How to Style Spring 2026’s Sheer Trend Without Feeling Overexposed
This season, the barely-there style is more refined and less revealing.
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Following Chanel’s Spring 2026 Haute Couture show, I instantly fell in love with the whimsical array of trends—from fringed skirt suits to bird-shaped brooches. But it was the display of diaphanous sheer fabric that truly made my heart sing. Creative Director Matthieu Blazy unveiled translucent cardigans layered over matching bottoms, see-through skirts paired with embellished blazers, and gauzy tank tops tucked into ultra-thin pants.
Chanel wasn’t the only label that showcased sheer for spring. During the ready-to-wear season, which took place several months earlier, brands including Tory Burch, Maison Margiela, and Valentino championed similar designs.
Chanel Spring 2026 Haute Couture; Tory Burch Spring 2026 RTW; Valentino Spring 2026 RTW; Maison Margiela Spring 2026 RTW.
What connected these looks was a modest approach to the sheer trend. Moving away from the traditional sense of naked dressing—think second-skin pieces that embrace an “in the nude” attitude—these designers utilized layering, elegant tailoring, and sophisticated silhouettes to create styles that felt elevated, rather than overexposed.
Beyond the runways, I've also noticed this polished peekaboo aesthetic in street style—where It girls are wearing dresses stitched with organza overlays, and pairing lightweight jackets with lace skirts. Inspired by these looks, I’ve decided to try the trend for myself this season.
Ahead, you’ll find all the sheer outfits I'm pinning to my warm-weather mood board. They’re perfect for showing some skin, while still remaining sophisticated.
For the Shore
Nothing says warm weather quite like breezy separates.
In just a few days, I’ll be heading off to the sunny shore of San Diego. For all fresco lunches and sun-kissed moments by the beach, I plan to copy this exact outfit, composed of a button-down, a delicate lace skirt, and easygoing flip-flops. I’d suggest you steal this look for your vacation wardrobe, too.
Pop of Red
A fiery dress is a guaranteed way to earn you compliments.
If you’re in the mood to make heads turn, slip into a cherry red dress stitched with sheer crepe fabric. Given that the dress is the moment, keep the rest of your ensemble simple with pared-down accessories.
Late-Night Look
This outfit will come in handy past 7pm.
For your next night on the town, consider an oversized blazer and a frilly midi skirt. Grounded in strappy sandals, this evening getup will rise to any occasion, whether you’re grabbing dinner or going out for cocktails.
Spring Layers
Tackle tumultuous temperatures with a cozy layer.
With spring in full swing, temperature dips are expected. Keep warm in a soft sweater coated in a trending shade of cool blue. To balance things out, opt for a floaty skirt and breathable ballet flats.
Full-On Monochrome
No spring wardrobe is complete without all-white clothing.
Don’t wait until Memorial Day to dress in white from head to toe. Try the monochromatic look now with a balloon blouse and tailored trousers. If you’d like extra coverage, swap your bralette for a tank top.
Easy to Assemble
Putting this uniform together is as easy as it seems.
Searching for an outfit that doesn’t require a ton of effort? Use the look above for inspiration. You’ll simply need a sheer button-down and a pair of thigh-skimming shorts. Then, pull on thong sandals, which just so happen to be a major spring sandal trend.
A Minimalist Appeal
Here’s an uncomplicated way to streamline your spring wardrobe.
As the familiar phrase goes, less is more. This outfit embodies that expression to a T, proving that it’s often the most low-effort looks that boast the highest reward. However, if you want to take it up a notch, you can do so with bold accessories.
Corpcore
Upgrade your nine-to-five wardrobe.
Provided that your office has a relaxed dress code, give your suit set a break and try this low-key look instead. The striped button-down conveys a corporate message while the sheer skirt makes things feel more casual. To maintain a professional disposition, style your maxi skirt with a base layer, like a mini skirt or a pair of shorts.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.