How to Wear a Sheer Dress

Co-authored by Veronica Tharmalingam

Last Updated: January 20, 2021 References

Sheer dresses are bold statement pieces that create very stylish outfits. Since you can see right through them, it's important to pick out undergarments that will cover you up and make you feel comfortable and confident. Popular choices for sheer dresses include things like high-waisted briefs and bodysuits. When creating your outfit, pair your sheer dresses with jeans or jackets for a more layered look, or pick out simpler undergarments like bandeaus to show off the texture of your sheer dress.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Undergarments

1
Wear high-waisted briefs to cover your lower half while still showing some skin. High-waisted briefs are perfect for sheer dresses—they cover your bottom and stomach area while still looking sophisticated. Black or beige high-waisted briefs are the most popular options, but you can choose them in any color you’d like.^{[1]
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- Visit your favorite retail clothing stores to find options, or purchase high-waisted briefs online.
- Wear a bra of the same color as your briefs to complete your look.
2
Find a bra that has appropriate coverage to go with high-waisted briefs. Since you’re already wearing a dress that’s quite revealing, it’s a good idea to make sure your chest is fully supported. A bandeau is a popular option to wear with sheer dresses because it gives you great coverage and can look like a strapless shirt depending on its length.
- If you’re not worried about revealing too much of your chest, you can opt for a regular bra or bralette.
- Choose a bra that fits you well and that you feel comfortable in—and that you feel comfortable with others seeing, even if it will be obscured.
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3
Select a slip to wear under a sheer dress for a modest look. Slips are the perfect option to wear under your sheer dress if you don’t want to be too revealing. Pick out a black slip for a sophisticated look, or opt for a white or neutral slip depending on the color of your dress.^{[2]
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- Pick a simple slip to layer your sheer dress over, or opt for a more elaborate slip made of lace or other embellishments to make it a focal point.
- Slips look great under long, flowy sheer dresses.
4
Pick out a bodysuit if you want to be completely covered. A bodysuit is a great option if you want a tight-fitting under-layer that still covers up your body adequately. You can layer other things over the bodysuit before putting on the sheer dress like leggings, or you can just sport the bodysuit to make your sheer dress stand out.^{[3]
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- Bodysuits in black and beige are the most popular and versatile.
- Look for bodysuits or leotards at a local department store or online.
- Wearing leggings or jeans over a bodysuit is a fashionable option for flowy sheer dresses.
5
Make a statement by wearing undergarments that match your skin color. If you want your sheer dress to be the only thing visible, pick out a bra and high-waisted underwear that match your skin tone. This works well for sheer dresses that cling to your body to show off your curves.^{[4]
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- Wear a bandeau and high-waisted briefs that match your skin tone with an embroidered or embellished sheer dress.
- Choose a tight-fitting lace dress to wear over your neutral undergarments.
6
Use pasties if you want to go braless while still being covered. Pasties, which are made of cloth, paper, or silicone, stick right onto your nipples so you don't have to wear a regular bra. If you choose to wear these, make sure you select ones that match your skin tone so they'll blend in and won't be seen.^{[5]
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- You can find pasties at your local department store or online.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Creating an Outfit

1
Choose a black bandeau and high-waisted tight skirt for a classic look. This creates a classic look that gives you more coverage than high-waisted briefs. Wear a black bandeau that gives you support, and choose a black high-waisted skirt that clings to your body. Layer your sheer dress over these for a glamorous look.^{[6]
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- For example, layer a floral or animal-print sheer dress over the black bandeau and high-waisted skirt.
- For a different option, wear a black sheer dress over these undergarments and heels for a “little black dress” look.
2
Pair your sheer dress with a tight patterned dress to show off your style. Choose a patterned dress that hugs your body, made of a material like spandex. Layer your sheer dress on top of this dress to show off multiple textures.^{[7]
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- For example, wear a body-tight dress with a floral pattern on it under a black sheer dress.
- Wear heels to complete the look, or choose sneakers to dress down the outfit.
3
Create a casual outfit by wearing jeans with your sheer dress. This is a great option to wear your sheer dress in cooler weather, or if you don’t want to show as much skin. Choose skinny or straight leg jeans, pairing them with a camisole or tank top. before Add your sheer dress on top as the final layer.^{[8]
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- You can also wear a bodysuit under your jeans and sheer dress for a fashionable look.
- Wear dark wash jeans with a blue camisole under your sheer dress made of blues, greens, and whites.
4
Throw a jacket over your sheer dress to make it less revealing. Adding layers to your outfit will keep you warm as well as more covered. Pick out a jacket that complements the sheer dress either in texture or color. For example, a leather jacket or velvet blazer can look great over a sheer dress.^{[9]
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- Wear a black leather jacket over a red and black sheer dress.
- Pick out a jean jacket to wear with tennis shoes and your sheer dress.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match different textures when picking out a jacket to go with your dress.
5
Wear your sheer dress over a bathing suit to go to the beach or pool. This is a good way to wear your dress if you’re unsure of wearing it as an everyday outfit. Throw it on as a coverup to look stylish at the pool or beach.^{[10]
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- Make sure it’s okay for your sheer dress to get wet, just in case.
- Throw on a tie-dye sheer dress over your bathing suit and pick out a pair of flip flops to go with it.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you wear a see-through top?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Slip on a smooth bra underneath with a contrasting color. If you're heading to a semi-casual event, stick with more neutral colors. However, if you're partying, feel free to go with a bolder color.