For a sense of otherworldly delight, ethereal pieces such as chiffon, tulle, sheer organza, and frothy, cascading silks are the way to go.
No matter what decade it is, this bold look always turns heads. Who could forget the 2014 CFDA Awards when Rihanna attended in a blush pink Adam Selman gown made of 230,000 Swarovski crystals? Dua Lipa’s sheer fish-net dress at the Barbie Movie Premiere? Or Florence Pugh’s transparent Valentino gown in enchanting lavender?
In 1962, sheerness first catapulted into the spotlight when Marilyn Monroe sang her famous ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ performance. From there, stars like Jane Birkin and Cher kept the controversial look on trend throughout the ‘60s,‘70’s, and ‘80’s.
Then one sheer inspired moment normalized this daring style trend in the 1990’s for everyone, from fashionistas, actors, and everyday people! This moment dates to 1998 when Carrie Bradshaw wore a skin-colored DKNY frock on a date with Mr. Big in season one of Sex and the City.
DESIGNERS SPOTLIGHTS SHEER
Designers such as, Schiapareli, Jean Paul Gaultier, and John Galliano have all been known to dazzle the fashion world by featuring their own sheer creations in their runway shows.
Finding their fashion inspiration from the runways – celebrities, performers, and actors, alike – also play a large role in keeping the sheer trend alive. Because once a sheer styled look walks down the runways? Well, it’s bound to make an appearance or two on the red carpet(s) for all the world to see.
SHEER DELIGHT AS WORN BY THE STARS
During Vogue World 2025, supermodel Heidi Klum wore a super sheer, short white Vivienne Westwood mini-dress.
For President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton wore a blush-pink Bar jacket and tulle skirt by the former creative director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri with a matching hatr by British designer, Jess Collett. Finishing off the look? The late Queen Elizabeth II’s pearl choker and pearl drop earrings.
Natalie Portman was dressed in an ethereal white dress composed of tiers of sheer organza, straight from Dior’s resort 2026 collection. She paired the organic, floor-length dress with a pair of white strappy heels and a structured white coat.
IT’S SHEER ART HISTORY
Throughout history, fabric has served as a source of inspiration, joy, and self-expression for countless artists.
The greats? — They achieved the impossible, capturing the movement of transparent fabrics throughout their masterworks. The likes of William Adolfe Bouguereau, John Singer Sargent, and Auguste Renoir accomplished this because they appreciated and understood the nature of fabrics as more than an afterthought, but a vital element in their paintings.
SHOP YOURS
Feeling inspired? Add some whimsy and intrigue to your wardrobe with these transparent must-haves.
SHEER TOPS
SHEER SLEEVE TOP AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $60
EAST END TOP AT RUMORED FOR $74
Lace Sheer Fitted Tank at Nordstrom for $1,290
SHEER SILK TOP AT NORDSTROM FOR $350
GRAPHIC TULLE TEE AT ANTHROPOLOGY FOR $98
Off-Shoulder Pink Sheer Blouse at Its Milla for $390
SHEER DRESSES
PHOTO: EDWARD BERTHELOT/GETTY IMAGES // REFINERY29
ASYMMETRICAL RUFFLE SHEER ORGANZA DRESS AT NORDSTROM FOR $400
CORSET TULLE GOWN AT FARFETCH FOR $535
ACT N1 TIERED TULLE MIDI DRESS AT FARFETCH FOR $1,591
ACT N1 DEGREE: TIERED TULLE MIDI DRESS AT FARFETCH FOR $1,871
SHEER TULLE LONG DRESS AT FARFETCH FOR $491
ASYMMETRICAL TULLE DRESS AT ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FOR $4,590
SHEER SKIRTS
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES // INSTYLE MAGAZINE
TULLE MAXI SKIRT AT FARFETCH
FOR $1,040
PLEATED MAXI SKIRT WITH HOT PANT AT ALICE + OLIVIA FOR $495
SHEER SKIRT AT URBAN OUTFITTERS FOR $85
CHIFFON SKIRT AT BERDOF GOODMAN FOR $990
DARK FLOWERS TULLE SKIRT AT 243.COM FOR $275
RUFFLED SILK CIGA-LINE SKIRT AT MATCHES $8,200
