How to Wear Sheer Dresses Without Revealing Too Much

(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)

published 14 March 2019

If the thought of wearing something sheer has you intrigued but scared and, ultimately, confused, you've come to the right place. You see, it's really not that difficult to wear this won't-I-feel-totally-naked look. If there's anything we've learned from the street style crowd and celebrities on the red carpet (opens in new tab), it's that the see-through ensemble is doable—and chic. You just need to be smart about the undergarments and clothing items you select to wear underneath. Not surprisingly, finding those layering pieces requires some internet sleuthing. (Don't ask me how long it took to find the below beige bodysuit with plunging neckline. You're welcome.)

Since we could all probably use a little help determining how to wear transparent dresses in real life, I've gone ahead and dreamt up five sheer yet totally wearable outfits. They range from a work-appropriate ensemble (sheer to the office, daring!) to a definitely NSFW party look. Hopefully, this convinces you to buy that sheer dress you've been eyeing because, yes, you can 100-percent pull it off.

1. Vacation Ready

Baby steps: Try the see-through dress/tunic look at the beach first, if you're not ready for the streets. No one will be staring as everyone's already striped down to their skivvies. This lightweight embroidered dress from Zara goes on easily over a bikini or one-piece swimsuit. You won't have to worry about steaming this piece while on vacay either, as it has natural worn-in wrinkles. Pair with a woven beach bag and your comfiest sandals and you're ready to head straight to souvenir shopping.

Shop the pieces: 1. Zara tunic (opens in new tab), $90; 2. Marysia scallop bikini top (opens in new tab), $165, 3. Marsia scallop bikini bottom (opens in new tab), $150; 4. Jadetribe basket tote (opens in new tab), $198; 5. Alias Mae sandals (opens in new tab), $170

2. Party Time

The inspiration for this outfit comes from models like Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk (opens in new tab), who love to wear sheer gowns to glamorous parties. This dress stands out thanks to all the sequins and embellishments (hold the disco ball, please). All you need is a beige bodysuit underneath—with a plunging neckline to match the dress—and a pair of heels made for dancing. Go bold or go home, right?

Shop the pieces: 1. LoveShackFancy sequin tulle dress (opens in new tab), $825; 2. Free People bodysuit (opens in new tab), $30; 3. Gorjana stud earrings (opens in new tab), $32; 4. Sondra Roberts clutch (opens in new tab), $160; 5. Schutz heel (opens in new tab), $180

3. Office Approved

This eyelet dress comes with a detachable slip, which means you can turn that modest charm on or off depending on your mood. For the office, you probably want to wear this dress with the lining, but on the weekends, let your favorite undergarments peek through the design. (It won't be as noticeable as you think if you wear white.) Let this be your go-to little white dress for summer.

Shop the pieces: 1. Aritzia dress (opens in new tab), $178; 2. True & Co. bralette (opens in new tab), $32; 3. True & Co. underwear (opens in new tab), $16; 4. Serpui Marie fish clutch (opens in new tab), $299; 5. BaubleBar resin hoops (opens in new tab), $36; 6. Steven Greece slides (opens in new tab), $79

4. Made for Street-Style Photos

Don't forget: You can absolutely wear regular clothes underneath a sheer number. If a bodysuit and denim jeans is your favorite type of outfit, all you have to do is layer this silk organza dress on top. It'll add dimension and intrigue to your everyday outfit. Plus, the all-black is perfect if that's your color palette year-round.

Shop the pieces: 1. Rodebjer floral print dress (opens in new tab), $645; 2. Wolford bodysuit (opens in new tab), $195; 3. DSTLD skinny jeans (opens in new tab), $85; 4. Mango bucket bag (opens in new tab), $80; 5. Botkier mules (opens in new tab), $138

5. Weekend Vibes

This minidress looks great over a bikini, and can be re-worked for day-to-day activities with a bandeau bralette and denim shorts. Think of it as an extra layer on top of your summer outfit. Complete your look with tangy orange accessories like a pair of slides and beaded bag to show off your good mood. This ensemble deserves an Instagram #OOTD.

Shop the pieces: 1. Onia minidress (opens in new tab), $245; 2. Commando bandeau bra (opens in new tab), $58; 3. Rag & Bone shorts (opens in new tab), $195; 4. Loeffler Randall beaded bag (opens in new tab), $295; 5. Maryam Nassir Zadeh slides (opens in new tab), $410

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Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.