There’s something inherently sensual about showing a hint of skin, but leaving most to the viewer’s imagination. That is, perhaps, the explanation behind the timeless endurance of sheer fabrics, sheer garments, and sheer lingerie.
Suggestive, but not revealing, the vibe and aesthetic of sheer lingerie come down to the way you style it. Surprisingly versatile, lace or mesh can be comfortable, fashionable, or even demure - and perfectly appropriate for daytime or public nighttime occasions.
Wouldn’t it be a real shame if all your most special pieces never saw the light of day? Let’s look at some ways you can style your gorgeous sheer lingerie collection.
Know Your History: The Origins of Sheer Fashion
Far from being a modern invention, sheer garments and lingerie-as-fashion have a long and rich history. In the midst of the sexual revolution of the 1960s, Saint Laurent debuted an iconic sheer top that revealed the model’s breasts. That was the start of a long line of show-stopping see-through fashion looks.
The next historic instance of a sheer garment is when Cher infamously wore a sheer “naked dress” to the 1974 Met Gala. The garment was, of course, designed by Bob Mackie, a legend among fashion designers, and Cher’s partner in (fashion) crime. In later decades, other fashion and pop divas took to reinventing sheer garments, lingerie, and the enticing illusion of nakedness.
The modern generation has been rediscovering the power of sheer lingerie and vintage-inspired fashion. Sabrina Carpenter has contributed greatly to this resurgence and is known for wearing vintage, sheer lingerie and nightwear not just as stage costumes, but also as everyday outfits. This only proves that it’s all in the way you style it.
How to Style Key Pieces of Sheer Lingerie
Sheer lingerie looks incredibly sensual just worn by itself, whether as your quiet, best kept secret underneath your daily outfit, or as something to show off to a partner. But can it be styled as fashion? At Gooseberry, we believe that a comfortable, well-fitting piece of lingerie should never go to waste, so here are some ways to style some of our key pieces of sheer lingerie.
The bra
The stars:
Styling a sheer bra is probably the easiest task, because you have a variety of options to play around with. Putting a loose shirt or a tight top over it so that only a bit peeks out is a tried-and-true, slightly sexy option that’s still appropriate for daytime.
The panties
The stars:
For sheer panties to really shine in an outfit, they should be paired with a sheer piece on top for nighttime wear. Or you can go for a cheeky option for daytime and allow a sheer thong to peek out of low-rise jeans. That’s right, the whale tail is back, and it’s the perfect way to show off your favorite panties in a tasteful way.
The dress
The stars:
It’s almost a shame to cover up a sheer dress, especially a beautiful lace one. The best way to style is by itself, to really let it shine. Layer it over lingerie that offers more coverage, like satin, or silk and pair it with a pair of amazing heels for a nightlife look that will turn heads.
The set
The stars:
A sheer silk set is decadent, yet comfortable and relaxed. Surprisingly easy to style for going to the beach or to the pool as a bikini cover-up. But it can also be worn as a cheeky, sheer set to layer on top of other patterned or strappy items underneath.
Sheer Lingerie Fashion Aesthetics
With its quiet sensuality and boundless versatility, sheer lingerie can be styled in a variety of ways, but there are certain fashion aesthetics where sheer pieces can really sing.
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Whimsigoth
The 90s were all about witchy vibes, moody colors, and lush fabrics like velvet, satin, silk, lace, and mesh. The perfect way to play with lingerie as fashion and incorporate your most special sheer pieces. Long, flowy see-through dresses, ruffly sheer coverups, and floral lace are all part of the whimsigoth aesthetic.
How to style sheer lingerie: The perfect way to style your sheer lingerie in a 90s whimisgoth outfit is to take a lace bodysuit and wear it under a long, flowy skirt, or perhaps a sheer dress. The bodysuit provides some coverage, but it still makes an impact.
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Punk/goth
On the other side of the spectrum, sheer garments and lingerie can be part of a very “hard” aesthetic and seamlessly fit into punk or goth fashion. A much more edgy, sexier version of sheer, this alternative fashion style would typically pair these sheer pieces with much harsher elements like leather, metal, spikes, etc. Sheer elements can be lace or mesh bras and panties, bodysuits, or even tights, preferably ripped.
How to style sheer lingerie: Putting a pair of mesh panties over another pair of strappy, higher coverage panties is very punk rock, especially if you pair it with sheer ripped tights.
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Sporty
A testament to the versatility of sheer textiles and lingerie, it can also seamlessly fit into a sporty wardrobe or outfit. Sheer panels and layers are a staple of activewear, especially in recent years, when activewear has breached the gym walls and become streetwear.
How to style sheer lingerie: Picture a pair of sporty shorts with a mesh bralette and an unbuttoned shirt on top. Or perhaps a very strappy top layered over the mesh bodysuit or bralette.
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Model off duty
Easy, breezy, and undone, the model off duty look relies on effortlessness, or the appearance of it. A look featuring a sheer item doesn’t necessarily need to be super studied, and it can very well create the impression of chic carelessness, as long as it’s paired with super casual items.
How to style sheer lingerie: The sheer piece is probably paired with an oversized leather jacket and a well-worn pair of jeans that are slung on the hips.
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Office siren
The office siren keyword is sleek. Despite the name, the office siren aesthetic is not strictly intended to conform to a typical office dress code, but it certainly can. This is where layering and clever coverups can transform a questionable piece into a very demure, office-appropriate outfit.
How to style sheer lingerie: A sheer top from a matching set layered on top of a more opaque top would work. But it would also be suitable as it is, as long as it’s covered by a button-up blazer at all times. Just a peek of sheerness visible.
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Balletcore
Considerably more demure than some of the other options, balletcore is sweeter, softer, and less overtly sexy. But the versatility of sheer fabrics means that your lingerie can effortlessly take on this more modest, gentle vibe.
How to style sheer lingerie: A mesh bodysuit is the most obvious choice here, since it’s standard ballet wear. Style it with a cropped wrap sweater for extra coverage, and to complete the balletcore outfit.
Versatile Styling Tips For Any Sheer Lingerie
A styling chameleon, the keyword for sheer lingerie is definitely “versatility”, and it can perfectly slot into a variety of very different aesthetics.
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Layer Under It
The easiest way to make sheer lingerie more acceptable to wear in public, especially in daytime, is to layer under it. Say you’ve got a sheer mesh bodysuit that you want to make more presentable - why not wear it on top of a more opaque bra, tank top, or lacy bralette? As long as you make it less revealing, then anything is fair game. Pair with a pair of blue jeans for the ultimate casual, comfort piece.
For a night out, a night in, or even an interesting beach look, have you ever thought about layering a completely sheer pair of panties on top of ones with coverage? Imagine an opaque, silk thong under a pair of mesh panties. The layered effect is visually interesting, stylistically bold, and still perfectly decent.
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Layer Over It
It’s probably your first instinct to cover up the sheer piece, and that’s a valid option, and an easy one! Layering another top over your sheer bra to cover any exposed bits doesn’t just lend modesty to the outfit, but it also creates texture, depth, and visual interest. A layered outfit is always more complex, more intricate, and more interesting, so even if it’s just lace or some straps peeking out from under your top, it makes a statement and adds to the look.
You can also go for sheer over sheer - think a sheer, gauzy shirt or blouse over your lingerie. Doubling up on fabric still helps create a more opaque effect, but you still retain the soft, dainty, sensual effect created by the sheer fabric. You can even mix the types of pieces you’re layering together. A mesh bodysuit with a silk bra on top can be a dramatic look that turns heads, but not because you’re showing off anything you should not be.
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Style With Very Casual Pieces
The best way to tone down a piece that’s very out there - whether that’s something very sexy or eye-catching - is to style it together with very casual items. Think about a sheer bralette or soft bra, and consider styling it with denim overalls and a pair of low-profile sneakers. You can put a band t-shirt on top, preferably one that’s a bit distressed, so it only allows the smallest peek of lingerie.
Another option is a classic flannel shirt, or another element that reads very masculine. That subverts the sheerness of your lingerie piece and creates a tension that looks fresh and fashionable, but not at all immodest. Add a baseball cap, and you’re as stylish as Hailey Bieber.
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Style With Very Fancy Pieces
Of course, if you’re styling it for nighttime, things are entirely different. Sheer accents or details can elevate a fancy, elegant outfit. Picture a lacy bra peeking out of a low-cut satin dress and how that adds to the outfit, instead of detracting from it. The layered effect adds visual interest and some texture that takes the dress to the next level.
Or consider adding a velvet blazer over a sheer bra or bodysuit. The jacket covers up most of the skin, but it allows the front to be revealed, where you’ll only be able to see a peek of skin and some lace. A very tasteful but striking look that makes the most out of the tension between a sheer lingerie piece and a formal garment, like a blazer.
More Versatile Than You Think
Sheer lingerie can be extremely sexy and sensual, but it’s not necessarily reserved only for private moments. In fact, it’s fairly versatile if you wish to style it for occasions outside the bedroom, where you can enjoy it for fun and fashion. Layering over it or under it is a great opportunity for experimentation with different cuts, fabrics, and styling options, all of which highlight your gorgeous lingerie pieces without showing too much.
Playing with dressing it up or down can reveal new and creative ways to wear your lingerie collection, either styling with a high-femme outfit or, on the contrary, a casual, masculine approach. Whichever piece of sheer lingerie you choose from the Gooseberry collection, the result is striking.