The "Barely-There" Look Is Making a Comeback—5 Tips to Perfect the Trend That Fashion Insiders Adore for…

      You might feel like you've encountered all possible fashion trends, but then a new one reappears to catch you off guard. This is exactly what has happened with the sheer trend. I've observed the resurgence of near-transparent fabrics from past decades into recent times, but for summer 2025, it has not only taken over the runways, but also street style and celebrity red carpet appearances. My Instagram feed is flooded with semi-transparent organza and gauze-like garments that often make me do a double-take to confirm the fabric is indeed there.

      In 2025, sheer pieces are not relegated to evening wear alone; we believe they can be styled for various settings—from casual daytime outfits to office-appropriate looks (yes, really!), summer vacation wear, and, of course, attention-grabbing occasion outfits. This trend is being embraced across a diverse range of clothing and accessories, including blouses, shapewear, skirts, trousers, dresses, and shoes.

      Fashion editor Sophie Robyn Watson sports a sheer skirt from Rise & Fall, layered with a white tank top, a black leather jacket from Whistles, and mesh ballet flats from Dear Frances. (Image credit: Sophie Robyn Watson) Recently, I tried this trend myself, pairing an oyster-white organza midi skirt from the homegrown brand Rise & Fall with nearly invisible mesh flats from Dear Frances. I completed the look with a double-layered white tank top, a cult leather jacket from Whistles, a vintage Fendi bag, a SandraAlexandra necklace, and some retro sunglasses. The ruggedness of the jacket, mixed with the accessories' hardware, balances the airy lightness of the skirt and shoes, creating a delicate contrast of hard and soft that nods to '90s minimalism, yet feels modern.

      Now, let's delve deeper into this elusive trend, exploring its designers, who has worn it, and styling tips for 2025.

      **The Sheer Trend: Origins**

      For many, the sheer clothing trend immediately evokes memories of the 1990s. This decade was a hub of innovative fashion moments, subcultures, and ideologies, with the runways vividly indicating shifting preferences in apparel, style, and attitude. Notable fashion highlights of the '90s included straightforward minimalism (led by Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein), grunge aesthetics (thanks to Marc Jacobs at Perry Ellis), and lavish theatricality and sex appeal, championed by names like Versace, Tom Ford at Gucci, John Galliano at Dior, along with Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler.

      One of the most iconic images from this time is of Kate Moss in a sheer outfit. In 1993, she wore a silver see-through slip dress with spaghetti straps to an Elite Model Agency event, with minimal accessories—just black bikini briefs, flat flip-flops, natural makeup, and her hair in a simple updo. This look set a defining tone for the era, and its influence remains today. Brands like Khaite, The Row, and Toteme are now creating pieces inspired by this androgynous quiet luxury aesthetic, hinting at a kind of understated glamour that strips down the look to its essentials, avoiding excessive accessories.

      **On the Runway**

      The spring/summer 2025 collections prominently featured the sheer trend, with presentations from Copenhagen to Australia, and across Paris and London. Fabrics that barely conceal were showcased at Chanel, Christopher Esber, Ganni, Toga, and Akris. No item was untouched by the translucent effect—dresses, skirts, capes, shirts, and even neckties embraced sheer textures. These transparent finishes added a dynamic quality to the looks, fostering exquisite layering, tailored draping, and elegant movement as models walked the runway.

      **Style Notes**: A chic sheer ensemble from Chanel's S/S 25 collection, featuring powder-pink and butter-yellow pieces layered together. Coordinating bags and shoes create a sweet and synchronized appearance.

      **Style Notes**: Christopher Esber's S/S 25 collection infused Australian flair into Paris with numerous semi-sheer garments, exemplified by a standout look comprising a white bralette and tailored shorts covered by a pale-green organza dress.

      **Style Notes**: Ganni's S/S 25 collection featured organza in structured styles, including a chic suit anchored by a white organza shirt with visible seams, topped with a frilled organza tie, highlighting the Copenhagen cool-girl aesthetic.

      **Style Notes**: Toga's S/S 25 runway displayed several artistic sheer pieces, some so faint they were nearly invisible. This striking marigold outfit consisted of a sheer dress with voluminous plaid shirt sleeves paired with burgundy trousers for a grungy flair.

      **Style Notes**: The Akris show heavily featured sheer elements in suiting, shirting, outerwear, and gowns, employing pastel pink, bright white, and terracotta hues.