Sheer garments cut from diaphanous fabrics like organza, chiffon, gauze, tulle, and more have long been reserved for boudoir lingerie or delicate embellishments on bridal wear. However, with the “barely there” appeal returning in recent years, the trend has firmly established itself on both the runways and in celebrities’ wardrobes.
The year was 1993 when Kate Moss stepped into the limelight in a copper-coated nylon slip dress—an outfit still referenced to this day. This moment of “naked dressing” redefined the significance of see-through elements, cementing their position in high fashion. Yet, Moss was not the only icon to champion this transparent appeal; she stands alongside trailblazers like Madonna and Jane Birkin. Fashion enthusiasts will tell you that the fascination with sheer looks goes way back—from Cher’s dress by Bob Mackie at the Met Gala 1974 to Barbra Streisand’s pantsuit for the 1969 Oscars, and Yves Saint Laurent‘s groundbreaking sheer debut with cigaline fabric for the 1966 couture collection.
These cultural moments liberated such garments from the bedroom, and while their popularity is tied to forging a sense of body confidence, the current revival is less about overt exposure and more about intentional layering. The trend has now evolved to champion multi-dimensional silhouettes rather than simply hanging on to the scandalous “naked” trope. Today, these translucent overlays function primarily as a styling tool—an adaptable and transitional layer for mixing textures, styles, and even clashing colours. Moreover, its breathable characteristic is music to our ears as we live in a humid, tropical climate.
On the Runway
For Dior Fall/Winter 2026, Jonathan Anderson offset a voluminous, bouncing, ruffled skirt with a gossamer top, creating a look that is both soft and structurally sound. Similarly, designers are using this see-through canvas to put intricate details front and centre. Prada, for example, showcased delicate monotone embroideries on a translucent fabric for their Fall/Winter 2026 collection, while Chanel utilised the same diaphanous layer as a backdrop for eye-catching and colourful needlework.
Flowing fabrics are also a cornerstone of bohemian style, a domain Chemena Kamali has perfected. For Fall/Winter 2026, Chloé sent a lineup of billowing fabrics down the runway, beautifully paired with cowboy boots and frilly necklines. For a more playful and lacy take, the trend was translated into intricate lace for the Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2026 collection, offering a tasteful contrast to the chunky fur coats. It’s also worth noting that this design element has transcended gendered clothing, particularly when Dior Homme opened its recent Spring/Summer 2027 collection with a gauzy blazer, printed with pinstripes or the houndstooth motif.
For Layering
If you’re ever in a pickle with your own sheer pieces, unsure of how to wear them without feeling overexposed, consider layering them over a shirt or dress or even underneath one. Karina from Aespa demonstrated this perfectly for a Converse shoot she did for her ambassador appointment.
Alternatively, you can style one as a lightweight overlay top. Feel free to pair it with innerwear such as a bandeau, a camisole or even a bikini top in contrasting colours or patterns—much like Thai actress Love Pattranite. If you prefer a more harmonious look, take a leaf out of our June/July 2026 cover star, Orm Kornnaphat’s book, who styled her Dior mesh top with pieces from the same colour palette, or follow our April 2025 cover star, Prim Chanikarn’s lead with an all-white ensemble.
The Variable
An all-black outfit stands the test of time as a classic, foolproof combination—provided that it’s executed well. A quick search will inundate you with endless tips on how to master a full black look for any occasion. Our advice is refreshingly simple: a translucent piece—be it lace, gauze, chiffon, or mesh—does the trick. The key is a lightweight, filmy garment. Trendsetters like Jennie and our former cover star, Jihyo from Twice, have proven that introducing a gauzy layer into an LBD keeps the finesse while subtly accentuating the wearer’s form.
Jisoo’s black high-low dress at the Dior Fall/Winter 2027 show is a dream for those who yearn for romantic dressing. The diaphanous layer in this case was crafted to reveal different levels of transparency as the Blackpink member moved. Meanwhile, Minnie from i-dle gave her flowing piece a decidedly streetwear twist in the group’s music video for their new release, Crow, where she contrasted her billowy flounce-sleeved top with a skirt featuring utilitarian details.
Jazz It Up
On days when you don’t fancy accessorising with heavy stacks of necklaces or bracelets, a sheer overlay can act as the adornment itself. Have fun with embellished pieces or lacy designs. Lingling Kwong, for example, donned a pink gigot-sleeved see-through top underneath a corset. For the bold, Kazuha’s translucent bustier dress offers a brilliant reference point to experiment with, while Lisa showed us that gauzy layers, like her lace top, can also be a cohesive element that bridges disparate design components, such as bright neon colours, for a coordinated look.
Unlike its “barely there” characteristic, the sheer pieces can also be the focal point of a look. Lesserafim’s Chaewon, sporting a shimmering translucent halter top, proved that the garment itself can also be the main character, a statement piece that will turn heads even when it’s paired with basic denim shorts. As for those seeking maximum impact, Lena Lorena’s sequinned see-through dress and Miu Natsha’s heavily embellished gown are guaranteed to garner attention wherever you go.
This story originally appeared on GRAZIA Malaysia.
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