How to Wear a Mesh Top

Last Updated: January 7, 2021

A mesh top is a fun and interesting staple to add to your wardrobe. Depending on the style you choose, they can be dressed up for a fun night out, worn with a casual, everyday outfit, or even styled for school or work. Whatever you choose, a mesh or sheer top is a great way to show a little skin without feeling too bare.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Your Mesh Top Professional

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Layer a loose mesh top over a white button-up. Maybe you want to wear your mesh top to a professional setting, such as school or at the office. You can make this style choice more appropriate by layering it over a more conservative top, such as a button-up oxford.
- Whenever layering, make sure the mesh top is loose enough to avoid awkward bunching and wrinkling underneath.^{[1]
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Use color-blocking to trick the eye. Pair a white or black mesh shirt with a solid bright-colored blazer or jacket. This will draw attention away from the mesh fabric.^{[2]
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- Make sure you wear a mesh top with very narrow openings so it is not too sheer or revealing.
- Wear a bra that is the same color as the mesh top so it is not too noticeable. ^{[3]
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Consider a top with sheer panels. Maybe an entire mesh shirt is too revealing for the occasion. There are many tops that have sheer panels either on the shoulder, arms, back, or sides.
- Sheer accents add texture and visual interests to more conservative tops. Just make sure they are placed strategically as to not show off too much skin in a professional environment.^{[4]
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Choose a mesh cardigan. Maybe a sheer top is inappropriate for your workplace. You can instead opt for a mesh cardigan to wear over a professional outfit you already own. Cardigans come in all silhouettes and lengths, so there are plenty of styles to choose from. They can be crop, waist-length, or even floor-length.
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Pair your mesh top with professional bottoms. Wear trousers or a long pencil skirt with your mesh top to make your outfit a little more conservative at the office.
- Try tucking in your mesh top for an even more professional look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Keeping Your Mesh Top Casual

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Rock a sports bra under your mesh top. A sports bra will give whichever mesh top style you wear a sporty feel. Try various colors to make your look bright and interesting.
- To keep your look casual, pair your mesh top with some sporty bottoms, such as leggings, sweatpants, or joggers.
2
Wear a mesh top over a crop top. Maybe you want to rock a crop top, but don't feel comfortable showing your belly. Throwing a sheer top over it is a stylish and casual solution to this dilemma.^{[5]
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Pair a mesh sweater with blue jeans. A mesh sweater is great for mild weather. It will keep you warm while at the same time let some air pass through. They look comfortable and casual with a pair of jeans.^{[6]
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Wear casual shoes to finish the look. Keep your look relaxed and comfortable with sneakers, flats, sandals, or boots.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a Party Look

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Choose a mesh top with embellishing. Mesh tops with embellishments such as beads, lace, embroidery, and trim gives a mesh top a fun, fancy look. It will give the illusion of more coverage and make sheer fabrics feel less naked.^{[7]
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Wear a lace bra underneath. Show off your cute bra while you party without feeling too naked. A black lace bra looks great under a sheer fitted mesh top.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.}
3
Pair your mesh top with mesh bottoms. Wear some fishnet tights under a skirt with your mesh top for a bold party look.
- Finish off the outfit with matching heels or wedges that compliment your outfit.
4
Accessorize with fun jewelry. Pick some jewelry that will complete your look. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will all look great with a mesh top. Stick with your own personal style.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What should I wear under a mesh top?

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.

Tannya Bernadette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

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You can try a lace bra if you want something that's flowy and sexy.