Intimidated by Sheer Skirts? Here Are 8 Polished Outfit Ideas to Try for Everyday

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Photo: Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Alaïa

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The sheer skirt can feel like a moment that’s meant to live its entire life on the runway—but somehow, it really hit its stride IRL this. At Alaïa the look was decidedly “sexy secretary,” while Dior managed to make the idea ladylike. At Prada, as always, it’s about the cool, unexpected mix of sheer bottoms, blazers, cardigans, socks, and loafers.

Vogue’s Sheer Skirt Edit

The throughline in styling this tricky piece is that it’s all about balance. If the skirt is fitted and sheer, opt for something a bit more staid up top. And if there were ever a time to invest in proper undergarments, it’s now. While some sheer skirts come complete with what we’ll call modesty minis—most often what looks like a shorter skirt underneath a longer sheer pencil—many designers leave it up to you to figure out.

We recommend high-waisted briefs for the bold; boyshorts for those perhaps less willing to show-off, and a short slip for the most demure among us. There’s also always the option of a longer coverup up top by way of blazers, lightweight spring sweaters, and button-downs. Whether you go sheer for day with a trench coat and loafers or a shrunken cashmere polo with ballet flats, or take the trend to evening-wear, our overarching styling advice would be to wear it with confidence.

Below, eight ways that allow you to embrace trend to sheer perfection.

Built-in Layering

Try using a bodysuit as a layering piece for a one-and-done moment.

Zara

silk organza skirt

Norma Kamali

oversized cotton bodysuit

Alaïa

Le Teckel shoulder bag

Cos

hooded trench coat

Chloé

Lauren scalloped ballet flats

Pacharee

Valentine pearl necklace

The Long and Short of It

A long jacket belted over a sheer skirt provides all the coverage you need.

Prada

printed georgette skirt

J.Crew

heritage barn jacket

Emme Parsons

Danielle loafers

The Row

Idaho tote bag

Falke

Family ankle socks

J.Crew

slim classic belt

Working Girl

Give your going out look a decidedly sexy workwear vibe with a cardigan, ladylike top-handle, and oversized leather bomber.

Miu Miu

sheer nylon midi skirt

Mango

leather bomber jacket

Alex Mill

Eldridge cardigan

Le Monde Beryl

Venetian mesh mules

Saint Laurent

Sac De Jour tote bag

Miu Miu

logo-band regular briefs

Keep it Simple

The minimalist take on sheer skirting means approaching each piece from a streamlined perspective.

Maison Margiela

midi skirt

Liberowe

cropped shirt

Toteme

suede sandals

Paola Sighinolfi

Vara earrings

Loewe

Paseo shoulder bag

Black Out

The trend lends itself perfectly to after-dark looks, for those who want to take an all-black approach to evening wear.

Alaïa

floral lace maxi skirt

the 90s Rise bikini briefs

Soft Goat

turtleneck singlet

Toteme

canvas blazer

Sophie Buhai

Secession earrings

Cos

buckled ballet flats

Put it in Neutral

Shades of cream and brown layer beautifully together in ethereal fabrics.

Mango

semitransparent knitted skirt

The Row

Dende polo shirt

Skims

seamless sculpt brief

Gianvito Rossi

Tokio mules

Khaite

Lotus tote bag

Gucci

oval-shaped sunglasses

The Best Dressed Guest

Hit up the wedding circuit in something truly-statement making, and try a boyshort layer while you’re at it.

Brandon Maxwell

the Lucy sheer knit maxi skirt

Liberowe

Raja cropped jacket

Prada

patent leather slingback pumps

Bottega Veneta

intrecciato shoulder bag

Agmes

Ila earrings

Skims

Fits Everybody boyshort

Shop more sheer skirts:

Sportmax

Aceti silk-overlay midi-skirt

J.Crew

layered tulle skirt

Gucci

silk tweed layered skirt

Zara

skirt

Vince

beaded sheer midi skirt

Prada

organza midi-skirt

Zara

rhinestone silk skirt

Mango

semi-transparent knitted skirt

& Other Stories

studded midi skirt

Rosetta Getty

double layer split skirt

Dries Van Noten

asymmetric silk-crepon mini skirt

Givenchy

Iris double-layered midi skirt