What to Wear Under Sheer Summer Clothing
Let's be honest: Summer pieces are basically ranked in order of opacity, from slightly sheer to completely transparent. Once temps start to rise, there tends to be a drop in fabric (both in excess and in weight), and subsequently, an upswing in getting-dressed challenges.
It's a problem that affects street-style stars and the Hollywood set, too — but luckily, some of our favorite celebs have figured out easy fixes to common sheer-clothing problems. We're here to help with tips, too.
As major proponents of public decency, we took a sampling of summer's sheer offerings, which range from open-knit crochet tops to unlined dresses, and coupled each piece with a solution for what to wear underneath. No risky business here.
The Problem: A linen dress.
We all love the look of a linen dress in the spring. Unfortunately, the fabrics can show off more than you bargained for. A skin-toned bodysuit will keep you covered.
Shop It: &Other Stories Linen-Blend Midi Dress, $119; stories.com. Spanx Bodysuit, $92; spanx.com.
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The Problem: A Backless Crochet Blouse
There isn't much cuter than a shoulder-baring top. But when it's see-through and backless, what's a girl to do? Layer a strapless, plunging bodysuit underneath to make sure you're covered.
Shop It: Mango Open-Knit Top, $40; mango.com. Fashion Forms U-Plunge Backless Thong Bodysuit, $30; net-a-porter.com.
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The Problem: A Semi-Sheer Shirt Dress
At the end of the day, slightly sheer or "semi-sheer" pieces are still sheer, which means an underpinning is not a mere suggestion — it's essential. The solution: Pair with a classic white slip.
Shop It: H&M Viscose Shirt Dress, $30; hm.com. Hanro Ultralight Mercerized Cotton Slip, $68; net-a-porter.com.
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The Problem: A See-Through Shirt
So you bought that animal-print top, but didn't notice it was see-through until you got home? It's OK. Just layer with a black bralette that not only looks good under a blouse, but also when worn alone.
Shop It: & Other Stories Sheer Snake-Print Button-Up Shirt, $89; stories.com. Madewell Longline Bralette, $32; nordstrom.com.
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The Problem: White Shorts
Unlike sheers, white pieces aren't intentionally cut to be see-through, but the problem persists anyway — especially when the piece is crafted from a fabric as light as poplin. The solution: Second-skin shorts that not only prevent unwanted exposure, but also offer support.
Shop It: Frame Fine Linen-Blend Shorts, $235; net-a-porter.com. Miraclesuit Back Magic High-Waist Shaping Shorts, $74; nordstrom.com.
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The Problem: A dress with openwork details.
At first glance, a dress with eyelet detailing would work as a beach cover-up, but barely anything else. The solution: Line the dress with an opaque slip dress in a similar shade.
Shop It: Mango Embroidered Mini Dress, $90; mango.com. Everlane Japanese Go Weave Long Slip Dress, $88; everlane.com.
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The Problem: A crochet skirt.
A super-sheer skirt may already come affixed with a lining, but for extra protection, it doesn't hurt to add one more layer underneath. Grab a half-slip that's just a hair shorter than that of the lining. No awkward peek-a-boos here.
Shop It: 1901 Eyelet Skirt, $99; nordstrom.com. Yummie High-Waist Skirt Slip, $58; nordstrom.com.
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The Problem: A Little White Shirt
The LWS (little white shirt) is a summer staple, and can also be a double whammy, with sheer fabrics and gaping button holes. No need to worry, though, because a lightweight tank will keep you covered and cool during sunny days.
Shop It: Banana Republic Riley Tailored-Fit Solid Shirt, $60; bananarepublic.com. Uniqlo Airism Camisole, $10; uniqlo.com.