Going sheer.. Yay or Nay?

We’re seeing sheer clothing everywhere now, from the runway to daily life. Whether it’s a top, a skirt, or even a pair of pants, the look is no longer just sexy, but can be seen as classy and chic. 

But is it always appropriate?

 Can you wear a sheer top to work? To school? Or is it really just a style best reserved for the bedroom?

What’s Appropriate

The key is to pair a sheer garment with something more covered-up for a look that can be worn on multiple occasions. 

 Here is a perfect example, wear a sheer top buttoned all the way up with longer shorts. Yes, you can see a hint of a brightly-colored bra, but it keeps the look playful and punchy. Demure, yet surprising. 

Another option is to wear your sheer top with white or nude undergarments, if you already have on a statement piece. 

You can also wear beautiful sheer skirts layered over a mini, shorts, and leggings. These options are great if you don’t want the world to know what color underwear you’re wearing!

Or just wear a cute sheer top made totally appropriately by wearing a tank underneath.

What’s Inappropriate (Unless, of course, you are a celebrity!)

Sometimes celebs make pretty interesting fashion choices—they create looks the average person probably wouldn’t wear. And when it comes to sheer clothing, their looks can be downright inappropriate, at least for day-to-day life.

 Gwen Stefani is a repeat offender, wearing a super sheer black top with low-cut bra one day, and a panty-baring sheer maxi skirt the next.

Leighton Meester and Kristen Stewart have also made some mistakes on the red carpet, wearing inappropriately underwear (or lack of)-baring dresses. 

Mischa Barton and January Jones have been snapped by the paps, baring it all in sheer black t-shirts.

When & Where

So we’ve discussed what is and isn’t appropriate in a general sense, but now it’s time to talk about the when and where (or wear, as the case may be).

If you’re still in school: You shouldn’t be afraid to rock new trends when you want to, but make sure you abide by the school dress code, if you have one. A tank under a sheer button down is a good way to wear this look while staying covered up.

If you go to work: It really depends on your place of employment. Wearing a sheer skirt to your new job at the grocery store? Probably not the best idea. If you work in a corporate setting, sheer garments can be iffy, but it’s better to err on the side of modesty—keep your undergarments under wraps.

On the weekend: For shopping, hanging out with friends, going clubbing, or doing whatever you like to do with your free time, your style should be your own and you should feel free to wear what you like. If you’re comfortable wearing a sheer top over a blue bra, go for it.

I will say that fashion trends and how they are seen can be somewhat circumstantial—for example, a sheer outfit may stand out less in a place like California rather than Ohio or even my lil hometown Mumbai. I have so many sheer dresses, blouses etc, but I have to line them, wear a tank or something underneath it, cuz here in India it is just not appropriate! 

So all you other lucky ones, wear sheer clothes and have some boundaries!, but as long as you’re confident with what you’re wearing, that shouldn’t matter. 

Rock the sheer look and write back about it!