Anchor Your Look with a Blazer
The easiest entry point to this trend is through a piece you likely already own: a great blazer. The key is to treat the blazer as the anchor of your outfit. On the Spring/Summer 2027 runways, designers played with this tension between masculine and feminine.
A sharply tailored jacket, whether a classic black tuxedo style or a more relaxed, oversized fit, provides the perfect structural counterpoint to a delicate sheer layer. Throw an unbuttoned blazer over a sheer organza dress or a transparent silk camisole. This styling trick, seen in various forms from high-end designers like Erdem to more accessible brands, instantly makes the sheerness feel intentional and sophisticated rather than overly revealing. The jacket provides coverage while the sheer element adds texture and intrigue.
Start Small with a Sheer Blouse
If a full-on sheer dress feels too daunting, begin with a sheer blouse. This is a classic styling move that has been updated for the current season. Look for blouses in organza, chiffon, or even delicate lace. Worn underneath a full suit, it allows just a hint of transparency at the neckline or cuffs, adding a sensual touch to an otherwise powerful and structured look. Several collections at London Fashion Week showcased this layered approach, proving that transparency doesn't have to mean full exposure. The contrast between a crisp wool suit and a soft, see-through blouse creates a dynamic, high-fashion statement that is surprisingly wearable for a smart dinner or creative workplace.
Play with Proportion and Layers
Mastering this trend is all about managing proportions. If you're wearing a long, fluid sheer skirt, pair it with a more cropped or neatly fitted blazer to maintain a defined waistline. Conversely, an oversized, longline blazer works beautifully over sheer trousers or a shorter sheer skirt, as the jacket's length provides a sense of security and coverage. Street style stars during fashion week are experts at this game of balance. You might see a long, tailored waistcoat worn over a sheer column dress, or a sharp-shouldered coat layered over a transparent slip. The idea is to create a dialogue between the different shapes and lengths in your outfit.
Focus on Fabrication and Texture
Not all sheer fabrics are created equal. Gossamer-light tulle and organza offer a more ethereal, romantic feel, while a structured mesh can read as more sporty and modern. Likewise, tailoring can range from stiff, traditional wool to more relaxed linen or fluid satin. The most interesting outfits come from mixing these textures. Erdem's Spring/Summer 2027 collection, for instance, set delicate lace and sheer fabrics against sharp jackets and trousers, creating a tension between romance and structure. A stiff organza shirt might be the perfect partner for relaxed, fluid trousers, while a soft chiffon skirt could be balanced by a classic wool blazer. The interplay of textures is what makes the look feel rich and considered.
It’s All in the Underpinnings
What you wear underneath is just as important as the outer layers. The key to wearing sheer with confidence is choosing the right foundation. For a more modest and contemporary feel, opt for high-waisted briefs and a simple bralette in a color that matches your skin tone or the garment itself. Some looks spotted at shows for designers like Simone Rocha featured bare skin, but for real-world application, considered underpinnings are crucial. Alternatively, you can use opaque layers, like a slim-fitting slip dress or a camisole and cycling shorts, under a sheer dress or tunic. As seen in the debut Marks & Spencer collection, lingerie-inspired pieces peeking out from under sharp tailoring can create a seductive, yet subdued, effect. This allows you to control the level of exposure and ensures the final look is chic and polished.
