For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
Sheer looks have been on the runways of Proenza Schouler, Alaïa, and YSL. And while it might seem like an intimidating trend, it doesn’t have to be. (Now, we might suggest you not sit down on the subway, but that is another story.) Actually, the lightweight materials are perfect for this transitional period when it might be hot during the day and chilly at night. And while we aren’t in the business of telling women what to do with their bodies, we would say this look comes with a caution warning: You want to strike the right balance between flirty and conservative. So to walk you through this trend, the Cut’s fashion director, Jessica Willis, has created a look that’s edgy, timeless, and functional. Here’s the break down:
.
Start by layering two sheer pieces
Willis chose two pieces: a sheer polo from Khaite and a sheer tube skirt from Maria McManus. By creating a look by layering two sheer pieces, Willis has basically made each piece … well, less sheer. Plus: “A sheer polo is unexpected,” Willis says. “It still feels covered up and conservative, but the sheer gives it a little bit of edge.”
Since each piece is a blend of viscose, there’s some stretch so you can opt for more formfitting silhouettes that accentuate your shape. There are a lot of colors to choose when it comes to sheer pieces, but black feels a bit more covered up.
.
Add some high-waisted panties
You might be thinking: What do I wear under this? When it comes to a sheer skirt and top, your undergarments are less of a secret so you might as well make sure they are cute. Willis paired this look with high-waisted underwear from Kye Intimates, “It’s very minimal, seamless,” she says. And the high waist gives you a bit more coverage.
If you’re comfortable with showing a little more, Willis recommends “a cute, simple pair of black underwear with a nice cut or a pretty lace pair to make it part of the look.” Besides Kye Intimates, she also recommends Cou Cou Intimates for cotton with pointelle and lacy details and Cuccia for lace detailing and higher cuts. If you want to be a little more covered up, Willis recommends boy shorts underneath instead.
.
When in doubt, add some more layers
You can add a pair of tights or leggings underneath it, says Willis. She even suggested a pair of tights with a pop of color. If you want the sheer look but don’t feel as comfortable in your underwear, she suggests layering on your favorite baggy T-shirt, vintage is preferred. You can also consider fluffy cashmere sweaters and cropped leather jackets as add-ons as the weather gets cooler.
.
Then, choose a shoe with a graphic heel
One of the finishing touches of this look are patent burgundy Bottega Veneta mules. “I wanted my legs to look longer in a shoe that was still comfortable,” She explains. “Since there are no straps cutting off the ankle, it elongates the leg.”
.
With a simple look, go big with accessories
“My philosophy is you should amplify simple looks with accessories to give it some character,” says Willis. Bottega’s geometric fin earrings are bold enough to stand out without weighing your ears down so you can wear these all day.
This also goes for this bag from Bottega Veneta in a rich shade of brownish red we could describe as Cherry Cola. When paired with the signature Intreccio texture, it adds “another graphic element to the outfit.”
Get the Look
