Far from being a passing fad, the “see-through” trend is emerging as the season’s true fashion statement. Between audacity and a play on textures, a closer look at the trend that teaches us how to reveal without showing everything.
The return of the « Naked Trend »
Fashion is an endless cycle, and transparency is no exception. A quintessentially cyclical trend, it resurfaces as soon as temperatures rise, establishing itself as the answer to summer heat. Yet this year, it breaks free from its purely nocturnal or provocative image. On the glossy pages of magazines as well as on our Pinterest boards, the message is clear: the goal is to subtly reveal the texture of the skin without feeling undressed. It’s a balancing act between modesty and sensuality.
Our favorite at SNSP: the Spanish label Paloma Wool pulls off a bold balancing act by merging two strong aesthetics, sheerness and the harem pant. The result? An extremely fluid, almost airy pair of trousers that reveals the movement of the leg with every step, restoring a sense of allure to a piece we thought we still disliked not so long ago.
Each fabric has its own level of intensity
Sheerness comes in an endless variety of fabrics, each defining the level of boldness of a look. The spectrum of transparency first unfolds through mesh, a material often worn very close to the body. It’s impossible not to think of the tattoo tops by Jean Paul Gaultier, who pushed mesh so far it turned into a second skin. For a more sun-soaked vibe, crochet is the go-to with its bohemian-chic spirit, perfect for seaside escapes, where its open weave subtly reveals a swimsuit underneath. Finally, loosely woven linen represents the most sophisticated option; this version offers natural transparency, ideal for those who favor elegance under the sun. The choice of fabric will depend on personal comfort, but also on the setting. After all, sheer dressing for a business meeting isn’t handled the same way as for a terrace cocktail.
The art of layering: a how-to guide
The secret to getting it right? Layering. To master it, start by playing with contrasts, pair a fully sheer slip dress with raw straight-leg jeans and a white tank top. For those who prefer the statement underwear option this season, bras are meant to be seen. What was once hidden now takes center stage in the outfit. Choose your lingerie carefully, such as a lace-trim balconette bra or slightly iridescent high-waisted briefs, to add a couture dimension to the look.
Not ready for the full look? Go for accessories
We know it, embracing the “naked” trend like a red-carpet celebrity isn’t always easy in everyday life. If sheer clothing feels intimidating, accessories are your best allies for adopting the style in subtle touches: the PVC tote bag stands out as a key piece, especially when chosen in vibrant shades like azure blue or tangerine orange. Feel free to mix all these hues at once, à la Chanel Spring-Summer 2018 bags.
We’re seeing a major comeback of “Naked Shoes,” a trend that peaked in the 2010s under the influence of the Kardashian clan. Last season, it was the mesh ballerinas by Alaïa that won everyone over. This season, Amina Muaddi, Chloé, and Louboutin are all about PVC and transparency.
Another underlying trend is the rise of stripper-style heels which, beyond often featuring a transparent strap, come with towering resin platforms. But once again, while fashion loves them, in practice, outside of certain events, these shoes remain impractical for most people.
This summer, trends are encouraging us to reveal our bodies. Whether worn in subtle touches or as a full look, sheerness invites us to rethink our relationship with our own image and with clothing. So, ready to bring a breath of lightness into your wardrobe?
