The naked dressing trend has quite literally taken over fashion for a few years now, beloved by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Rita Ora for a jaw-dropping red carpet moment, guaranteed. However, with no red carpets on our summer itinerary, nor the desire to totally free the nip (each to their own, ofc), we've been on the lookout for ways to make the look work in our everyday lives.
Enter: the sheer top trend, which does just that. More wearable than a transparent dress and able to be layered over the top of crop tops, tanks, bralettes and bras depending on your modesty preferences, we've been seeing an influx of sheer tops everywhere this season.
Not only are they fashion-forward, but they’re quite literally perfect for the warm, summer months. They’re a cheeky way to enjoy the hotter weather while selectively showing skin. As you prepare your outfits, I’ve gathered some outfit inspiration to help you build that sheer ‘fit you’re going for. Whether you dress it down with jeans or lean in with a coordinating sheer skirt, here are our favourite ways to wear a sheer top this summer.
Summer-friendly all-black
You might think an all-black ensemble isn’t very seasonal or even possible in the heat, but this is where a good sheer look comes into play. Pairing an oversized sheer top with a bra and tailored trousers or shorts is an easy way to lean into the trend without giving up your go-to, all-black ensemble.
A double sheer moment
There’s nothing like committing to the bit. So, why stop with just a sheer shirt? Might as well pair that piece with a sheer skirt. It really brings the whole look together, and is a perfect way in for my adventurous fashion people.
Elevated night out
Some people are afraid of wearing sheer when dressing up a look. But I’m here to remind you that it is just as chic as any other shirt you throw on. This elongated sheer top layered over a slinky satin slip dress is exactly the kind of outfit you can rock this summer for those fancy nights out.
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Pop of colour
A good sheer top sometimes needs a little life, so pairing a more muted skirt or bottoms with a vibrant shirt is an easy option when exploring your see-through outfit dreams.
Barely there button-up
Professionalism has a younger, wilder cousin, and it’s this top. Button-ups are a staple in most of our wardrobes, but this shoulder-pad sheer shirt is taking that look to the extreme. If you want to be bold with a top like this, pairing it with simple bottoms, like this muted mini, is a happy medium.
Sheer sequins
It's not all floaty chiffon and mesh – sequins provide a fun, glitzy way to get in on the transparent top trend. Take this chainmail top with jumbo see-through sequin discs that's great inspiration on how to lean all the way into the look.
Summer white with florals
White is perhaps the easiest colourway to wear if you're easing into the sheer look, so if you're still feeling unsure, look no further than a chic, coordinating white moment. It’s not only stylish, but something that can be worn all summer long.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
