Fashion Challenge: Sheer
Photo Credits: 1 – Leighton Meester, 2 – ADAM Spring RTW 2010, 3 – via Refinery 29
What better way to stay cool this summer than by skipping heavy fabrics and going for something light and sheer? The sheer fashion trend was a big hit on the spring runways, and you have to admit the trend definitely looks summery.
As with any trend that involves showing skin, this look takes courage (and confidence!) to pull off. So, if you’ve got what it takes to bare it all, check out this week’s Fashion Challenge:
Tips and Tricks for Rocking the Sheer Look
- Layer. If you aren’t one-hundred percent comfortable wearing a see-through shirt, try a sheer button-down (like the one in Picture 2) over a slinky tank. You don’t have to show too much skin to get the effect: even a sliver of arm can be sexy.
- On a similar note, try a bandeau top. If you are comfortable with something a little more revealing but still want to keep things in the G to PG-13 range, layer a sheer blouse over a bandeau bra top (see Picture 3 above). Try here or here for some simple and cheap styles in a range of colors.
- Balance is key. Because you are showing a large amount of skin on top, stick to more conservative bottoms. A pencil skirt, shorts with a masculine edge, or simple jeans would all look amazing.
- Nothing says sexy like skin. A sheer look is the perfect match for a fun night out. When you’re looking for something a little bit over-the-top, sheer is the way to go. Pair it with something sparkly, and your looks will say “I just wanna have fun”.
Get The Look
Product Information: Sheer Blouse – Bluefly, Gold post earrings – Urban Outfitters, Lace bandeau – Tilly’s, Friendship bracelet set – ASOS, Denim shorts – Tilly’s, Gladiators – Aldo, Cross-body bag – Fossil
For this outfit, I chose to layer a sleek, fish scale-print sheer blouse over a lacy, feminine bandeau bra top. Layered friendship bracelets, gold posts, and a rugged cross-body bag give this look a tribal feel. Simple denim shorts and black gladiators keep the look grounded and warm-weather friendly. I think this blouse would be a great cover up for a tribal or boho swimsuit as well (try this one, recommended by Rachel Zoe).
CF Reader Looks:
Here are some looks sent in by CF readers who took the Sheer Challenge! If you want to see your own look here, read our instructions for sending in your looks at the bottom of this post!
Hannah – Needham High School (class of 2011)
I layered this lace blouse over a purple tank and tucked it into a ruffled skirt. Black and white accessories polished off my look. I loved this outfit because it incorporated the sheer trend without looking too sexy or over-the-top!
To see more of Hannah’s fierce style, check out her blog, Mademoiselle!
So, will you take the Fashion Challenge?
How do you feel about sheer clothing? Are you brave enough to go for the bandeau look, or would you stick to a more conservative layered look? How about Leighton’s strategically sheer red carpet dress in Picture 1: Do you think someone could pull that off in “real life”? Already work this trend? Send us pictures of you in your sheer look and we’ll feature them here!* As always, we are open to suggestions for future fashion challenges and we’d love to hear from you!
* Send your outfit pictures to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion DOT net! – be sure to include your name and where you go to school, as well as a description of what you’re wearing in the photo!
Posted on on June 2, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Featured, See-through, Sheer, Summer 2010, Trends
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JAY
I love the sheer trend, especially the outfit you created (since I own the exact same top!).
BreaD
I’m a fan of the fabric because it’s great for not creating too much heat. I have a sheer halter top that I like to wear, but I’m going to have to try the look you suggested. It’s really cute! And Leighton’s sheer is um…well, let’s say my backside is not as tiny as hers so there is NO WAY I would ever wear sheer like that. :)
Milana
Great trend – if worn the right way!
I agree with BreaD – I would never wear it like Meester!
Erin
Maybe I’m super conservative but I do not feel like a bandeau bra top under a sheer shirt is at all “G rated”! Something with the word “bra” in it is meant to be kept covered by clothing. Again, I might be super conservative.
I like the sheer trend but I would not wear it without something substantial underneath like a bathing suit or a camisole.
Lindsay
I think the sheer trend can look great as long as you do it right. I have a sheer top from Free People which I LOVE but I could never wear it with anything but a cami underneath. I would just feel too naked.
Good article, but I feel like this topic has already been done a few times already. Either way, nice write up.
twin xl
It is a tricky look to pull off, but looks great when done right :)
Julie
I’m glad to see this trend is big. I just tried a sheer shirt out yesterday and I was a little nervous.
Brenna
I still need to find sheer pieces and the confidence to rock it, but I think the outfit is adorable.
Jen
A little off topic, but your outfit post inspired me to buy the bracelets! I’ve been looking for something like that for ages. So thank you! :)
Gracey
I think its a great trend to try out, however I’m not sure I could pull it off. I’ll be sure to experiment with it though and see what I can come up with. Great post!
Cathy
My cousin handed down a steel gray (slight) acid-wash sheer tank. It’s slightly oversized and would pair perfectly with the bandeau that I recently bought. I really like the sheer trend and plan on trying it out on a hot summer day.
Audrey - Ohio State University
Jen,
I’m so glad you found what you were looking for. I love those bracelets too, although I’m a little too cheap to buy them; after I posted this, I dug out my old friendship bracelet book (did anyone else have one in their elementary school days?) so I could try to imitate that black and white chevron one! It doesn’t look too hard, so hopefully I can diy it this weekend.
JAY, Lindsay, and Cathy,
We would l-o-v-e to see your sheer looks! If you ever pull them out of your closet again, take a picture and send them to fashionchallenge@collegefashion.net! Maybe your looks would inspire others to brave the trend as well!
xo
Annie
Only Meester could pull of that first sheer look…Geez! The look you created is so much more my style and something i’d feel comfortable wearing.
Ruth
Yay! I’m wearing a sheer dress today :)
Its a Pepe Jeans tank top knitted dress with a sheer shirt top underneath, with a collar that ties in a bow at the front!
I love it :D
xxx
Elle Sees
No sheer for me! But rock it, ladies!
Morgan
I’ve kind of stayed away from the sheer trend because I don’t have the confidence to pull it off without at least a cami underneath, but I absolutely love the outfit you picked out for a night out! I definitely want to try it out.
aish
i like!
Ms. B
B (Leighton Meester) looks amazing…. i want her dress like yesterday!
Bri19
Really cute! Something I would wear.
myvogue
I love the outfit you created – I won’t pick up exactly that handbag, but everything else is great!
abercrombie and fitch uk
the girls are very beaufiful .