The "Barely-There" Look Has Returned—5 Tips to Perfect This Controversial Trend Beloved by Fashion Insiders for…

      You might believe you've witnessed every trend rise and fall, but then a new one emerges unexpectedly. This is exactly what happened with the sheer trend. I've observed the increasing use of lightweight fabrics from past decades to recent times, but for summer 2025, it has not only taken over the runways but also permeated street style and celebrity red carpet appearances. My Instagram feed is filled with semi-transparent organza and gauze-like garments, often making me pause to question the fabric's presence.

      In 2025, sheer pieces are no longer confined to evening wear; they can be, arguably, appropriate for any setting, including casual daytime outfits, office attire (yes, really!), summer vacation ensembles, and of course, stunning occasion wear. The trend has been adopted in a wide range of apparel and accessories, including blouses, shapewear, skirts, pants, dresses, and shoes.

      Acting fashion editor Sophie Robyn Watson sports a sheer skirt from Rise & Fall, paired with a layered white tank top, a black leather jacket from Whistles, and mesh ballet flats from Dear Frances. I recently tried this trend myself, complementing an oyster-white organza midi skirt by the local brand Rise & Fall with barely-there mesh flats from Dear Frances. I styled it with a double-layered white tank top, a cult leather jacket from Whistles, a vintage Fendi bag, a necklace from SandraAlexandra, and some retro sunglasses. The ruggedness of the jacket, alongside the hardware of the bag and necklace, contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the skirt and shoes; it's a delicate interplay of hard and soft that reflects '90s minimalism but with a contemporary twist.

      Now, let's delve deeper into this intriguing trend, discussing its origins, the designers behind it, who’s wearing it, and how to style it for 2025.

      **The Sheer Trend: Origins**

      When many think of sheer clothing, they often recall the 1990s—a decade rich in innovative fashion moments, subcultures, and ideas. Runways were the primary markers of evolving styles, preferences, and attitudes. Key fashion highlights from the '90s include minimalist aesthetics, propelled by figures like Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein; grunge elements, thanks to Marc Jacobs at Perry Ellis; and theatrical glamor and sensuality, led by icons such as Versace, Tom Ford at Gucci, John Galliano at Dior, as well as Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler.

      A standout image from this period is of Kate Moss in 1993, who attended an Elite Model Agency party in a silver see-through slip dress, pairing it with black bikini-style briefs, flat flip-flops, minimal makeup, and her hair styled simply. This look set a defining tone for the era, leaving a lasting legacy. Contemporary brands such as Khaite, The Row, and Toteme draw from a similar playbook, hinting at a restrained sort of glamour that emphasizes simplicity while avoiding excessive accessories.

      In the spring/summer 2025 collections, sheer fabrics were prevalent, showcased across various cities from Copenhagen to Australia, Paris, and London. Brands like Chanel, Christopher Esber, Ganni, Toga, and Akris presented garments that adopted translucent materials, allowing for innovative layering and graceful draping on the runway.

      **Style Notes: Notable Looks from the Runway**

      - Chanel's collection combined soft pink and yellow hues in layered sheer styles, complemented by matching bags and shoes for a cohesive appearance.

      

      - Christopher Esber showcased a standout outfit with a white bralette and tailored shorts layered with a sheer pale-green organza dress, encapsulating an upbeat vibe.

      - Ganni incorporated structured organza pieces, presenting a layered look featuring a white organza shirt with visible seams and a frilled necktie.

      - Toga's runway included subtle yet barely visible designs made from sheer fabrics, with unique pieces like a ruffled plaid shirt sleeve dress paired with flowing burgundy trousers.

      - Akris embraced the sheer aesthetic across suits, shirts, and gowns, highlighted by a pink ensemble consisting of a deconstructed blazer and tailored trousers.

      **Celebrities Embracing Sheer in 2025**

      Celebrities have also joined the sheer trend, showcasing bold and daring styles recently. From Dua Lipa’s “office-siren” pencil skirt to Hari Nef’s bubblegum-pink organza set, here are the best celebrity sheer outfits to inspire your own looks.

      1. **Dua Lipa**: Known for her adventurous fashion sense, Dua rocks a Calvin Klein ensemble with an oversized wool coat, grey tank bodysuit, and a sheer sandy organza skirt. It's more daring for desk wear but definitely exudes "office-siren" vibes with neon accessories and chic footwear.

      2. **Miley Cyrus**: Highly stylish lately, Miley showcased a black sheer pinstripe shirt, embodying a casual, chic rockstar vibe, paired