Fall and Spring 2010 saw sheer fabrics starting out on the runway and they must have caught someone’s eye because they came back with a vengeance in fall 2011.  Not only are we seeing sheer blouses and tops but also skirts and pants.
 

From Fall 2011: Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Stella McCartney 
(images via style.com) 
Here is the issue with sheer fabrics on the runway- replicating the same look in reality, doesn’t really compute. While wearing a sheer polka dot jumpsuit with an oversized blazer might seem like an avant garde and brazen take on menswear, wearing the same outfit to work might not go over as well.
How can we wear sheers in our everyday lives? It isn’t as hard as you might think. Here are some inspirational photos of celebrities and trendsetters wearing- and working the sheer look. 


Take a cue from Jessica Alba and wear a coloured or printed sheer top. For those who are willing to be a bit risqué, try a coloured bra or some lacy lingerie that you don’t mind being seen in. For modesty’s sake though, you can also try a nude bra, underneath a printed or coloured sheer blouse, you will barely see it.
Even prim and proper Kate Middleton can’t resist the sheer top. She pulls it off with a long, velvet dress coat and a high waisted skirt. She remains classy even with a see-through fabric. Here is why this works: Kate’s sheer top just peeks out the top and is a crew neck as well- making this look sexy conservative. 
 

The sheer skirt has been very popular this summer, in street styled looks as well as on celebrities. I love the flowy, feminine look of the pleated sheer maxi skirt. At the same time, leaving very little to the imagination, this skirt isn’t for everyone. 
Rosie Huntington Whitely (far right) has the right idea by wearing high waisted shorts underneath her skirt. One of the Olsen twins (I got no clue which one), wearing a mini skirt underneath hers.
Model Abbey Lee Kershaw (far left) wears the sheer skirt in a dusty rose hue and mixes it up with detailing. Try this options by wearing sheers sparingly, touches of sheer fabric here and there. A tee with sheer sleeves, sheer back or sheer front for instance is wearable to school but can be transitioned for a night out. 
 

Lastly, wearing sheer requires, above all, confidence. To get your fashion confidence up, check out these photos of a very pregnant Charlotte Gainsbourg, January Jones and Rachel Zoe all wearing sheer tops. If they can do it- can’t you?

Get some sheer in your life with these cute options! 

1. BCBG Petal Short Sleeve Semi Sheer Chiffon Top (US$68.00)
2. Antipodium Black Haughty Culture Sheer Maxi Skirt On Sale, (C$205.00) 
3. American Apparel Chiffon Full Length Skirt (C$52.00)
4. Annie Sleeveless Blouse (C$110.00)
5. American Apparel Chiffon Double Layered Skirt (C$66.00)
 
And to wear underneath your new sheer top, try these modest and brazen options:

(from left to right) 
Victoria's Secret Satin Slip (US$38.00) 
Old Navy Lace Trim Tank (C$12.50)
Urban Outfitters Lace Bra (C$20.00)
Camellia Lace Bralette (C$24.00)
 
Are you ready for the sheer trend? Or should this look be kept on the runway?