There’s something alluring about the idea of a barely-there veil; its subtle transparency hinting at a little mystery with the idea of something more underneath. Many designers have aimed for the same effect on the spring runways by incorporating slivers of sheerness for a more dramatic presence.
See-through clothing can have negative connotations, as something that’s more sleazy than sexy, especially when worn inappropriately. For example, pairing sheer with a brightly hued bra can send the wrong idea. When dressed down, sheer pieces can be worn by anyone to add a little enticement.
Akris, Erdem, Prabal Gurung and Stella McCartney gave their spring 2013 ready-to-wear collections a delicate touch with their inclusion of sheer components. Erdem’s hand-embroidered organza and Prabal Gurung’s noticeably clear top under a blazer are more bold design choices, but they work because of what is shown and what isn’t. Stella McCartney and Akris gave a more faint incorporation, adding just enough translucent fabric to turn the looks from simple to stellar.
Want to add a little mystery to your wardrobe? Try this sheer flower blouse from Mikkat Market, this chiffon long sleeve crew neck pullover from American Apparel, this ecru dress from Zara, or this sheer panel playsuit from Topshop.