What to Wear Under Sheer Dresses?

Sheer dresses are a wardrobe dream — delicate, daring, and versatile. But because they're see-through, styling them can feel like a challenge. Whether it’s a flowy mesh number for a night out or a romantic lace look for a special occasion, knowing the lingerie must-haves to wear underneath is the key to nailing this outfit with confidence. From classic slip dresses to sheer lingerie sets, there’s a layering option for every style, mood, and occasion.

Sheer dresses are elegant and a little playful. They’re ideal for everything from casual layering during the holiday season to stepping out in something bold and glamorous for a party. Available in lightweight fabrics like mesh, lace, or silk, sheer dresses allow you to play with textures, silhouettes, and creative layering.

While sheer dresses are undoubtedly stunning, figuring out what and how to wear lingerie under clothes can leave even the most stylish women scratching their heads. Should you go bold with sexy lingerie, or try to keep it subtle and modest? And what about comfort? There are so many options to choose from, but with a little planning and research, you can master how to wear sexy lingerie under sheer dresses.

The first thing to consider when choosing flattering lingerie is the style of the sheer dress and where you plan to wear it. For a special occasion like a formal dinner, a slip dress offers a chic, polished option. For a casual event, layering a bralette and high-waist briefs under the dress creates an easygoing, fashion-forward look.

When styling sheer dresses, lingerie colors can make a huge difference. Nude or neutral tones keep the look subtle and modest, while bold hues like red or black lingerie sets make a statement. Matching your underlayers to the color of the dress creates a cohesive, seamless finish.

Don’t forget about comfort! While you want to look amazing, the bestsellers in your lingerie collection should feel good, too. Fabrics like cotton or soft silk are breathable and practical for long wear, while lace and mesh offer something a little more refined and glamorous. Look for pieces with adjustable straps for the perfect fit.

A slip dress is a timeless solution for styling sheer dresses. But what is a slip dress? Simply put, It’s a lightweight, sleeveless dress, often made from silk or satin, designed to be worn as an underlayer or a standalone piece.

With the smooth shape and luxurious feel of slip dresses, they add just the right amount of coverage without stealing the spotlight. Choose neutral tones to keep it understated, or choose a bold hue if you want a little extra drama or a pop of color. A silk slip dress can even be worn on its own, doubling as a stunning outfit for the festive season.

Gooseberry Intimates' Manhattan Dress in Ivory and the Mon Cheri Silk Mini Dress in White, for example, are silk slip dresses perfect for layering under sheer dresses. Their luxurious feel and flattering cut make them versatile pieces that can easily transition from undergarments to outerwear.

A bodysuit is one of the most flexible layering options out there. It creates a neat and simple look while offering enough coverage to keep things classy. For a polished finish, go for a lace bodysuit — it's elegant while still letting your sheer dress shine. For a bit of contouring, wear shapewear bodysuits so you’ll look and feel amazing. 

For a sophisticated, lace bodysuit design, try the Mon Cheri Long Sleeve Bodysuit in white or black. Its flattering long-sleeve fit is perfect for both special occasions and stylish layering, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

For a laid-back yet fashionable look, a bralette paired with high-waist briefs is a good combo. The bralette adds a flirty vibe, while the high-waisted underwear provides coverage and balance. Look for beautiful mesh or lace lingerie to add texture and detail that's ideal for upgrading your sheer look. Plus, this combo works beautifully under dresses with adjustable straps or peekaboo panels.

For a flirty and elegant choice, Gooseberry Intimates' Dolce High Waist in Red is a standout piece with its sheer mesh design and vintage-inspired cut that accentuates your curves beautifully. Pair it with the Dolce Demi Bra in Red for a coordinated look that’s both comfortable and elegant. Together, this set adds subtle romantic charm under sheer fabrics, perfect for casual styling or special occasions like the holiday season.

If you’re feeling daring, embrace the sheer dress trend with bold lingerie sets. Look for intricate lace lingerie designs, embroidery, or delicate cut-outs that complement the dress. These little details add a luxurious touch while letting your personality shine through. A Christmas lingerie set in red, for example, is perfect for the festive period and looks stunning under sheer fabrics.

A matching lingerie set in the same shade as your sheer dress creates a polished, coordinated look. This works especially well with neutral, black, or jewel-toned dresses. The result? A consistent outfit that looks stylish and put-together, whether you’re heading to a New Year’s Eve party or dressing up for Christmas morning.

If you want to add a little personality to your outfit, go for undies or bras with playful prints and patterns. These lingerie trends are all about wearing florals, polka dots, or festive lace designs. These styles are fun, bold, and perfect for showing off under sheer or mesh dresses —  especially during the holiday season.

For a subtle, no-fuss look, nude or seamless underwear is your best option. These pieces provide coverage without drawing attention, making them ideal for sheer dresses in lighter fabrics or pastel tones. A seamless set is practical for staying comfortable while keeping your look clean and refined.

If you’re looking for extra coverage, bandeau tops and boyshorts or lingerie shorts offer the perfect balance between comfort and style. Bandeau tops work well with sheer dresses that have off-the-shoulder designs, while boyshorts or lingerie shorts add extra coverage that’s great for more relaxed occasions.

With sheer mesh or tulle, stick to lingerie with intricate lace or embroidery that adds a bit of texture. Matching red panties or black bralettes work beautifully underneath these airy fabrics.

For lace dresses, layer with a nude slip dress or a bodysuit that provides a clean and neat silhouette. If the dress is darker, go for matching lace lingerie to keep the look consistent.

For sheer satin or silk, pair it with a silk slip dress or soft shapewear for a slim, sophisticated finish. Satin underlayers work perfectly with these fabrics for a smooth and luxurious feel.

Add a chic layer, like a structured blazer or longline coat, to balance the boldness of your sheer look. This keeps the outfit sophisticated while adding warmth for the cooler holiday season.

Upgrade your outfit with minimal jewelry, like gold hoops or a delicate chain, and complete the look with strappy heels or ankle boots. For festive events, a bold red lip ties everything together beautifully!

At the end of the day, what you wear under a sheer dress is about more than just layers — it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether you go for a classic slip dress, bold lingerie sets, or seamless undies, the goal is to feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. With the perfect lingerie pieces from Gooseberry Intimates and the right styling, sheer outfits can easily become your go-to choice for special occasions or even during the festive period.

Embrace the versatility, play with textures, and remember: confidence is always the perfect finishing touch.

Guerra, J. (2024, April 18). What to wear under sheer clothing. InStyle. https://www.instyle.com/what-to-wear-under-sheer-clothing-5379769

Tharmalingam, V. (2023, September 13). Simple Ways to Wear a Sheer Dress: 11 Steps (with Pictures). wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Sheer-Dress