From the red carpets of Hollywood to the sidewalks of New York City, the “naked dress” trend is officially here to stay. Celebrities like Florence Pugh, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner have turned sheer fabrics into an absolute art form. But let’s be honest: while it looks effortlessly cool on a runway or a step-and-repeat, bringing this daring trend into your everyday wardrobe can feel incredibly intimidating. Here at HiDoose, we believe that fashion should be fun and empowering, not stressful. If you have been staring at a beautiful, translucent piece in your closet, you might be wondering how to style a sheer dress without feeling completely exposed. Luckily, we have decoded the exact formulas stars use to make this look chic, wearable, and undeniably stylish.
How to Style a Sheer Dress: The Celebrity Playbook
To pull off this trend like a seasoned Hollywood stylist, you need to understand that transparency is all about balance. It is a game of peek-a-boo that lets you control exactly how much skin you want to show. Whether you want to go bold for a night out or keep things sophisticated for a dinner date, the first secret of how to style a sheer dress is choosing the right foundation underneath.
Start with high-waisted briefs and a matching bralette. This is the classic celebrity formula. Opt for seamless, solid black undergarments under a black sheer dress for an instant, edgy vibe. If you prefer a more seamless, “naked” illusion, match your undergarments to your exact skin tone. For those who want a bit more coverage, a sleek, form-fitting slip dress in a contrasting or matching color works wonders.
Layer Up with Oversized Outerwear
Another brilliant trick straight from the celebrity style guide is utilizing outerwear to create contrast. If you want to know how to style a sheer dress for a casual daytime look, try layering a heavy, structured piece over your delicate gown.
An oversized leather jacket or a tailored menswear blazer draped over your shoulders instantly grounds the ethereal quality of a sheer fabric. The juxtaposition between the tough, heavy outerwear and the soft, breezy dress creates an incredibly chic street-style moment. Finish the look with chunky combat boots or clean white sneakers, and you have got a head-turning daytime outfit that feels relaxed yet fashion-forward.
The Art of Clever Monochrome
Color plays a massive role in making sheer pieces look expensive. Celebrities often stick to monochromatic color palettes to keep the outfit looking cohesive and polished. When everything from your dress to your underwear, shoes, and bag is in the same color family, it creates a unified silhouette that looks highly intentional rather than messy.
For instance, an all-olive green or deep burgundy sheer ensemble looks incredibly sophisticated and luxurious. It allows the texture of the sheer fabric to be the star of the show without too many competing visual distractions.
Play with Prints and Embellishments
If a completely see-through dress feels a bit too daring for your taste, look for pieces that feature strategic prints, embroidery, or embellishments. Celebrities often choose dresses with floral patterns, lace panels, or sequin details placed over key areas. This naturally diffuses the transparency while adding beautiful texture and depth to your look.
At HiDoose, we love trends that push boundaries and let you express your unique personality. Embracing transparency does not mean you have to show it all—it just means having fun with layering, shapes, and silhouettes. Now that you know how to style a sheer dress, which of these celebrity-inspired looks are you excited to try first? Tell us in the comments below!
For more on how fashion trends evolve, see this overview of fashion.
You might also like: How to Copy Celebrity Airport Style Without Breaking the Bank