Sheer clothing for spring: dare to tease.

  

It's the trend that dared to bare and won. Sheer fashion remains a statement to make in spring / summer 2013, and our guide takes you through all the looks, from the subtle to the sexual, from the monochromatic to the colourful. Read on to find out all you need to know.

Just like with everything else that dares break the rules of conservatism and that is easily defined by ambiguous terms like right or wrong, sheer clothing had its own share of drawbacks throughout its controversial existence. During the past six years, the see-through clothing trend managed to evolve form a seasonal accent into a year-round trend, meeting a fabulous ascent during the spring and summer of 2012.
This season the sheer clothing dominance met new heights, with runways all over the world caving in to the alluring aesthetic that highlights femininity as a fashion weapon for the spring and summer of 2013. Still perceived as on off-limit trend by some, the see-trough garments can quickly cross the delicate line between seductive and sexual, but at the same time they can be turned into memorable statements.
Learn how the sheer clothing evolved for spring 2013, what exactly changed and how to make this sensual trend work for you by reading on after the break.

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See-through clothing for spring 2013

Nearly impossible to avoid, see-through clothing filled the runways with fresh and exciting takes on the trend, thus offering even more tantalizing alternatives to go sheer for spring and summer. From subtle to pure sexual, from classy to sassy and from subdued to obtrusive, this trend leaves plenty for the imagination, while still pointing towards your best features in a totally unexpected way.

Sheer clothing at Blumarine S/S ’13

How to sport the trend without baring it all

Sporting the sheer clothing trend doesn’t imply baring all, allowing you to still feel comfortable and establish a reasonable limit for how far would you actually go.

• The safest way to embrace the trend remains highlighting your assets through sheer elements subtly injected in your clothing (sleeves, trouser legs, midriff)
• If you don’t feel comfortable with total transparency, opt for translucent or delicately embellished fabrics instead
• Keep your overall look clean and choose a minimum of accessories
• To achieve a sophisticated feel, select neutral colors and relaxed lines for your garments

Sheer clothing at Gianfranco Ferre  S/S ’13, Felder Felder S/S ’13 and Blumarine S/S ’13

• If you opt for a see-through top, layer it on top of statement lingerie, another sheer undergarment or wear it underneath a blazer
• Rather than going sheer from head-to-toe, balance the see through pieces with opaque ones (sheer tops with opaque bottoms and vice versa)
• Embrace color in order to slightly distract from the sheerness
• Choose delicate fabrics like lace, tulle, chiffon to complement the see through elements

Sheer clothing at Alberta Ferretti S/S ’13, Francesco Scognamiglio S/S ’13 and Temperley London S/S ’13

Day versus night

Just like sequins, feathers and obvious cut-outs, see-through clothing isn’t really envisioned for office hours, however it can carry you throughout the day with little efforts. As the sheer fabrics send a strong message for feminine dressing, they also leave little to the imagination at times – so finding the perfect balance, the perfect environment and the right ways of incorporating transparency in your looks might prove to be challenging. For night, the scenario is likely more fitting, allowing you to switch the little black dress for something more modern that accents the outer layer without calling attention to what’s underneath.

Sheer clothing at Gabriele Colangelo S/S ’13 and Francesco Scognamiglio S/S ’13

Sexual sheer: pushing the boundaries for spring

Some women are born to do justice to the unconventional, while others build the confidence and the strength progressively, across years and years of experimenting with the trends. If you’re past the subtle sheer stage and your body begs for more on the revealing side, dare make a statement but remember to keep it sophisticated. From sheer blouses worn without bras or bra-lets, to see-through dresses complemented by matching pieces of lingerie, the sexualised sheer implies taking a risk and being fearless.

Sheer clothing at Anteprima S/S ’13
For summer embrace lightweight fabrics, subtle lace accents and lots of white to complement the sheerness. Highlighting your femininity by using heels and wedges, alongside floral crowns, hats and delicate jewelry. Play with the lengths and layers, but keep your beauty look as close to natural as possible.  For an alternative to the delicate see-trough clothing, check the transparent / clear plastic trend.

Sheer clothing at Blugirl S/S ’13 and Moschino S/S ’13

How to wear sheer

As a statement look the question really isn’t whether to wear sheer clothing or not, it’s how to wear it. Some will argue with that and it’s likely that such people will be imaging the breast-baring, sheer fashion of the catwalks – but remember that it doesn’t have to be worn that way. Thus the question arises as to how you want to wear it. And here’s the number one tip for doing just that:
Sheer fashion is about showing something off. Sometimes it’s a sheer fabric layered over a nice cloth, but more often then not sheer is about showing off skin. Like all things in fashion, that means when you’re wearing sheer don’t do it to shock but to flatter – wear sheer to show off a great asset.
If you’ve got great arms that could mean sheer sleeves. A great midriff? There’s sheer for that. From plunging necklines to backless dresses there’s a sheer interpretation of it, thus no reason not to be wearing the statement this year as long as you have something worth showing off. Once you’ve decided what to hide and what to reveal, you can theme your pieces accordingly.

Sheer / see through clothing styling inspiration

What follows is a list of links to photo shoots, catwalks and street style photos designed to give you ideas for how to style the sheer clothing trend for yourself. The most recent examples of the look are at the top of the list.