The Sheer Trend Is Getting An Ethereal Upgrade In 2024

In an attempt to embody the highly sought-after quiet luxury aesthetic, understated styling has dominated much of the 2020s. But fashion took an edgy turn in 2023 with the sheer craze. After launching on the runways of 2022, semi-transparent clothing took many forms over the following year, from nearly naked skirts layered over bare skin for a take on the revealing hot pants look, to see-through dresses draped over bodysuits. In 2024, the movement is rising to an even more celestial realm with a white-fabric makeover.

The light and airy hue is a warm-weather staple, so expect to see your favorite sheer pieces decked out in barely-there white come spring. Even as the cold weather lingers, we're finding that naked white is making its way into late winter wardrobes, coming together with heavier outerwear and long-sleeved silhouettes to create a style that transcends the seasons. White adds a touch of sophistication to your daytime looks, but the specific combination of white and semi-transparent fabric channels an angel-wing-like feel that is perfect for special occasions. 

White sheer fabric on its own is delicate and heavenly, but you can create an interesting dynamic by introducing a heavier, contrasting garment, like an oversized winter blazer. This combination brings together masculine and feminine, allowing your outfit to have a lighter touch while staying practical as the last of the cold weather sees itself out. And of course, the pairing of black outerwear and a white base will always be eye-catching, both in day and night looks. 

To be clear, opting for a dress that's white and sheer doesn't mean that your outfit will be void of color altogether. Any shade that you wear underneath will come through your semi-transparent material, but it will be a soft undertone rather than a statement-maker. Layer your white over a bodysuit or leotard in any color and your dress will take on a unique new flush while still holding on to that angelic quality. Opting for a bodysuit underneath a sheer dress is also a great option for modest or conservative dressers who just don't feel comfortable going totally see-through. 

White see-through fabric already has a special-occasion feel about it. Add an embellishment like feather or fringe and you'll have an outfit that is guaranteed to turn heads. The beauty of the sheer trend is you can combine your barely-there pieces with more opaque fabrics to add texture to your look while also winning points for practicality and modesty. With some element of sheer and some embellishment, whether it's fringe or sequins, you'll still seem heaven-sent.

As long as you're strategic about which parts of your outfit are see-through and which are opaque, you can create a look that leans more sophisticated than ethereal. Opt for structured silhouettes and make sure that there's thicker material — or at least more layers — in certain areas of the 'fit, and you have an ensemble that you could almost wear into a meeting. If not, you'll definitely be able to rock it to a party. 

If you're not in an all-white mood, you can still get on this trend by going for nearly naked white outerwear only. Drape a sheer white jacket or coat over any color 'fit at all — the beauty of white is that it goes with everything. This is also a good way to ride the sheer wave when the weather is still cool, and look fabulous while doing it. 

If you have a birthday party, wedding, or any other special event where you need to knock the socks off the room, you can't go wrong with a sheer white dress. Transparent in all the right places, this style strikes the perfect balance between elegant and sexy. When it comes to the specific silhouette of your dress, keep in mind that trains and flowy skirts will help you bring the ethereal aesthetic home.