While we love mixing sheer pieces into our spring weekend wardrobes, bringing the transparent trend into the office can be a tricky move. Simply wearing a pretty bralette and throwing on a sheer top? A look like that is almost sure to get you called into your boss' office, no matter how tasteful your underthings may be. Incorporating sheer garments into your workweek requires more creativity and strategic layering than you may be used to putting into your 9-to-5 looks — but, we're always up for a good challenge. So, we brainstormed five inventive ways to integrate the sheer trend into your workwear without exposing too much. Gather up your see-through duds — they're about to get some air.
The Exec Chiffon Dress
If you work in a more buttoned-up setting, we get that going "sheer" really means non-sheer. So, to make sure all your bases (and body parts) are covered, nab yourself a modest slip that you can wear as a bottom layer. Then, throw on a sheer frock in an office-friendly silhouette with longer sleeves and a collar. Wearing a quirky flat shoe in the same color palette as the dress will help anchor the look and it make it look more professional.
If you work in a more buttoned-up setting, we get that going "sheer" really means non-sheer. So, to make sure all your bases (and body parts) are covered, nab yourself a modest slip that you can wear as a bottom layer. Then, throw on a sheer frock in an office-friendly silhouette with longer sleeves and a collar. Wearing a quirky flat shoe in the same color palette as the dress will help anchor the look and it make it look more professional.
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The Transparent Top
Oh, sheer black tee, how do we love thee? On weekends, you can just throw one over a lacy black bra and call it a day. And, during the workweek, you can actually layer this versatile piece over a much bolder and louder top — like a metallic crop — to help "tone it down" for the office. Pull up a pair of more traditional work trousers with an elevated shoe, and you're set to take on that presentation.
Oh, sheer black tee, how do we love thee? On weekends, you can just throw one over a lacy black bra and call it a day. And, during the workweek, you can actually layer this versatile piece over a much bolder and louder top — like a metallic crop — to help "tone it down" for the office. Pull up a pair of more traditional work trousers with an elevated shoe, and you're set to take on that presentation.
The Gossamer Boss Jacket
For an even more relaxed way to flirt with sheer clothing, swap in a structured sheer jacket for the classic trench you have sitting in your closet. Have fun with the transparent topper by wearing it over an outfit that errs more on the more corporate-friendly and conservative side (or, wear it over a colorful, graphic-print dress for after hours). To turn it up just a notch, pepper your look with a few crisp white details and a pair of fancy pumps.
For an even more relaxed way to flirt with sheer clothing, swap in a structured sheer jacket for the classic trench you have sitting in your closet. Have fun with the transparent topper by wearing it over an outfit that errs more on the more corporate-friendly and conservative side (or, wear it over a colorful, graphic-print dress for after hours). To turn it up just a notch, pepper your look with a few crisp white details and a pair of fancy pumps.
The Perfectly-Exposed Pants
Full-on sheer bottoms are too much, and regular trousers can be boring. So this spring, opt for more breezy legwear, like these peekaboo slacks from 3.1 Phillip Lim,which feature the best of both worlds. They're like wearing shorts, but with the comfort and coverage of normal pants. And, they're surprisingly office-appropriate when you pair them with a contrast, collared top. Finish off this chic commuter look with a longline sleeveless jacket that's transitional in more ways than one.
Full-on sheer bottoms are too much, and regular trousers can be boring. So this spring, opt for more breezy legwear, like these peekaboo slacks from 3.1 Phillip Lim,which feature the best of both worlds. They're like wearing shorts, but with the comfort and coverage of normal pants. And, they're surprisingly office-appropriate when you pair them with a contrast, collared top. Finish off this chic commuter look with a longline sleeveless jacket that's transitional in more ways than one.
The Subtle Lacey Skirt
So, you've got yourself a lacy sheer skirt that is too sexy to wear on its own, but far too gorgeous to camouflage over a slip skirt. For the perfect solve, wear the sheer skirt first, then layer on a longer tunic over it to create the illusion of a tiered dress with the lacy number peeking out from underneath. To keep all that lace from feeling too gussy for the office, pair the look with sporty footwear, which will be a godsend when you're running around to meetings.
So, you've got yourself a lacy sheer skirt that is too sexy to wear on its own, but far too gorgeous to camouflage over a slip skirt. For the perfect solve, wear the sheer skirt first, then layer on a longer tunic over it to create the illusion of a tiered dress with the lacy number peeking out from underneath. To keep all that lace from feeling too gussy for the office, pair the look with sporty footwear, which will be a godsend when you're running around to meetings.