With the holidays right around the corner, and sheer trending more than ever from Rick Owens’ heavily loaded, sheer-filled runway at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2023, to Kim Kardashian’s 42nd birthday dress and countless looks from everyone’s favourite model, Bella Hadid, let’s take a deep dive into all things sheer.
Sheer fashion has been around for over a century, and was popular in the 1930s. According to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, sheer dresses were “worn over slips of flesh-toned or contrasting fabric” and were “a common feature of 1930s fashion.”
The perfect sheer outfit creates a semi-transparent lining around the body and can include everything from undergarments to everyday wear. With that said, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite recent sheer moments and how you can rock a similar look this holiday season.
See also: Workout onesies are the latest athleisure trend, thanks to celebs.
Pull out a revenge dress like Emily Ratajkowski
Emrata showed up to W Magazine’s 50th anniversary in what some are calling “The Revenge Dress,” a black fishnet dress designed by Tory Burch. This look is so simple and can be elevated for any occasion. For Christmas, the look could be paired with a red underlay, or a white fur coat depending on your holiday gathering.
Try: SexyCherry Sheer Maxi Dress, Amazon, $44.
Related: 10 best clean nail polishes to try this fall.
Have an all-black extravaganza like Hailey Bieber
An all-black look works for many occasions, and this holiday season outfit from Hailey Bieber’s Lock collection launch is no exception. Take this look to the max by accessorizing, or leave it simple and timeless by pairing it with a blazer and some all-black heels.
Try: Long Sleeve Maxi, Pretty Little Thing, $50.
Related: Are these ’90s beauty trends making a comeback this fall?
Try everyday sheer wear like Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid is known for making high-end looks appear perfectly effortless, and this sheer moment is one of those times. Wear a cute sheer set this holiday season for those casual family dinners.
Try: Glitter Knit Flare Sleeve Crop Top, Pretty Little Thing, $60.
Related: 10 stylish, body-inclusive outfits inspired by Lizzo to shop now.
Drip in diamonds like Adut Akech
This look is for those extravagant New Year’s Eve parties or fancy Christmas dinners. Adut Akech took this extra-blingy outfit and paired it beautifully with metallic boots for that all-out look, however, this could be so perfect with a red boot to really get in the holiday spirit.
Try: Shantelle Sequins Dress, Lucy in the Sky, $105.
Related: Fall nails 2022: Aura nails are the energy-inspired manicure trend taking over.
Go for cutouts, courtesy of Megan Fox
If anyone knows how to rock a sheer moment it’s Megan Fox. She took sheer and cutouts to the next level with this perfectly fitted bodycon dress. Need to keep it PG in front of your grandparents or nieces? Try this just as adorable bodycon inspired by, but not directly based on this look — and even better, it comes in red!
Try: Lrady Mesh Bodycon Dress, Amazon, $40.
Related: New hair, new you: What haircut to get this fall, based on your zodiac sign.
Do chic maternity sheer like Rihanna
No baby belly should stop you from dressing up this holiday season. Show off your baby bump in this Rihanna-inspired maternity look — sheer was originally made to be shown off. Pair this with a boot and a leather jacket to match the look even closer.
Try: Dksld Maternity See-Through Dress, Amazon, $35.
Related: Rihanna to headline the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show.
Opt for elegant sheer a la Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy always brings such elegance to the red carpet, and this black off-the-shoulder sheer gown at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party was no different. This three-piece set is inspired by her look, though made to be worn more casually this holiday season. Dress it up with a blazer and a black heel — the pair that never fails.
Try: Lidiya Sequin Mesh Maxi Set, Lucy in the Sky, $90.
Related: 25 celebs who have had their smiles renewed.
Try barely-there sheer like Kim Kardashian
Like nothing else Kim Kardashian does, this sheer look is subtle — barely there, but just enough to keep us wanting more. This stone mesh print maxi dress uses the same colour palette and shape, however, is made out of more simple materials for a more casual look. This sheer look is perfect for a holiday picnic or a Christmas brunch.
Try: Stone Print Mesh Maxi Dress, Pretty Little Thing, $75.
Related: Kim Kardashian’s style is kind of chaotic right now — but that’s OK.
Work it in business casual sheer like Bella Hadid
It wouldn’t be a style piece without more than one iconic look from Bella, and this sheer look is an absolute favourite. This business casual-ish look works beautifully for just about any holiday occasion, and paired with heels it can be worn for a club on New Year’s. If paired with a boot, it works for a holiday dinner.
Try: SweatyRocks Sheer Shirt, Amazon, $46.
Related: Runway royalty: Bella Hadid’s fashion timeline.
Play up an edgy sheer dress like Nessa Barrett
Nessa Barrett spices sheer up with her edgy style, overlaying the delicate sheer material over a black dress and pairing it with her go-to chunky boots. From her ensemble, we gravitated towards the overlay look and think you could add some sparkle for the holiday season. Dress it up with more sparkles and jewlery or go all out with your favourite chunky boots for the full Nessa effect.
Try: Velvet Mesh Insert Bodycon Dress, Pretty Little Thing, $68.
See also: We predict the most popular Christmas gifts for 2022 — for everyone on your list.
