In the Clear

Stars leave little to the imagination with transparent trousers. We tell you why this, why now

How to rock those trendy seethrough pants.

The Celebrity Stylist Says

“Sheer-style pants are a way for stars to bare skin as the weather heats up without being overtly naked,” says celebrity stylist Jasmine Caccamo, who has worked with celebs like Kesha and Peyton List. “Plus, the breathable material lets the breeze in for cooling relief on really hot days.” They can be worn alone like stockings like Halle’s mesh leggings or layered over other pieces like Kendall’s brief-baring ruffled Balmain jumpsuit. And the various textures and fabrics deliver standout style, says Caccamo. “Halsey’s sheer baggy cargos offer a sexy glimpse of legs and undies for a more daytime-punk vibe while rhinestone-studded mesh crops like Hermione’s skim over dark shorts for a chic nighttime style.”

The Designer Says

“The trend is a play on ’90s fashion, when women wore mesh dresses over bodysuits, shirts and skirts — the natural progression is sheer pants,” explains Bryan Hearns, designer of the celebrity-favored eponymous brand. “This look is another way for designers to make provocative and sexy clothing that shows off just the right amount of skin.”

The Psychologist Says

“Stars are using see-through pants to redefine traditional boundaries — getting the attention they crave without baring too much of what really matters,” says Michael Solomon, a consumer psychologist based in Philadelphia. But the message can go deeper. “She could be asserting that while we are used to seeing more surface, outer layers, if you peel her like an onion you can get a much more intimate look at the more meaningful layers inside.”