99
Rue La La
BHLDN
Satin Oversized Blazer Jacket White
$248.00
Anthropologie
5. Throw on a pair of leggings underneath
Still not convinced on how to wear a sheer dress? How about leggings? Wearing leggings under a transparent is not only a way to make it less flashy, but also to transform it into a whole new garment!
This idea is perfect for wearing your favourite transparent dress more often, even during the day. The secret? The look is ideal with black leggings, which accentuate the contrast with the transparent dress. Pair it with a pair of chunky boots, bold jewelry, and a crop top and you have look that it guaranteed to turn heads.
Glyder
Womens Satin Leggings Black XL
$33.67
REI
Spanx
Spanxshape Stretch Leggings - Black - x small,small,medium,large,x large
$98.00
NET-A-PORTER
-15%
Rick Owens
ribbed sleeveless dress - women - Silk/Viscose - 40 - Black
$332.00
$390.00
FARFETCH
-71%
Alberta Ferretti
semi-sheer rose-print blouse - women - Silk - 40 - Red
$272.00
$935.00
FARFETCH
-16%
Calvin Klein
semi-sheer midi dress - women - Elastane/Polyester - 34 - Black
$299.00
$354.00
FARFETCH
-70%
Alberta Ferretti
floral-embroidered shift blouse - women - Polyester/Silk - 44
$339.00
$1,144.00
FARFETCH
-60%
3.1 Phillip Lim
high-neck flared midi dress - women - Polyester/Viscose - M - Black
$318.00
$795.00
FARFETCH
-60%
Gauge81
one-shoulder knitted dress - women - Recycled Polyester/Polyester - 36 - Green
$266.00
$659.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Ganni
botanical-print wrap midi dress - women - Viscose - 38 - Red
$207.00
$345.00
FARFETCH
-65%
Self Portrait
pansy-print pleated midi dress - women - Polyester/Polyester - 12 - Blue
$232.00
$671.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Max & Co.
cotton midi dress - women - Cotton - L - Blue
$259.00
FARFETCH
Original text: Kayla Kuefler
Updated by: Rebekah Ortquist
