Formula, Unlocked: 12 Ways to *Actually* Pull Off a Sheer Top

If you’ve followed fashion long enough, it’s easy to assume that every trend goes out of style eventually—sheer clothing initially fell into that categorization for quite a few of us (boy, were we wrong). Despite any initial misgivings that some of us may have had when sheer clothing first surfaced on the runway, it’s sticking around for the foreseeable future. From Saint Laurent to Miu Miu to Chloé, we’ve seen so many fashion houses over the last few seasons give the “naked” trend their signature spin in the form of lace dresses, gauzy sweaters, chiffon pencil skirts, and mesh bodysuits. While there are so many different ways to wear this trend, we’d be remiss if we didn’t admit that sheer tops remain the superior choice in our humble opinion. We’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. We’ve seen stylish people embrace sheer tops not just as a fleeting going-out trend but as a foundational staple.

Even with that ubiquity, it’s hard to deny that sheer tops aren’t the easiest pieces to style for everyday life. Sure, we have ample styling examples from stars like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, but in practice, it can be challenging to figure out how to make this “risqué” piece feel safe enough to pull off in our own lives. So, what’s a girl to do? Well, allow us to introduce you to your ultimate guide on how to style a sheer layering top. We’ve rounded up examples of sheer top outfits with outlined outfit formulas, styling tips, and even a curation of the best sheer layering pieces to purchase right now. Whether you’re a fan of the “naked trend” or used to pray for its demise, these top outfit ideas will convince you that this skivvy deserves a spot in your wardrobe.

Tip #1: Pay Attention to Necklines

WEAR: Black Coat + Black Sheer Turtleneck Top + Gray Cardigan + White Baggy Jeans + Black Ankle Boots + Black Barrel Bag

Styling Notes: If you find the idea of wearing a sheer top a bit scary, you can make this layering piece feel more approachable by paying attention to the neckline. Opting for a modest sheer top in the form of a turtleneck (ideally styled with more layers) will remove some potential fear about wearing this piece.

Tip #2: Go Tonal

WEAR: White Trench Coat + White Pleated Sheer Top + White Wide-Leg Trousers + White Skinny Belt + Two-Tone Slingback Heels + White Shoulder Bag + Black Sunglasses

Styling Notes: When you want to elevate your sheer layering top, stick to a tonal palette for your ensemble. Whether you opt for an all-white look (like above) or any other neutral shade, styling a sheer laying top with separates in a matching shade will always look sophisticated.

Tip #3: Add Oversized Outerwear

WEAR: Oversized Black Leather Jacket + White Sheer Camisole + Dark Wash Baggy Jeans + Heeled Sandals + Black Clutch Bag + Silver Earrings

Styling Notes: Another low-effort way to style a sheer layering top is to add layers into the mix, specifically, an oversized jacket. Whether you’re planning to meet friends for drinks or go on a first date, you can’t go wrong with wearing an oversized leather jacket, sheer camisole, baggy jeans, and heeled sandals.

Tip #4: Make It a Base Layer

WEAR: Black Blazer + Striped Button-Down Shirt + Black Sheer T-Shirt + Chunky Gold Cuff Bracelets + Skinny Belt + Black Trousers + Red Ankle Boots

Styling Notes: When you don’t want to show too much skin but still want to wear your sheer layering top, use it as a base. You can style a mesh top underneath a not-so-modest dress or a striped button-down shirt and oversized blazer (as shown above). With the latter option, you can draw attention to the layers by layering chunky bangles over the cuffs of your shirts.

Tip #5: Dress It Up With a Blazer

WEAR: Silver Earrings + Oversized Boxy Blazer + White Sheer T-Shirt + White Bralette + Red Belt + Baggy Black Jeans + White Loafers

Styling Notes: When you don’t want to wear too many layers over your sheer top but still want to dress it up, simply add a blazer. Pairing your sheer top with a boxy blazer, baggy jeans, and flat loafers will give the casual staple a more formal spin.

Tip #6: Opt for Unexpected Layers

WEAR: Black Turtleneck + Sheer Lace Mini Dress + Black Track Pants + Black Belt + Black Pointed Ankle Boots

Styling Notes: Try challenging yourself to think beyond traditional styling by pairing your sheer layers with unexpected items. For example, transform the typical lace mini dress (or long sheer camisole) by layering it over a pair of track pants. You can further lean into the juxtaposition of these pieces by finishing off your look with a turtleneck sweater, low-slung belt, and pointed ankle boots.

Tip #7: Play with Prints

WEAR: Brown Sunglasses + Brown Leather Trench Coat + Printed Mesh T-Shirt + Brown Belt + Brown Wide-Leg Trousers + Brown Clutch Bag + Brown Platform Ankle Boots

Styling Notes: Beyond embracing layers, playing with prints can make a sheer top all the more exciting. Consider opting for a printed mesh shirt styled with separates that match the print’s color palette. It’s a styling combo that will surely capture everyone’s attention.

Tip #8: Double-Up on Sheer Separates

WEAR: Aviator Sunglasses + Tan Sheer Lace Top + Black Sheer Lace Dress + Tan Sheer Lace Skirt + Metallic Flats + Gold Bangles + Black Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Prints aren’t the only way to add visual intrigue to your sheer pieces; you can create the safe effect simply by doubling up your items. The sheer lace top in the back of your closet can become more compelling when layered over a contrasting black lace dress and matching tan lace skirt (as shown above). Styling lace separates together is a surefire way to show less skin without losing the pieces’ luster.

Tip #9: Pair With Sheer Underpinnings

WEAR: Tan Maxi Coat + Black Sheer Lace Top + Black Bra + Black Mini Skirt + Black Knee-High Sheer Stockings + Black Mules + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: It can be risky to style sheer pieces on top of each other, so it’s understandable if you don’t feel comfortable with that outfit idea. You can recreate that outfit with more coverage by wearing your sheer layering top with a long coat, mini skirt, and sheer underpinnings (e.g., opaque knee-high stockings or translucent tights). With this styling combo, you’ll strike the perfect balance between covered and exposed.

Tip #10: Invest In a Cute Bra

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Oversized White Sheer Shirt + White Satin Bra + White Wide-Leg Trousers + Black Flat Sandals + Black Tote Bag + Gold Bangles

Styling Notes: We’ve already shared a few styling ideas, but the best place to start when it comes to figuring out how to wear a sheer layering top is with your bra choice. Don’t be afraid to invest in a quality bra; it will provide you with ample coverage and do most of the heavy lifting of making your outfit look stylish.

Tip #11: Opt For a Contrasting Bralette

WEAR: Long Black Coat + White Sheer Top + Black Bralette + Chunky Chain + White Balloon Skirt + Black Knee-High Boots + Black Sporty Sunglasses

Styling Notes: The outfit above further proves that having a really pretty bra is the secret to pulling off this trend. However, you don’t need a matching bra to pair with your sheer top; we implore you to go for contrasting undergarments. What better way to draw attention to the opacity of your shirt than with a contrasting statement bralette? Is it Risky? Sure. Hot? One hundred percent.

Tip #12: Keep It Simple

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Gold Hoops + Black Sheer Tank Top + Black Belt + Black Trousers + Black Slingback Heels + Gold Bangles

Styling Notes: Hopefully, we’ve proved you can pull off the sheer trend without putting too much skin in the game (excuse the pun). However, if you’re still unsure how to wear a sheer layering top, remember to keep it simple. The beauty of the sheer top trend is that it doesn’t need to be over-styled—a basic gauzy tank top looks good with a simple pair of wide-leg trousers, a designer belt, and sleek slingback heels.