The Perfect Sheer Pieces for Your Body Type and Your Authentic Personal Style
Vienna based designer. Shop small. Sheer white t-shirt available up to size Large. Opting for showing your undergarments (especially on the bottom) is a choice for sure. Opt for pairings that make you feel confident and comfortable. Sheer on the top is the best entry point for this trend if you are feeling apprehensive.
As a personal stylist for women I am always on the hunt for new trends. Sure, there are shifts on runways that don’t translate to real life and yes, there are ready to wear movements that, while popular, aren’t super flattering. So, when we see trends that work on a runway and in real life, I’m all over it.
Sheer pieces are one of those trends. Considering wearing see through or semi-see through pieces tends to evoke a strong emotional response. You are likely either in the “no thank you” camp or in the “intrigued to yes, please world.” Most often, sheer pieces are one of those, “I’d love to if I can pull it off” trends. And my Dear Reader, I’m here to show you how you can absolutely pull it off.
Specifically, knowing which sheer options are right for your authentic personal style and your body type will give you the confidence to rock them on the regular. A few years back, I gave a friend a sheer grey long sleeve fitted top for her birthday. I’m guessing she was in her late forties then and she was surprised by the gift. Her initial response was gratitude and a clear message that she was unlikely to ever wear the item. But now, in her early fifties, she told me she was wearing the top for her birthday dinner. Few things have made me so happy.
The right sheer pieces can be timeless, age appropriate and still super sexy. (As an aside, if you’e been with me for some time, you likely know my stance on “age appropriate.” Essentially, just imagine you are living to 90 and be sure you aren’t wrapping up one phase too soon only to be left with the same four items for a good thirty years. Anyway, I digress.)
Don’t be afraid to embrace sheer pieces. Below is a collection of some of my favorites organized by body type. After all, if you know what flatters your shape, you are able to filter out all of the noise and start to build a sustainable, authentic collection that will be with you for years. Off we go!
Diamond
Your shoulders and hips are aligned and are narrower than your waist.
A dream for a Diamond or Triangle body type, this boxy sheer top is a comfortable and still feminine option. Boxy sheer top available to size XL.
Draw the eye to your vertical middle with this classic top that is the gold standard for a sheer top on a Diamond Body Type. Long sleeved sheer button down top available in two colors up to XL.
Bring some joy to your closet and your life with this flattering sleeveless top that shows off your slender arms. Vintage inspired sheer floral top available to size XL in two colors.
A huge trend right now in Europe, sheer ankle stocks draw they eye away from your midsection and toward your lovely feet. Flower laced sheer ankle socks available in multiple colors. Made in Japan. High quality standards.
Triangle
Your shoulders are narrower than your hips sometimes referred to as Pear Shaped.
A wide neck balances out your lower half giving the impression that your figure is more balanced, giving you the confidence that comes with looking your very best. Ethically made in very small batches of 50 or less. Made within 90 miles of design in Spain and Portugal. Shop small from this US boutique. Available up to size large. Sheer long sleeve striped top.
Ready to try out the sheer trend but want it to be functional for your real life? This sweatshirt is the ideal solution with a flattering cut in a cozy piece. Sheer shouldered long sleeve top available in petite, plus and up to size 3X.
I love a square neckline for a flattering bit of skin without feeling too revealing. Sheer crop top with square neck available up to size 10.
Emphasize those shoulder and discover that you can pair this with most pants and still feel great. Plus, a long sleeves mean you can skip the jacket or sweater. Sheer floral long sleeve top available up to size 14.
Sheer pieces don’t need to be limited to solids. Try an expressive print to communicate your authentic personal style. Sheer print top with moon print available up to size XL.
Inverted Triangle
Your hips are narrower than your shoulders, sometimes referred to a Swimmer’s Body.
Draw the eye to your lower half and balance your shape with this timeless piece. Sheer long sleeve button down tunic or dress available in three colors up to size XL.
I’m in love with this pistachio green color. It feels vintage without the downsides of decades old second hand pieces. And sheer on the bottom is a dream for an Inverted Body Type. Try this with opaque black tights underneath or over a body suit if you are feeling bold. Ethically made sheer skirt. Shop small up to size Medium.
Yes! You can wear sheer pieces to the office. This is how. This is also a stellar choice for your Inverted Body Shape. Cowlneck sheer long sleeve top available up to size 16.
I’m truly obsessed with this dress and the styling. Wearing strapless dresses can be tricky for a woman with an Inverted Triangle Body type. Most women with this figure want to show off their strong amazing shoulders, then discover that they are overemphasizing the top. Do both with an a-line skirt or dress like this one. Ethically made in very small batches of 50 or less. Made within 90 miles of design in Spain and Portugal. Shop small from this US boutique. Available in two colors up to size Large. Sheer strapless aline dress.
Rectangle
Your shoulders and hips are aligned and your waist is not well defined. Sometimes referred to as, “straight up and down.”
Fun Fact: A Rectangle Body type doesn’t have to mean a super thin woman. It’s about shape, not size. If you’d love to give the impression that you have more curves, try a sheer piece with a feminine cut like this one. Sheer mesh long sleeve top available in two colors up to size XL.
Feminine details like this puff sleeve is a win for a woman with a Rectangle Shaped Figure. Sheer long sleeve feminine blouse available up to size L.
Show off your shape with this feminine crop top with adjustable drawstrings that are a fun alternative to a traditional belt. Sheer edgy crop top available up to size 10.
Hourglass
Your shoulders and hips are balanced and your waist is well defined.
Very similar to the top I bought for my friend years ago, this body hugging sheer top is useful as a layering piece or worn over your bra. Sheer fitted mock turtleneck available in three colors up to size XL.
I’m in love with this timeless and almost universally flattering sheer dress. Show off your hourglass figure with this bodycon dress. Sheer long sleeve turtleneck dress. Ethically made and available for purchase from a small retailer. #shopsmall
Another great choice for rocking the sheer trend at work, this feminine piece shows off your curves. Sheer sleeves on this flattering plus size top available up to size 3X.
Wait what?! I know! Just when you thought her shoes provided the color, it’s actually her sheer color blocked socks! Sheer socks are a big trend in Europe right now and expect them to be big in Spring 2024. This is a great way to style them. Sheer color block socks ankle socks. Available in three color combinations. The toes, heels and soles are made of cotton, so they absorb sweat and you feel comfortable.. Made in Japan.
And there you have it! The sheer trend is just on the way in, so picking up a piece or two is a fun way to refresh your collection with functional options that can be styled for winter, spring and beyond. Enjoy!
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