How to Wear Sheer

You’ve seen it on the runaways and on celebrities like Kristen Stewart, but how do you successfully rock all things sheer without looking like you plan to attend a Pretty Woman throwback party?

While you may equate sheer with worst dressed lists and partying gone awry, designers like Balenciaga and Prada have made it one of the season’s biggest trends–and stores like H&M have made it accessible for all of us.

So instead of declaring the trend suitable only for the very bold and daring, here are three ways you can wear sheer while looking classy, put together and fashion forward.

Less Is More

No, we’re not recommending you wear less fabric and show more skin. We’re talking about mixing sheer pieces with other fabrics and textures.

Although it may be tempting to adorn yourself in head-to-toe sheer, bigger impacts are always made with smaller efforts. A sheer blouse (coupled with a camisole) will create a much better statement than a sheer tank paired only with a bandeau, and sheer tights will make simple black high-waisted shorts look far trendier than an outfit revolving around a flimsy sheer mini.

Be Age Appropriate

Although Rhianna and Taylor Momsen look undoubtedly awesome while clad in their sheer tanks and thigh-high stockings, it’s key to note that as youthful celebrities, they’re able to get away with wearing things that 95 percent of us should probably shy away from.

While you may have the body to pull off a sheer slip-dress, to abide by teen and early twenty-something fashion rules may not be the most office or age appropriate choice. A sheer skirt with a silk underlay is both trendy and sophisticated, while if you’re opting for evening chic, make like Christina Ricci and use a sheer neckline to compliment an otherwise solid knee-length dress.

Think Sexy Not Scandalous

There’s a fine line between sexy and sleazy. While some ladies in the limelight use sheer as an excuse to show off and look scandalous, others (like Victoria Beckham and Beyonce) have embraced low-key sexiness with more modest sheer trimmings, blouses or overlays.

With spring in full swing, you can dress up a simple black tank with a sheer long-sleeved blouse, mimicking the boyfriend look that’s become a staple of the season.