How to Pull Off the transparent Fashion Trend This Fall

sheer clothing as seen on the fall 24 runway — How to Wear transparent Clothing This FallLAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

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transparent clothing seems to be everywhere—spotted on the streets and across the Spring 2025 runways, from the transparent pedal pushers worn at Simone Rocha to Alaïa’s hooded blouses and featherlight peplum trousers. After seasons of stripped-back utility and opaque minimalism, fashion is showing a softer side and nothing is off limits. But why is everyone suddenly ready to bare it all?

“I think, right now, people just want to have more fun when they get dressed,” says Bazaar fashion news director Brooke Bobb. “We’ve been through a few fashion cycles focused on stealth wealth, softer minimalism, and of course, the ubiquitous and ever-changing social media trends that are here one day and gone the next. transparent represents a sense of freedom and also risk-taking.”

Because with transparent, what you see is what you get—kind of. Depending on your level of transparency, hints of skin can be teased at varying degrees. transparent is also adept at illusions—imitating delicate draping and ruching. It’s a liberating trend that puts the wearer in full control.

When Chloé sent a stream of transparent ruffles down the Fall 2024 runway earlier this year, the return of boho chic felt cemented. Fast-forward to September, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find at least one blouse with cascading ruffles down the sleeve or a tiered, transparent maxi dress that feels very Stevie Nicks–coded on the racks.

And come next spring, you can expect transparent to get even more brazen. “Where fall ’24’s transparent may be more classic, we’re seeing some much kookier—and cooler—propositions for transparent come 2025,” says Bobb. “For example, Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons’s transparent dress with puffed sleeves worn over a polo and tights, or Colleen Allen’s transparent pastel lingerie pedal pushers.”

When it comes to styling transparent pieces in a way that feels comfortable—and appropriate for the office or formal events—start by mixing in transparent with what you already have. “I personally love a transparent slip worn over a more colorful or patterned slip. Or you could do a tank and jeans with a transparent minidress over, or even a transparent button-down worn open,” says Bobb.

Dries Van Noten’s styling approach offers another starting point that’s easy to replicate. Layer a transparent blouse over a white camisole and throw a cropped blazer on top to showcase the contrast. Style it with a pair of pleated trousers and a low-heeled boot, and you’re ready to head to the office.

For evening soirees, you can kick it up a notch by donning a transparent skirt layered over a high-cut bodysuit `a la Saint Laurent or a floor-length gown under a wool topcoat, for a look that feels elegant yet tough. Or you could lean into the Chloé effect by pairing your waterfall of ruffles with an over-the-knee leather boot and chunky gold accessories. The key is to have fun—play with texture, play with proportions, and, most importantly, don’t overthink it.

transparent can seem difficult and intimidating to wear, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we’ve put together an edit of transparent clothing to fit seamlessly into your wardrobe, no matter how you want to wear it.