Clothes are meant to cover the body. But lately, I've been inundated with sheer pieces that let you show it all off. As someone who doesn't regularly wear a bra, when faced with see-through items, I'd much rather steer clear of it all together than really figure out how to style it. Which is why I put myself up to the challenge of integrating it into my wardrobe.
It turns out, I've actually found sheer clothing to be extremely liberating — both in a practical sense and a style-minded one. At a time when fashion is leaning towards baggy pants, oversized blazers, and a full-on '80s revival, sheer clothing is the perfect antidote to the maximalist pieces that tend to overwhelm a petite frame like mine. So if you're ready to #FreeTheNipple once and for all (or just want a way to wear your bathing suits for more than just two months of the year), click on for some tips and tricks for styling the sheer trend you're only going to see more of.
Welcome to MyIdentity. The road to owning your identity is rarely easy. In this yearlong program, we will celebrate that journey and explore how the choices we make on the outside reflect what we’re feeling on the inside — and the important role fashion and beauty play in helping people find and express who they are.
Bras? Who Needs 'Em?
I kid you not, I have not worn a bra (at my own will!) for probably a year. I have a small chest that doesn't require much support, and after some experimentation, I've realised I just feel better going bra-free. That ethos doesn't change whether or not my clothing is see-through.
Maison Cleo top and skirt.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Frankly, I'm irked by how overly-sexualised female breasts still are, and freeing the nipple via sheer pieces is the perfect way to stick it to the man, break down barriers, and let it all hang loose (literally).
Maison Cleo top and skirt.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Can You See My Underwear? (That's The Point)
We've been programmed to wear nude underwear under anything remotely see-through, but if it's going to show anyway, why not have fun with it?
Vintage dress; Maryam Nassir Zadeh two-piece.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
As soon as I found this vintage dress from the '50s, the store owner informed me that it no longer had its coordinating slip underneath. Little did she know, in true 2018 fashion, that I planned to show off a neon two-piece bathing suit underneath.
Vintage dress; Maryam Nassir Zadeh two-piece.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Bathing Suits All-Year-Round
Did you pack your bathing suits away the bank holiday? Well, time to bring them back out. A one-piece, like a bodysuit, is a great way to add coverage to a sheer dress.
Rendl swimsuit; Half-Mad dress.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Since sheer pieces are typically neutral in colour, balance it out by choosing a bolder hue for underneath. This bright pink coordinates nicely, but also packs a punch.
Rendl swimsuit; Half-Mad dress.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Sheer Textures
If going fully sheer feels a little intimidating, try easing into the idea with a sheer knit or woven material, like this metallic sweater. It masks what's beneath a bit more, but offers a similar effect.
Stone top, skirt, and bustier; Stylenanda bag.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.
Mix textures by layering a smooth corset over top and throwing in a beaded bag. There's no hiding with these bold, sheer looks, but, if you ask me, you might as well revel in it.
Stone top, skirt, and bustier; Stylenanda bag.
Photographed by Savanna Ruedy.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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