The Micro Trend: Sheer Skirts
Where It Started
Seeing as sheer fabrics date back to ancient civilisations when fine linen was used for skirts and robes, sheer skirts as we know them now are hardly new to fashion. The 1920s flapper dresses also incorporated sheer elements and during the 30s, 40s and 50s, Hollywood actresses like Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth all wore gowns with sheer panels. The post-war period saw more conservative styles return, but the 1960s and 1970s saw designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Ossie Clark creating more provocative looks using sheer fabrics.
By the 1980s, designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent were using sheer fabrics in avant-garde and edgy ways. The 1990s continued this trend with the grunge and minimalism movements, where sheer skirts were often paired with more casual pieces – a look which has seemingly returned as we see oversized t-shirts paired with delicate skirts.
On The Runway
The SS24 collections from Prada, Miu Miu, Victoria Beckham, Khaite, and Givenchy all presented sheer fabrics in a variety of styles, often layered with different textures and fabrics, reflecting a blend of past influences and contemporary innovation.
How To Wear It Now
Take style cues from the runways at Carven, where sheer skirts were layered over longer dresses and styled with masculine tailoring. Look at @ModeEtChien or @CourtneyGrow to see how they style their sheer skirts with oversized shirts, or @Azalia_Lomakina who chose to style hers with an oversized t-shirt and elevated accessories. The key is to opt for a slightly longer midi-length and strike the right balance between the ultra-femme silhouette and an oversized masculine garment, finishing with ladylike shoes and bags.
Get The Look
Sheer skirts are a niche trend but there are plenty available at high-street brands like Zara, which has some great organza styles and pieces with lace trims. Meanwhile, 12 Storeez has used a fine knit fabric style, and at the pricier end of the scale, The Frankie Shop, Carven, and Tibi also have some chic options.
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