How To Style See-Through Clothing

Easily one of the most adorable ways to style your sheer clothes is with little matching sets underneath. These could be matching sets of underwear, sports bras and spandex bottoms, co-ord sets, or even a comfortable bathing suit. The sets make the most sense for dresses or fully sheer outfits, otherwise, you'll need to find both a top and a bottom for your base layers. Wear a matching set underneath transparent pants and a sheer top or with your favorite see-through dress or tunic.

You can buy matching sets that offer as much or as little coverage as you like, making it easy to style the outfits so that you feel comfortable and confident. I like bottoms that cover my cheeks fully and tops that keep everything in place, but still show a little skin. This is the happy medium for me. You might be comfortable showing more skin, or are shaking your head at the thought of your upper thighs on display.

Lingerie pieces are among the best undergarments for sheer clothing, if you’re comfortable being super sexy. I’m not recommending you wear your bedroom-only panties out and about, but your more “reserved” lingerie pieces can make for some stop-and-stare kind of looks. Wearing lingerie underneath your cellophane-like clothes can be insanely empowering. Need a shot of self-confidence? This is it.

Lacey bras, strappy teddys, seductive camisoles, bedazzled corsets, and even a garter belt will make your outfit pop with a provocative aura. Of course, these kinds of sheer outfit ideas are for the ladies who want to look spicy and sensual. I would not recommend wearing a BDSM-style corset to work. These are more appropriate for nights at the club with your girlfriends or an intimate dinner with your partner at a trendy bar.

Adding layers over or underneath your sheer look is one of the no-brainer ways to style a see-through garment. If you have a sheer top, you can wear a solid layering tank top underneath. For a transparent midi dress, an opaque mini dress can cover you up while still showing off the delicate material on top. You’re not layering with bras, underwear, and bodysuits here. You’re layering with actual clothes, so you should be choosing something that you could comfortably wear by itself.

However, layering clothes underneath your gossamery garment isn’t the only way to go. One of my favorite ways to style see-through clothes for work or family events is by adding something on top. I have a tight long-sleeve lace top that is way too spicy for Thanksgiving. But all I have to do to make it feel polished and luxurious instead of lusty is add a pullover sweater. The lace peeks through around my neck and wrists, giving a unique, stylish element to the outfit. There’s no one way for how to layer sheer clothing, so try things underneath, on top, and all around to see what works.

If you want to turn heads and push the envelope without showing too much skin, you can play around with unexpected, edgy, and maybe even awkward layers. This option isn’t for those of us who lean away from funky styles, but if you want to experiment with “weird” looks, this is the perfect way to rock your sheer clothes.

A fabulous example is taking a sexy, ethereal sheer dress and wearing a boxy T-shirt under it. You create the interesting contrast of a laidback, gender-neutral T-shirt with a decidedly feminine and fancy dress. Or, reverse this idea by putting your oversized tee over your sheer dress, so your body isn’t exposed but you still get the wispy effect of a sheer skirt.

I think of this in the same vein as the Wrong Shoe Theory. It’s not the obvious way to style something, but still feels highly intentional and chic. After all, the girls on the runway aren’t wearing the same old thing the same old way. So go ahead, wear leggings under the sheer mini skirt or put your sheer dress over your favorite jeans.

One of the more modest ways to wear sheer tops, dresses, and skirts is with a bodysuit. No need to find underwear and bras that match. Your go-to bodysuit is the perfect way to cover your bits while still letting the sheer garment shine. Here, you can have a ton of fun with different textures, colors, cuts, and whatever else you want to try.

Wearing a white lace dress? A slinky black bodysuit gives you a high-contrast style. For something more subtle, you can wear a white body suit that adds depth underneath. But hey, no need to play it safe. I love how a cheetah print bodysuit looks underneath a sheer black dress or a floral bodysuit paired with a colorful sheer top. Bodysuits can double as coverage for below the waist and a top. Adding a sheer skirt or see-through pants over a bodysuit offers a streamlined and sexy aesthetic. Whether it’s a see-through long-sleeve or an extra flowy sheer dress, a bodysuit is never the wrong choice.

If you’re not sure what to wear under a see-through shirt or dress, I always love a bike short moment. You’re blending athleisure (and Princess Di vibes) with a slightly risqué style all while keeping yourself covered. If wearing underwear or a bodysuit underneath some sheer bottoms still feels a little too revealing, bike shorts are the answer.

Bike shorts are sleek enough that they won’t ruin the airy vibe you’re going for with the see-through skirt or dress. I love to pair a sheer lace maxi stress with extra-short bike shorts. The combination creates a playful but elegant look that also feels appropriate in 90% of situations.

With this sheer outfit idea, you can also get creative with your layering and add something on top of a sheer dress. For example, you can wear a sheer dress with bike shorts underneath, but a tight tank top or oversized tee over it. The depth and dimension here is fascinating, and maybe even a little puzzling, but that’s why it’s fun.

Layering sheer outfits with contrasting or matching colors, patterns, and textures gives you countless styling options. Whatever you add to the outfit will redefine the sheer garment. But if you want the transparent item to shine solo, you can always go nude (but not literally).

Find matching sets, bike shorts, bodysuits, sports bras, bandeaux bras, and other layers in a nude color that matches your skin tone. The closer it matches your complexion, the more natural the outfit will look. SKIMS is a good place to start searching for nude pieces, since their shade range is so inclusive. The texture of your nude items should also have a barely-there quality, like seamless spandex or thin cotton underwear. The idea is that, with a passing look, people will think you’re not wearing anything underneath. On their double-take, they’ll realize you are covered up, and you don’t have to feel overly exposed.

This is my top suggestion if you’re not sure what to wear under a sheer dress for formal events. Assuming that dress is a show-stopper and you don’t want to dampen that, covering yourself with nude pieces lets you be modest while fully embracing the sheer aesthetic.