Fashion can be fickle: Trends come and go by the season, leaving us to either buy a few new on-trend pieces each season or stick to keeping our dream outfits pinned on our various Pinterest boards in hopes that the trend cycle brings back our favorite styles from years past. But even at a time when those very cycles seem to be moving at warp speed (hello, microtrends!), there's one style that the fashion set has been transfixed with for nearly a year: fall 2022’s sheer trend.
Wearing thinner clothes as wehead into the chilly fall and winter seasons is at least confusing and at most impractical, so why is everyone so into them right now? According to Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, it has to do with the desire to be seen–and our current political climate post Roe.
“Through 2022, two major trends in the style zeitgeist have had staying power: dressing with presence and dressing with empowerment,” she says. The first of these is brought on by a “post-lockdown and post-restrictions sentiment to be "seen" in the world again,” she says, and is “driven by the return of bright and bold color palettes, volume silhouettes. and platform shoes.” Consider this the reason behind the rise of layered ballerina-inspired midi skirts that go perfectly with your favorite pair of ballet flats.
A second reason sheer pieces have been trending, Richards says, is “a corollary reaction to this year's political climate; with challenges against women's rights on the forefront, hyper-feminine and body-baring trends defy a climate created by legislation that restricts women's autonomy of their bodies.”
“These silhouettes, created in sheers that emulate ‘nakedness,’ strip down the volume of their co-trend and instead promote a presence that a woman's body is her own and not to be ignored,” Richards continues over email. “She will make it seen and acknowledged in a fashion-forward response to the socio-political environment of the times. In these silhouettes, net fabrics and chiffons are most present.”
Seemingly with this idea in mind, a multitude of different sheer pieces cropped up during the Fall/Winter 2022 fashion week season earlier this year. At Maryam Nassir Zadeh, sheer button-downs were shown with work-appropriate brown trousers. At MSGM at Milan Fashion Week, bedazzled mesh turtlenecks were worn underneath equally-bedazzled cut-out dresses. Finally, at Fendi, printed mesh dresses were styled under a bolero with satin pumps.
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Sheer pieces were promptly introduced to the market just in time for summer, when just about every influencer and street style maven was wearing something that you could see through. And now, as New York Fashion Week wraps up and we can finally look at the best looksfrom the week in full, it’s clear that the trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
The sheer look was one of the season’s most dominant trends—if not the most dominant—and every designer put their own spin on it. At Tory Burch, for instance, sheer panels were adorned with oversized paillette-style sequins in shades of lemon yellow and pale blue. At Mirror Palais’ debut collection this season, models walked down the aisle at an actual church wearing wispy midi dresses and matching sets in shades of maroon and bright white. Tibi, for its own part, made the daring trend (slightly) more office-appropriate by tucking an oversized white button-down into a light-as-air white chiffon midi skirt.
(Image credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Tory Burch)
(Image credit: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows)
(Image credit: Albert Urso/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows)
Ahead, shop the best sheer pieces, broken down by category. I’ve found the best sheer dresses, the best sheer tops, the best sheer skirts, the best sheer pants and a few of the best sheer tights and socks, with inspiration from New York’s trendiest women straight from the streets of New York Fashion Week. Plus, Richards breaks down how to style see-through fabrics for day or night.
Best Sheer Trend Pieces
Best Sheer Dresses
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Picking your favorite sheer dress is a real choose-your-own-adventure dressing situation. Brands like STAUD offer dresses with sheer paneling, while SKIMS goes all-out with a black sheer mini dress. Fashion insiders also layered their sheer frocks over a pair of jeans for playful approach.
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SKIMS Summer Mesh High Neck Tank Dress
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STAUD Daffodil Dress
Best Sheer Tops
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Adding a sheer top into your fall and winter rotations is maybe the easiest way to incorporate the look this season. They come in every silhouette (crop tops! Button downs! Turtlenecks! Bodysuits!), proving just how simple they are to style. They work just as well with a pair of jeans as they do with a skirt or layered on top of a slip dress.
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ELOQUII Mesh Turtleneck Bodysuit
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Mirror Palais Self-Tie Sheer Knitted Top
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MIAOU Deville Corset
Best Sheer Skirts
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Sheer skirts come in every shape and style this season. From tulle-covered petticoats to light-as-air maxi skirts, the options are endless. Wear your sheer skirt with an oversized T-shirt to cover your underwear, or style them over the top of high-waisted underwear for a more daring take.
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& Other Stories Sheer Asymmetric Midi Skirt
Best Sheer Pants
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While glittery, party-ready pants might have trended this summer, neutral-hued sheer pants are a major trend for fall and winter. Shop lacy options from insider-beloved brand GANNI, or go all-out with patterned mesh versions from brands like FIND ME NOW.
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Ganni Cotton Lace Flared Pant
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Find Me Now Harmony Checkered Mesh Pant
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L'Acedmie Sheer Pantalette
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H&M Straight-Cut Lace Pants
Best Sheer Accessories
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Chillier weather may be upon us, but sheer socks and tights are still trending. Think: Harry Style's lightweight blue socks in the "Late Night Talking" music video when it comes to finding inspiration. You can (and should!) layer your sheer socks with your favorite heels or sneakers for a fun touch.
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Lisa Says Gah! Amanda Socks
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SHEERTEX Argyle Semi-Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
Meet the Expert
Jessica Richards
Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness
industries.
FAQs
Are sheer clothes in style 2022? ›
Sheer outfits were one of the hottest red-carpet trends of 2022. Here are the best celebrity looks of the year.
What is the fashion trend for 2022? ›Tulle, hair bows, flats, and shades of pink. Meet the 2022 trend that is the perfect matrimony of movement and femininity – balletcore. Designers such as Simone Rocha, Molly Goddard, and Miu Miu have been repping the balletcore aesthetic on runways season after season.
Is sheer clothing in style? ›How to make it work for you. Jump to category: Best Sheer Trend Pieces.
Are sheer tops still in? ›Mesh, sheer, and see-through items are great examples of this skin-baring (yet still covered) trend, and we're seeing it more and more in everyday street style. From browsing Zara for a new top or Revolve for a dress, sheer fabrics are making their way into almost all things fashion.
Are skinny jeans out of style 2022? ›Although skinny jeans aren't totally trending (yet), L'OFFICIEL makes an argument for digging out that long-forgotten denim look with new styling tricks that just might change your outlook on the slim silhouette. In 2022, celebrities and fashion influencers have certainly found better ways to wear their skinny jeans.
What will be trendy in 2023? ›They said 2023 will bring shades of pink and green, metallics, and faux leather. The experts also highlighted ballet flats, blazers, and cargo pockets as up-and-coming trends.
What are the hottest trends right now? ›- Barkitecture. ...
- Rich Chocolate Hair. ...
- Moon Parties. ...
- Hibiscus-flavored Everything. ...
- Tech Turn Offs. ...
- Pointed Slingbacks. ...
- Gentle Parenting. ...
- Champagne Towers.
- High and low. Fun and serious. ...
- Christian Smalls. ...
- Lizzo. ...
- Emma Corrin. ...
- Jobu Tupaki in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' ...
- Eric Adams. ...
- Bella Hadid. ...
- John Fetterman.
Some people might choose to wear a sheer mesh dress to show off their body in a more revealing way than they would usually feel comfortable with. Other people might choose to wear one because they think it looks sexy or because they want to attract attention.
Are sheer tops professional? ›A sheer blouse that's practically see-through is not considered professional business attire for women. You'll find certain blouses that are more opaque than sheer, however, and you can make these work for the office. For going out, you have more options in sheer clothing, but you still don't want to be too risqué.
What do you wear under sheer tops? ›
What to Wear Under Sheer Tops. Typically, fitted tanks or lingerie (like a lacy bra or a sports bra) are the best choices for a see-through shirt. "The base garment [under sheer tops] really varies depending on the vibe we are going for and whether the top has much detail," Brown tells InStyle.
Are see-through tops in fashion? ›One such trend for spring 2021? See-through clothes. Once the garms of celebrities looking to drop jaws on the red carpet now we're seeing sheer mesh tops take off like crazy, big frou-frou tulle dresses filtering into high street stores and even peekaboo chainmail have a moment in the spotlight.
What does sheer mean in clothing? ›sheer adjective (THIN)
Sheer clothing or material is so thin, light, and delicate that you can see through it: sheer nylon pantyhose.
Skinny jeans are going out of style after about a decade, but there are plenty of other jean options for your wardrobe. For the better part of the last decade, and certainly for what feels like longer than that, the prevailing trend in denim fashion was making jeans as skinny and slim-fitting as possible.
What are the most fashionable jeans 2022? ›Baggy boyfriend and extra slouchy styles proliferate, working perfectly with everything from court shoes to Converse. Wide-leg jeans join the line-up of other flared fits, elongating the leg with a 70s-inspired throwback, while low-rise leads the Y2K revival with butterfly tops and two pieces in tow.
What shade of jeans are in style 2022? ›Fall 2022 is all about those dreamy, neutral-colored hues. From khaki and beige to wheat and light brown, every and all shades are welcome. Pair with a matching cream-colored sweater for a monochromatic vibe or use neutral pants as a base for a bold top.
What will be the color for 2023? ›Pantone recently announced its 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta.
What is the color for 2023 in fashion? ›Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023.
What is the color trend for 2023? ›The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
What is the style for fall 2022? ›The biggest fall 2022 trends have much to offer as we move from sundresses and ballet flats in favor of chunky loafers, coats, and cozy layers. From preppy wares to workwear-inspired standouts, there is something to satisfy all tastes and shopping impulses.
What colors are in fashion right now? ›
- Pastel Pink. These are very delicate pastel pink shades perfect for bon ton outfits, but also for sportswear. ...
- Fuchsia Innuendo and Bubblegum Pink. ...
- Popcorn and Daffodil Yellow. ...
- Light Blue. ...
- Red Poinciana. ...
- Fair Green and Fragile Sprout. ...
- Beige. ...
- Gray.
- Slits and Cut-outs. In this fashion trend, we're talking about those little cuts and slits on pants, coats, T-shirts, and even shoes. ...
- Wide legs. Wide legs have been around for quite a long time now. ...
- Utility Trends. ...
- Fringe. ...
- Masculine and strong shoulders. ...
- Pleats. ...
- Volumous trench coats. ...
- Wild dress.
Employee advocacy will be the social media trend to talk about. In 2023, brands will tap their workforce to become creators. Employee advocacy has been a hidden social media marketing gem for quite some time. This year, thanks to a costly paid ad environment and declining organic reach, it will step into the spotlight.
What items will be popular in 2022? ›- Workout equipment and apparel.
- Candles and home decor.
- Fun and functional masks.
- Stationery and art supplies.
- Healthy and delicious snacks.
- Pet accessories.
- Locally made products.
In 2022, consumers want to feel a stronger connection with brands, be part of a community, and get more value from their purchasing experiences.
Who is the No 1 stylish man in the world? ›The Most Stylish Men In The World, 2022: from Timothée Chalamet to Lil Nas X. , these are the #GQMostStylish men of 2022. From Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet to Lil Nas X and Daniel Craig, these are the most stylish men on the planet right now.
Which country is most fashionable? ›- Italy. #1 in Fashionable. #14 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- France. #2 in Fashionable. #9 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Spain. #3 in Fashionable. #16 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- United States. #4 in Fashionable. ...
- United Kingdom. #5 in Fashionable. ...
- Switzerland. #6 in Fashionable. ...
- South Korea. #7 in Fashionable. ...
- Singapore. #8 in Fashionable.
Bella Hadid has been named "the most stylish person on the planet" by British GQ, which picked the supermodel from an annual list of celebrity trendsetters including Harry Styles, Jaden Smith, Kim Kardashian and Lil Nas X. Hadid, 26, was picked for her ability to "wear anything". "Menswear.
Why do people wear see-through bras? ›Today's sheer bras give great breast support. And, like traditional seamed cups, they take your malleable breast tissue and mold it into a flattering shape, but with transparency, so both you and others can admire your newly transformed breast shape.
Do ladies still wear nylons with dresses? ›Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments.
Is it OK to wear sheer tights? ›
Know when to wear opaque
The higher the number, the more opaque the tights are. Generally, opaque tights have a denier of 40 or more; a denier of less than 30 is likely to be sheer. Sheer tights are fine when you're wearing knee-high boots and showing only a sliver of leg.
Many people think of sheer curtains as old-fashioned window treatments appropriate for grandma's house or drawing rooms in Victorian homes. In today's eclectic design schemes, sheers can be used effectively in modern interiors to enhance a look, be it Bohemian, Scandinavian, formal, minimalist or industrial.
Should sheers touch the floor? ›So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.
Do sheers go in front or behind? ›Placing sheer curtains close to the window glass and blackout curtains towards the inside of the room allows for privacy during daylight and darker hours. During the daytime, opening blackout curtains will allow natural light to flow into the room.
What is the current Zeitgeist in fashion 2022? ›2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes
From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year.