The idea of wearing a see-through dress IRL (that’s “in real life” for the uninitiated) may seem daunting. You may be thinking, is the purpose of clothing to cover us up? Well, we’re here to make the case for fashion over functionality. Sheer clothing, while it may seem revealing, in actuality provides endless styling opportunities. So we’re here to show you all the way that you, yes you, can wear a sheer dress.
Out From Under Azalea Sheer Organza Dress
$40 at time of publication
Let’s start with a statement piece, because we adhere to the go big or go home mantra. This sheer wrap dress from Urban Outfitters is technically part of their intimates and loungewear line. This dress has a lot of volume, from the large puff sleeves to the full skirt and wrap detail, which means that there’s plenty of room to layer pieces underneath. We love how this is styled by Urban Outfitters, with a bralette and matching bike shorts, and a pair of ankle boots to really ground this directional look.
This dress is available at urbanoutfitters.com.
ASOS Design Sheer Ruched Mini Dress
$36 at time of publication
This sheer mini dress from ASOS is perhaps what may first come to mind when you think of a see-through piece. It’s shorter length is balances by longer sleeves, and the ruching detail along the bodice provides a bit more coverage as well. This dress is styled with a black bodysuit underneath to provide a little bit of coverage as well. If you’re not ready to wear a sheer dress out during the day, this dress is the perfect little number to wear out at night. It marries the sex appeal of sheer fabric with classic shirting details, so you’re sure to feel confident all night.
This dress is available at asos.com.
For Love and Lemons Felix Mini Dress
$225 at time of publication
If you’re not ready for a full-on sheer look, try to dip your toes into this style pool with some subtle but still lovely sheer details. This mini dress is from For Love and Lemons, an LA-based brand that makes all of their flirty pieces in a rigorously vetted and ethical factory in China. This little dress is perfect for summer and just waiting to be taken to brunch. To dress it down, try pairing it with a pair of chic all-white sneakers. For a flirty date look, wear this with a small beaded bag, barrette and kitten heel sandals.
This dress is available at shopbop.com.
Urban Outfitters Sheer Square Neck Midi Dress
$89 at time of publication
This sheer midi dress from Urban Outfitters was made for layering. It has a defined waist and feminine ruffle hem, and short ruffle sleeves. This one is styled over a striped bodysuit in the same color family as the dress, so take a cue from Urban Outfitters and remember to pay your layering pieces the same consideration you give to your dress.
This dress is available at urbanoutfitters.com.
Collina Strada Disnee Sheer Organic Dress
$315 at time of publication
Still not ready to rock a sheer dress? Try wearing it as a top. This Collina Strada sheer dress at Need Supply has the cut and length of a full-length dress, but looks bomb layered over a classic outfit of dark jeans and simple tee. Upgrade your favorite look, whether its a basic tee, simple tank, or even a silky cami, with this cool neutral maxi dress. Once you’re ready to take the plunge, try styling it over a neutral bodysuit for a look that really lets this dress stand out.
This dress is available at needsupply.com.
Y.A.S. Pleated Tulle Sheer Maxi Dress
$100 at time of publication
This sheer maxi dress is another super wearable take on the sheer dress trend. This elegant silhouette is just as much at home on a casual weekend errand run as it is at your boss’s fancy anniversary dinner. The sheer detail comes in on the long sleeves and layer of tulle that reaches the full length of the dress. For those that favor more modest dressing, this dress also has a full slip, so no wardrobe malfunctions here.
This dress is available at asos.com.
Just Female Hilda Midi Dress
$175 at time of publication
This printed maxi dress from Just Female is another uber-wearable take on the sheer dress. This dress has short sleeves and roomy bodice, cut like your favorite oversized t-shirt. The pleated midi skirt is calf length, and it comes with a black slip that fits perfectly underneath. The slip, however, is shorter than the top layer of fabric, which gives shows just the right amount of skin for an everyday look. Play with the edgy feel of this grunge-inspired dress and try grounding it with a pair of chunky Doc Martens or Mary Janes.
This dress is available at urbanoutfitters.com.
NEED Ava Mesh T-Shirt Dress
$132 at time of publication
Still not sold on wearing a sheer dress? Then wear it as a top! This dress from NEED layers perfectly over your favorite tee and jeans look, adding edge to a classic casual look. This one is styling over a black tee with white jeans underneath that pop. Have fun with this see-through fabric and try layering it over a brightly colored tee or pants in a vibrant hue. Once you’re ready to wear this dress in all its glory, try layering over a black mini slip for a chic and cool nighttime look.
This dress is available at needsupply.com.
By Tyler Sheer Squiggle Embroidered Midi Dress
$515 at time of publication
We’re sure you’ve never seen a dress like this before. By Tyler used multiple layers of sheer and printed fabric, couple with ruching and surface embroidery, to create a dress with so much interest and dimension. We love the textural squiggle details, that can be seen on the bodice underneath the top layer of fabric. This dress, while see-through in some aspects, still leaves something to the imagination, and is the perfect elegant take on the sheer dress trend.
This dress is available at urbanoutfitters.com.
Majorelle Rina Dress
$208 at time of publication
This midi dress from blogger favorite brand Majorelle takes the sheer trend in a totally different direction. Try the trend on for size with this dress that has a sheer bodice. This dress is partially lined, with a full layer underneath the pretty tulle embroidered overlay of the skirt. The cups and straps are both lined, too, so this dress is bra friendly - yay! This is the perfect dress to make a statement at your friends swanky summer rooftop soiree.
This dress is available at revolve.com.
ASOS Design Maxi Dress With Geometric Embellishment
$151 at time of publication
A nighttime even is the perfect place to debut your new sheer dress. The next time your significant other or bestie invites as a plus one to a charity gala or night at the ballet, pull out all the stops with this sheer and embroidered maxi dress. The beading and cutout detail feels super modern and has ultimate sex appeal, while the sheer maxi skirt leaves a little be desired. Dress up the look with a dramatic-sparkly ear cuff and a pair of metallic pumps.
This dress is available at asos.com.
Laura Ashley Amelia Organza Midi Dress
$99 at time of publication
Feel like an absolute doll in the organza sheer mini dress from Laura Ashley for Urban Outfitters. It’s cut in a generous, flowy babydoll shape with puff sleeves and ruffle trim at the collar. It also comes with a matching slip, which takes the guesswork out of finding the right under layers. What we love about this top is that it can also be styled as a chic tunic over a pair of sleek pants. Dress it up like your favorite white shirt with classic dark wash skinny jeans and ballet flats.
This dress is available at urbanoutfitters.com.
Topshop Knitted Yarn Maxi Dress
$75 at time of publication
This knitted dress from Topshop is a more classic take on a sheer dress that was made for a poolside afternoon or a day at the beach. Stay breezy and throw this knitted frock over a cute swimsuit so you can go from the shore to drinks with minimal effort and still look chic. This would look super cute worn with embellished slides, and don’t forget a pair of oversized sunnies to round out this retro-inspired beach look. If you’re not heading to the beach any time soon, try wearing this knitted sheer dress over a chic silky cami and your favorite skinny jeans for a look that more appropriate for land-locked activities.
This dress is available at topshop.com.
Topshop Lace Rope Belted Midi Dress
$85 at time of publication
This lacey long-sleeved dress is another classic take on sheer dressing. This is the perfect summer dress to keep on rotation, for everything from work to a date to dinner with friends. The long sleeves are demure and classy, while the subtle peek of skin add a touch on sensuality. This dress comes in a classic lightweight lace that’s perfect for summer nights. It also has a built-in bodice to give a little bit of coverage without taking away from the beautiful lace texture. This dress works perfectly for a dinner date when paired with elegant gold earring and high heeled sandals. Dress it down for casual affairs with chic flat mules and a crossbody bag.
This dress is available at topshop.com.