Sheer
(of a fabric) very thin; diaphanous
Synonyms: gauzy, filmy, floaty, gossamer, thin, translucent, transparent, see-through
Since childhood I have been enamored with sheer fabrics like chiffon and lace. Living in a world of school uniforms made of dark and heavy fabric and being around nuns in their black, sturdy, cotton habits anything sheer was the route to fantasy, dress-up, romance and pretend. There is something magical to be found in a textile that allows for sunlight to pass through while at the same time maintains a level of privacy and shelter.
Although it has somewhat of a longer fashion history, transparent clothing first appeared on the runway, albeit not intentionally, in the late 1960’s. While recently reading an obituary for Ottavio Missoni, I discovered that during a 1967 fashion show for this iconic knitwear brand in Florence, his wife and partner Rosita, realized she could see the models’ bras through the knits. She requested they be removed but much to the couple’s chagrin when the bright lights of the runway hit the dresses they became transparent and caused quite the scandal. However the following year, Yves St. Laurent presented see through looks followed by London designer Ossie Davis who designed a series of transparent dresses meant to be worn without underwear. Since 2008, sheer looks have remained on the runway in various forms and have been taken to extremes in the world of celebrity culture, a la Beyonce at the 2015 Met Gala.
If there is a time for sheers it is summer and its not just sheer fabric but sheer nails and lips too. There is a lightness and freedom with sheer and it brings to mind the feeling I want to have in the summer as I turn away from the heaviness of the rest of the year. Sheer is deciding to tell little secrets, to show parts of yourself you might not reveal at other times.
Have you dared to tell some secrets with sheers?
I don’t go so far as to display underwear 😉 but I do love the dimension that sheer pieces can add to an outfit. Love that diaphanous blouse!
I am not big on showing underwear either. I wore the blouse under a very low-cut Y’s jumper and though I could get away with a nude bra, but I opted for the white cami even with the limited coverage of the jumper. They are great for layering though.
I am not big on showing underwear either. I wore the blouse under a very low-cut Y’s jumper and though I could get away with a nude bra, but I opted for the white cami even with the limited coverage of the jumper. They are great for layering though.
Yes, not quite two years ago I remarried in a dress with a layer of sheer tulle over one shoulder, falling below my knees to tea-length. The sheath minidress could be seen underneath. Sheer layers are seen around a lot these days, and I love the mystery and the reveal.
What a lovely story, the dress sounds so lovely I wish I could see it!
You sound like me! I do the same (spend an unholy amount of time) to find the exact piece I have in my mind to complete another garment or look. The white silk tank sounds delicious.
Yes, not quite two years ago I remarried in a dress with a layer of sheer tulle over one shoulder, falling below my knees to tea-length. The sheath minidress could be seen underneath. Sheer layers are seen around a lot these days, and I love the mystery and the reveal.
What a lovely story, the dress sounds so lovely I wish I could see it!
Love the shoes, the long line of the blouse, and the sheer. Sheer can be so sneaky…
Anita
Oh I love that! "Sheers can be sneaky". Quite the wordsmith Anita! Hope to see you soon.
You said it perfectly, "nothing beats choice". Transparency is a wonderful styling trick for us to play with but as you point out so eloquently it must be under our control to reveal or conceal as our mood and inclination inspire us.
Love the shoes, the long line of the blouse, and the sheer. Sheer can be so sneaky…
Anita
Oh I love that! "Sheers can be sneaky". Quite the wordsmith Anita! Hope to see you soon.
Smile~!
How beautiful you look in your sheer white tunic over black pants with black heeled sandals. The background is perfection! I love visiting your site for the visual surprise, but also for the stories that you tell. I always learn something new! Thank you!
I feel the same way about your posts! The smell the roses one really hit home, I have been moving a breakneck speed this summer and just taking the time to see your beautiful odes and of course your gorgeous outfit was refreshing.
How beautiful you look in your sheer white tunic over black pants with black heeled sandals. The background is perfection! I love visiting your site for the visual surprise, but also for the stories that you tell. I always learn something new! Thank you!
I feel the same way about your posts! The smell the roses one really hit home, I have been moving a breakneck speed this summer and just taking the time to see your beautiful odes and of course your gorgeous outfit was refreshing.
I like how you’re rocking this background included. And thank you for giving the history of this fabric and design right in your post. I enjoyed learning about the intent of the designers.
In the 60s I wore sheer blouses "by choice." Nothing beats choice.
Today so many fabrics and foundational garments are sheer and I think some of the secrets revealed are unintentional ( or maybe, not???) Not judging. Just saying.
In any case, I like to choose my level of transparency.
You said it perfectly, "nothing beats choice". Transparency is a wonderful styling trick for us to play with but as you point out so eloquently it must be under our control to reveal or conceal as our mood and inclination inspire us.
I bought 3 sheer blouses this spring (not realizing I was in on a trend!), then — because I’m well past the age where I’m comfortable showing off my bras regardless of HOW pretty they are — I spent an unholy amount of time finding the right "under" for all 3 (a navy cami & a white silk tank). But it was well worth the extra work as they all look fabulous with jeans and skirts. One of my better buys, all round.
You sound like me! I do the same (spend an unholy amount of time) to find the exact piece I have in my mind to complete another garment or look. The white silk tank sounds delicious.
On my wedding day, I wore a Vera Wang gown that looked like a toga, which was fitting because I married a half-Greek. It was silk chiffon and so gorgeous that I styled my bridesmaids in the same flowy fabric in canary yellow with a similar A-line.
My brother with BP-II walked me down the aisle (sort of my coming-out as a mental health advocate) and I took turns dancing with my brothers to my favorite Stevie Wonder song during the traditional Father-Daughter dance, because my father had passed and this was the first time the majority of my friends in attendance learned of my loss.
…Everyone remembers the dress.
Since then, wearing chiffon at similarly poignant events has been poetic for me: "One’s Being deceptively armored, One’s Becoming deceptively vulnerable…" -Trees by Howard Nemerov
A lovely story, a stirring quote and a beautiful bride (inside and out)
Thanks Allie, we will have to try and find a time to get together soon.
On my wedding day, I wore a Vera Wang gown that looked like a toga, which was fitting because I married a half-Greek. It was silk chiffon and so gorgeous that I styled my bridesmaids in the same flowy fabric in canary yellow with a similar A-line.
My brother with BP-II walked me down the aisle (sort of my coming-out as a mental health advocate) and I took turns dancing with my brothers to my favorite Stevie Wonder song during the traditional Father-Daughter dance, because my father had passed and this was the first time the majority of my friends in attendance learned of my loss.
…Everyone remembers the dress.
Since then, wearing chiffon at similarly poignant events has been poetic for me: "One’s Being deceptively armored, One’s Becoming deceptively vulnerable…" -Trees by Howard Nemerov
A lovely story, a stirring quote and a beautiful bride (inside and out)
Sheers can be fun, but I can really only have a few in my wardrobe as it just to annoying to always have to have something to wear underneath. And loving the casual chic way you styled yours.
Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
Thanks Allie, we will have to try and find a time to get together soon.