Your Ultimate Guide to Styling Sheers This Spring

Sheer fabrics are one of the defining trends of Spring 2025, appearing across countless designer runways in a variety of forms, from whisper-light layers to barely-there dresses. Their popularity this season stems from a collective shift toward softness, sensuality, and fluidity in fashion. In a time where dressing is once again becoming expressive and emotionally driven, sheers embody both vulnerability and strength. They suggest exposure, but with purpose. Designers are using transparency to explore themes of empowerment, intimacy and contrast, making sheer garments feel more modern and wearable than ever before.

As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, sheer fabrics return as spring fashion’s most alluring staple. Ethereal yet empowering, these transparent pieces are all about contrast, delicate in texture but bold in expression. When styled with intention, they become some of the most versatile and exciting additions to your seasonal wardrobe. Whether you’re subtly easing into the trend or embracing it fully, here’s how to wear sheers with confidence this spring.

1. Embrace Bold Colours

Forget subtlety, this season sheer goes bold. From fuchsia to lime green, vibrant sheers inject colour and joy into your wardrobe. Look for hot pink tight shirts, electric blue mesh dresses, or chartreuse lace skirts to brighten your look. Bold-coloured sheers also feel more approachable and less revealing, especially when styled with simple underlayers.

At the Spring 2025 RTW shows, bold sheers made a major statement, just look at Prabal Gurung’s maxi dresses or other collections showcasing saturated mesh and translucent brights that command attention.

2. Layer Over Underwear (With Intention)

Wearing lingerie under sheer garments is no longer a fashion faux pas, it’s a styling choice. The secret is in the execution. Match your undergarments in a coordinated colour palette or lean into luxurious textures like lace and satin. When done with care, it’s sensual, stylish, and entirely modern.

This look was beautifully executed at Christopher Esber’s Spring 2025 RTW show, where a model wore a transparent dress layered over a structured bralette and high-waisted briefs in tonal harmony. It was daring but undeniably chic. Locally, try elevated lingerie from Nette Rose or Takkleberry to recreate this layered aesthetic.

3. Go Fully Nude (No Bra Required)

One of the most striking ways to wear sheer is by going braless and it’s becoming more mainstream thanks to body-positive messaging and clever garment construction.The key to pulling off the look is fabric and fit. Choose designs that incorporate layering, embroidery, or embellishments to offer visual coverage while embracing skin or if you want to be totally free, opt for a fully mesh bodice. Intricate knitwork can offer coverage while allowing the natural form to show through, creating a look that feels powerful and refined. Designers like Viviers Studio or AKJP offer equally thoughtful designs with sculptural silhouettes that walk the line between vulnerability and artistry.

4. Style with a T-Shirt

For a more casual take, layer sheer pieces over T-shirts. This adds dimension and edge, especially when playing with texture or graphics. Mesh long-sleeves layered over printed tees or sheer tanks over plain white crewnecks create a relaxed yet fashion-forward outfit perfect for everyday wear or go over-the-top and wear a fully mesh dress with a t-shirt over, for some coverage.

Try sheer blouses over logo T-shirts, styled with tailored trousers for a laid-back yet elevated mood. Try pairing this look with denim or cargo trousers to bring it into your day-to-day rotation. 

5. Elevate with Statement Accessories

Sheers act like a canvas, perfect for showcasing bold accessories. Chunky jewellery, oversized sunglasses, embellished belts, funky cowboy boots and sculptural handbags all shine against transparent fabrics. Don’t be afraid to mix textures; delicate sheers contrast beautifully with leather, metal, or resin.

6. Use as a Layering Tool

Sheer pieces aren’t just showstoppers, they’re also secret styling weapons. A sheer button-down over a crop top or bandeau adds polish, while a transparent dress layered over a slip in a contrasting tone makes the look feel more intentional. Sheer skirts over fitted mini skirts or shorts also provide dimension and movement.

When wearing sheers, the key is to balance proportions, since these fabrics tend to cling or flow, they pair best with structured silhouettes like tailored trousers, utility jackets or crisp shirts. Confidence is also crucial; sheer looks naturally attract attention, so it’s important to wear pieces that make you feel secure and empowered. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Spring is the perfect season to play with textures, colours, and new styling ideas. Sheers offer a fresh way to express individuality through fashion, equal parts soft and bold, subtle and striking.

As one of the most prominent trends of the season, sheer fabrics invite you to dress with freedom and intention. Whether you're layering them over denim, accessorizing with bold jewellery, or wearing them nude with a touch of rebellion, sheers encourage a more expressive, personal approach to style. Let them breathe new life into your wardrobe and remind you that lightness, in fashion and in spirit, is always in style.