How To Wear the Sheer Trend Over 40 Without Feeling Too Risqué

7 Tips to Wear Sheer Over 40

One of the biggest trends of 2023 is… sheer. It’s SO beautiful and sexy…but also accessible for women at any age. Transparency, sheerness, and anything that has that see-through or peek-a-boo element…is very “in” right now! I personally love this trend. It’s a great way to show a little skin but still feel covered up, elegant, and sophisticated. Playing with sheer fabrics is a really great way to add a modern twist and a dash of sexy. If you’re thinking you can’t wear the sheer trend, this post is for you! I’m sharing 7 tips to make wearing the sheer trend easier for you. Believe me, it’s way more wearable than you might think!

If you’re interested in more of this year’s most wearable fashion trends, make sure you check out this post next!

How To Wear Sheer Trend Over 40

#1) Layer Over A Sheer Blouse

This is the simplest way to wear the sheer trend…layer over a sheer blouse or top. In this look, I’m wearing a pink sweater vest by Me+Em over a white sheer-sleeve blouse. The vest over the blouse adds coverage, but you still get that sexy sheerness on the arms. You could even wear this white blouse by itself because the only part of the top that’s sheer is the arms. This top is a great example of the pieces out there that already have the sheer trend built-in so you can wear the trend without letting it all hang out! More on built-in pieces below 😉

By the way, we featured this look in a For Less Friday series post here in case you’re interested!

#2) Layer Under A Sheer Blouse

This next tip is a little trickier but still very wearable. You could take a sheer top and wear a sexy bralette underneath if you’re feeling good about your midsection. But a much easier way to try the trend is to wear a full-length cami or tank underneath a sheer blouse. For example, this white Wayf blouse I’m wearing above is lace…but also completely sheer without a cami, bralette, or tank underneath. This exact top actually comes with a cami when purchased. But you could swap the cami for a sexy bralette if you’re feeling a little risqué. I swapped the cami for a lower cut scoop neck tank to show a little more skin but the cami it comes with covers more decolletage.

Extra tip: If you’re planning to wear a bralette under your sheer top, wear high-waisted bottoms to cover more skin and feel more secure.

#2) Try Different Sheer Fabrics

Just because the sheer mesh fabric is what’s “in” right now, doesn’t mean you can only wear that specific sheer fabric. Experiment with different sheer fabrics like lace, tulle, organza, and crochet (which is also very on-trend right now!). In the three examples above, I’m wearing a cobweb-like crochet sweater that’s perfect for spring styling, a gorgeous white dress with chic lace sheer panels, and a dramatic tulle skirt with sheer layers. Get creative with how you wear sheer…you probably already have something in your closet that could work like a lace top or open-knit crocheted sweater!

#4) Strategically Sheer Pieces

When you’re shopping for this trend, look for sheer pieces that have strategically placed fabric. Strategically placed panels of sheerness and non-sheer fabrics are key. The Atoir dress I’m wearing above for example has sheer fabric on the arms, chest, midsection, and back…but the non-sheer fabric is strategically placed to help you feel covered and look slimmer. The non-sheer fabric on the skirt starts at the smallest part of my stomach and the angle of the non-sheer fabric around the bust is very flattering and slimming. The higher neck and extended hemline also help to make me feel more covered. This is a more risqué option, but a top like this one is another great example because the placement of the sheer fabric highlights a sexy part of a woman’s body in a very flattering way.

#5) Wear A Slip Dress

In tip #2 we talked about layering a cami or bralette underneath a blouse, but this tip is about layering under a dress. In the first picture, I’m wearing a For Love & Lemons dress with a slip dress underneath. This is a super easy way to get that peek-a-boo look with very little effort. If you like the sexiness of this trend and want to go all-out, wear something like the second photo. It’s another For Love & Lemons dress but instead of a slip underneath, there’s a nude bodysuit, leaving the legs bare but covered by the gorgeous lace and sheer fabric.

#6) Take It To The Max!

If you liked the second For Love & Lemons dress in tip #5, you’re going to LOVE this look! This is for a special occasion or event that you really want to take it to the next level. I’m wearing a sheer dress by Retrofete that has stunning sequin embellishments all over. Since it’s completely sheer, I added coverage by wearing a pair of tights and a bodysuit underneath. So, it’s still showing quite a bit, but everything is covered.

#7) Try A Beach Look First

This may seem counterintuitive because you might want to cover up at the beach, pool, lake, or wherever. But since you’re already fairly exposed in a swimsuit, adding a sheer piece to “cover up” is such a cool and sexy touch. Plus, you’ll stay cool! In the look above, I’m wearing a Becca one-piece (that actually has sheer paneling) underneath an old Norma Kamali coverup that’s super sheer and chic. It doesn’t have to be something exactly like this… a crocheted coverup would also be beautiful! If you have a trip coming up and are looking for some outfit inspiration, I share all of my favorite swimsuits here and coverups here.

Have you tried the sheer trend yet? Let us know how you styled it in the comments below or how you plan to style it!

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