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When sheers dominated the runways and trend reports for spring/summer 2023, I was elated. Gossamer thin tops reminiscent of early 90s Prada? Yes please. Florence Pugh confidently rocking sheer Valentino looks on the red carpet? Couldn’t get enough. I assumed that the trend would fade as autumn approached, but much to my surprise, the cold weather somehow just made this trend even hotter. At first, I was skeptical – diaphanous cover ups for casual beachside summer vacations made sense, but sheers in winter? How was someone with my extremely low (some might say wimpy) tolerance for cold weather supposed to bring this trend into the winter months?
But the more I integrated sheer elements into my wardrobe, the more I became convinced that this was the secret ingredient my closet of bulky knits and wool trousers had been missing all along. When layered correctly, sheers added an element of delicacy and play to my staid winter wardrobe. I could barely remember a month earlier when I was pooh-poohing forecasters who predicted the staying power of this trend. Part of my initial resistance, I think, was due to the fact that the most-hyped sheer styles on the red carpet were totally unrealistic for the average person to integrate into their daily wardrobe. I hope one day I’m brave enough to go for a full head-to-toe sheer look a la Flo, but for now I’m having so much fun introducing sheer layering into every part of my wardrobe. Shop the edit below for my favorite layering pieces to bring the sheer trend into your closet this winter.
The Sheers
The first sheer piece I introduced into my winter wardrobe was a whisper-thin turtleneck. I loved how much coverage it gave me, while allowing for some skin to show through. It was always a battle to find the right tank to wear underneath (more on that below), so I turned to this genius turtleneck by Marcella. The thicker fabric around the bodice eliminates the need to layer a bra or camisole underneath!
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One of my favorite winter combos is a thin maxi dress with a chunky boot for contrast. Third Form always uses very high quality fabrics – especially their silks – which makes all the difference with sheer pieces. This maxi dress has thoughtful, built-in layering around the hips and bust, so you don’t have to worry about finding backless shapewear to wear underneath it.
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Tights are a classic place to go sheer, even in winter. These super-strong but whisper-thin tights from Falke are my go-to accessory this winter. They have a huge variety of colors and patterns, all of which are very chic and well priced for the quality, so definitely take time to browse the whole line!
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An alternative way to introduce sheers into your closet is by using sheer lace. I started looking for a black lace button down after Austin Butler rocked one in Elvis, and this piece by Maiden Name was far and away the best I could find. A bonus – the snaps remind me of my favorite Agnes B cardigans!
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Sheers are a great way to introduce some subtle color into a season dominated by subdued blacks and grays. This turtleneck from Nomia has the most beautiful periwinkle color IRL. I love how it’s styled here with a matching Araks bra.
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If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, this stunning turtleneck tank from Aisling Camp is my pick. This is the kind of staple piece that you can layer differently as the seasons change. I think the model in this photo is styled perfectly – the texture of the ribbed sheer turtleneck balanced just so by the mid-weight cardi and knit mini shorts. Stunning!
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On the other end of the spectrum, this gorgeous cami from Nei Wei (my favorite activewear brand) has super subtle sheer elements. I love the feel of all of their clothes. Definitely my pick for a beginner to the sheers trend!
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Simon Miller never fails us! This oversized sheer button down is so chic – the perfect compliment to a heavy winter trouser or a chunky knit.
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Layering Accessories
The key to keeping sheers in your closet year-long is what you layer with. In my opinion, the bigger the contrast between the weight and/or texture of your gossamer-y sheer elements and what you pair it with, the better. Not only does it give you a more interesting contrast in your outfit, but it lets you get away with layering your sheers well into the winter.
The first accessory you’ll need if you’re going to be layering sheers and don’t want to fully embrace the underwear look is a classic black slip. This midi length cotton option from CouCou is a summertime staple for me on its own, but also looks great as a layering piece in winter.
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You’ll also need a bra worth showing off. Dora Larsen has my favorite underwire bras – they’re so comfortable and always in the best, brightest colors. I like this more full coverage option, but if you’re daring enough to go double sheer, their tulle bras and panties are some of my favorites as well.
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Surprise makes the most perfect mohair pullovers and cardigans, and I love pairing the deep v Monica cardigan with a sheer shirt underneath. The mohair is so soft and opaque, and pairs perfectly with a thinner shirt. Their sweaters are also incredibly priced for the quality. Definitely a rising brand to watch!
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Another absolute favorite that I pair with just about anything, but especially with sheers this winter, is the cashmere edition of the iconic Agnes B snap cardigan. This is my favorite piece of clothing I own, and I’m always looking for new ways to style it. It has a slim fit, which makes it a perfect companion for some of the sleek sheer turtlenecks linked above. While the classic versions of the Agnes B cardigan are great, the cashmere version is extra warm, which is essential when dressing in sheers during the fall and winter months.
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This extra warm faux fur scarf from rising LA brand CLYDE will keep you toasty no matter how diaphanous the rest of your fit gets. Clyde makes my favorite winter accessories - including their cult favorite bonnets – and keeping your head/neck/hands warm can help me get away with thinner dresses even in winter.
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Now that you’re armed with the best winter sheers and the layering combos to make them pop, you have no excuses! Take the plunge and embrace the dominance of sheers as a year-round trend. I promise, it’ll be the missing piece to make your winter wardrobe sing.
