Imagine hot girl summer but with barely there clothes. That’s how strong the sheer trend is becoming.
Fashion trends keep changing and sheer is having people baring it all. Leaving little to the imagination, this hot girl summer will likely be one for the books when it comes to fashion.
With the world's focus on body positivity and self-confidence, freelance stylist Tondani Ragwala says sheer is on the rise as people want to “showcase their bodies without being particularly naked”.
Professional stylist Jabulile Mthiya says sheer clothing is the secret weapon for adding oomph to your outfit.
“The delicate transparency adds a hint of enchanting texture, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your ensemble and being comfortable in your own skin,” she tells us.
It wouldn’t be summer without showing skin in “our sexy sheer outfits”. The trend returned in 2022 and ever since has been shown on the runways, red carpets and more. Luxury brand Mugler tends to catapult sheer in their fall winter 2022-23 collection, alongside previous collections.
See Zonke Dikana dressed in an H&M and Mugler collaboration blazer for the TRUELOVE April-June cover.
READ MORE | Style Inspo | Pearl Thusi and 6 other celebs rocked the controversial but cute sheer trend
Meanwhile, supermodel Naomi Campbell - moonlighting as a fashion designer - teamed up with a duo of emerging designers to debut her new collaboration with Pretty Little Thing. The collection showcased sheer garments.
According to Vogue, “while increasingly popular, the look is still subject to much sensationalism and even vitriol.” We saw media personality Pearl Thusi dividing opinions when she made a sheer fashion statement in June 2023 at the 2Million Icons party.
Reality TV star and Lasizwe causing chaos on social media after photos of his arrival look at the Content Creators Awards 2023 circulated. He wore a mermaid sheer dress revealing his butt cheeks.
ICYMI: Lasizwe's sheer outfit and other fashion looks from the Content Creators Awards 2023. More here: https://t.co/O6ZgTNaM1z pic.twitter.com/VqgINDuOgv
— TRUELOVE Magazine (@TrueLoveMag) September 12, 2023
But, with sheer clothing, you need to possess an unapologetic spirit to overlook those who are not fond of the trend because they deem it scandalous.
Tondani says, “Like Doja Cat, she's obviously very confident in her body and that is why she took the naked dress to the naked level.” At the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), the Attention composer, drew attention when she walked in wearing a Monse web-like sheer dress, while singer Tinashe bared it all on the carpet, with her privates covered with tape.
“But, I also would say in our society and how many people don't understand fashion and pushing the boundaries, it does make those people uncomfortable but for us fashion lovers I always say more is more so pushing the boundaries is always a yes. If you feel good and comfortable that's all that matters, just never limit yourself,” Tondani says.
So, will South Africans be bearing it all this upcoming festive and have a naked-girl summer? Who knows, but here are some stars who have gotten a head start for inspo:
