Here’s some sheer cheer

Is sheer just for the runway? Fashion designers pick the versatile fabric and give us a low-down on how to incorporate it in our daily wear

Sheer couture designs and outfits are a favourite with Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities. While some opt for bold choices, some stick to simple silhouettes. So what makes sheer desirable in 2017? “Sheer is a versatile style and can be worn in a variety of fabrics,” says fashion designer Tina Narang.

While it is versatile, the fabrics blend perfectly well with the shape of the body leaving little to one’s imagination. “This year sheer has been trending in couture to jeans. As it shows the female form’s most flattering lines, it makes for a great choice for the conservatively dressed — in the form of antifit cover ups or full skirts with a fitted shorter lining, to the more boldly dressed — in mermaid cut gowns in sheer with strategically placed embroidery or even sheer dresses with lace or jeans,” says fashion designer Varsha

Since lace is opulent and ultra-feminine, it is one of the most popular styles in vogue today, suggests Narang. One can keep it simple too, for instance, a lace gown with satin lining is perfect for an evening occasion. Or go glam with embellished lace for a more regal style.

Wadhwa suggests that depending on the occasion and mood, sheer can look casual with pastels, crochet or bright neon organzas in swimwear, dresses or tops and pants. “While for the evening or formal look one could go with the deeper hues of midnight blues, blacks, violets, emeralds in tulle, lace and silks in gowns, midis and shift dresses,” adds Wadhwa.

Also, sheer fabrics can be incorporated as cutouts on the midriff region or as lace on the shoulders of an outfit. “Sheer can also be used in colours, which match your skin tone,” says Narang.

For a day to evening look or even a corporate look, the sheer trend could be incorporated in lacy camisoles or top teamed with pantsuits, or sheer blouse with a pussy-bow with high-waist trousers. People went ga-ga over Deepika Padukone’s maroon sheer...