It sounds scarier than it should be, but it is not to be taken so lightly. I have noticed many Pepperdine students, including myself, desperately trying to escape the heat by wearing sheer. But, I noticed that some aren’t as well versed in the language of sheer or how its cooling effect can result in catcalls. When is sheer too sheer?
I was reviewing the latest Dior Autumn 2013 couture collection when one particular dress caught my attention. It wasn’t because of the innovative fabric choice or full skirt. The most jaw-dropping feature is that the knitted evening dress lacked a lining. At least, the rail thin model was wearing a pair of fitted shorts, but the rest remained exposed.
I was so shocked that I refreshed the page several times just to be sure it had finished downloading. However, after I composed myself and actually took time to think about it, the concept of sheer and upcoming popularity of it interested me.
One thing is clear: Sheer is the new clear. From Lifetime’s “Project Runway” season 12 episode 5, designer Kate Pankoke made a sheer gray and black dress out of a curtain element.
Unfortunately due to the major time crunch, Kate barely finished on time resulting in a very short hemline. In this specific case, rushing led to a very trashy sheer look. Lucky for you, you don’t have to make a dress from scratch in fewer than 24 hours. So you have no excuse.
As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I follow the runways to look out for coming trends. But, every February and September, I always think the worst. I know that all trends come from the sketchpads of the top couture designers and eventually filter down to the trend-seeking stores like Forever 21.
I hope you took notice that I have mostly mentioned sheer blouses and dresses, like chiffon or micromesh. Sheer pants are never to be worn. The only rare exception is if you are under a cabana in Mexico.
Sheer was originally created for bedroom purposes before the 1920s. Now, in our provocative evolving world, sheer has become a part of everyday dress. It is meant to show the illusion of skin, without actually showing skin.
Sheer clothing can be a slippery slope, but an easy way to incorporate this trend into your personal style is through accessories and make-up.
Use that sheer scarf that just sits in your drawer as an innovative headband or accent for your purse. Translucent earrings and bracelets are a fun way to make everyone look twice.
For make-up, invest in a BB cream that will even your skin. Then, apply a slightly shimmery powder to make your skin dazzle. Finish the look with a little black liner and mascara. This is a simple look that will help you beat the heat while keeping with the upcoming trends.
So I write this as a warning: Wear sheer tastefully. Be sure to wear a camisole or an undershirt with a sheer shirt. Bandeaus and bras do not count. No one has any interest in seeing your belly button.
On the other hand, don’t be intimidated by a piece of sheerness. The best way to fight any fashion insecurity is just to put it out there. Pair a bright red sheer blouse with a checkered camisole. Wear a yellow tank with a blue sheer skirt for some fun color mixture.
Sheer can be a fun way to experiment with patterns and layering. Be adventurous, but do sheer with caution.
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Follow Jacklyn Maza on Twitter: @jbizzmazzz
As published in the Sept. 5 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.