How to wear sheer clothing, according to a Melbourne stylist

After years of experimenting with my personal style, something I’ve come to terms with is that I’m actually a bit of a prude. I like to get dressed in the morning, knowing I’ll be comfortable in my outfit no matter where the day takes me. I’ve left the house too many times feeling myself in a revealing outfit, only to jump on public transport or step into a work meeting and be filled with regret. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for showing some skin when the setting is right. I love a mini skirt in the summer and I exclusively wear skimpy bikini bottoms at the beach – an even tan overrides modesty in this case. 

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Despite my hesitance to show skin on an average day, I am curious to experiment more with sheer fabrics. I admire the clever ways fashion people wear them, like statement bras under see-through silk dresses, vintage Gaultier mesh tops, or Kristen Stewart’s sheer tights as pants for her entire recent press tour.

Sheer clothing has just always seemed too fussy to me. I’m not a delicate person, I don’t trust myself not to snag ultra-thin silk, and the thought of synthetic mesh and my underarms at the end of a workday makes me feel icky. Keen to hear how the experts do it, I asked stylist Lauren Di Bartolo, founder of the Australian Style Institute how she styles sheer clothing.

 

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How would you recommend styling sheer clothing if you haven’t tried it before?

This might be one of the most underrated styling techniques I lean upon as a stylist. Contrasting texture makes for some of the most interesting outfits and sheer fabrics are one of those. Creating a great look isn’t always about having the most interesting pieces, often it’s about having items that create contrast, whether that’s a textural element or a metallic fabric.

But there’s a specific reason why sheer garments have subtle yet significant impact and that’s because of the variations of contrast they provide from high-transparency to high opacity. Not all sheer items are made the same. The fabric is critical in decision making. Often sheer garments are made from synthetic materials that can increase sweat, so fabric is going to be important for many people.

How would you style a sheer top if we don’t want to show too much skin?

Sheer tops are like a cake, how much you choose to decorate them depends on your personal taste. For some it’s a dusting of accessories to keep things very sheer, for others it’s a thick layer of icing that makes the cake almost unrecognisable. It’s all about personal preference.

Something to consider though is temperature. If you run hot, then adding too many layers is only going to get uncomfortable.

 

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What about a sheer skirt?

Sheer skirts are great for layering or to emphasise your legs if you’re feeling them. If feeling exposed is what it’s giving, then use an alternative fabric (even in the same colour or tone) to layer.

Any tips for layering sheer pieces with other items?

Anything goes, from knitwear to silk. Working within a tonal palette has helped me to create sheer looks that go a long way, perfect when you’re travelling or trying to get the most out of your wardrobe.

Where would you look for bras to wear under sheer tops? What about briefs under sheer bottoms?

This is all about personal choice. Brands our stylists love are Simone Pérèle for pieces that can add another delicate yet subtle layer of detail to a look. Another good option is She Science, founded by Tish Tily and Matt Morgan who have a passion for the science behind boobs and bras.

To learn more about the Australian Style Institute, head here.