10 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, Per Stylists

When news got around that sheer clothing was making a comeback, I damn near wept. Transparent attire completed the trifecta of the most questionable fashion trends of my childhood, sitting pretty (albeit mockingly) next to low-rise jeans and dramatic cutouts. "Whatever happened to less is more?" I thought as I stared, lovingly, at my comfy cardigan and millennial mom jeans. Then, I was introduced to the sheer lace dress, and my conservative way of thinking went out the window. My only dilemma? Figuring out just how to wear a sheer lace dress.

Up until then, dressing in anything see-through—beyond the parameters of a beach town, pool, or music festival—wasn't something I ever imagined myself doing. I'm hardly someone bold enough to dress outside my comfort zone without a little guidance. So if you, like me, want to don a sheer lace dress but don't know what to wear under sheer clothing or how to style the see-through frock, listen up. I asked a slew of stylists to offer their best tips, below

Add Contrast to Make It Eclectic

Lace is ultra-feminine, so if you're going for an eclectic look, adding unexpected pieces to the ensemble is key. Keep your foundation pieces (aka your undergarments) neutral—think a solid bralette with boyshorts or a high-waisted brief—but play with your accessories. Mesh knee-highs, platform boots, and a colorful handbag are where it's at.

Channel a Different Decade

Andréa Bernholtz, founder of Swiminista, embraces every opportunity she can to channel a throwback aesthetic. "Think bigger," she says on the subject of how to style a sheer lace dress for a party. Her style inspiration? '80s Madonna, complete with a lace tunic over jeans or leggings, along with a denim or leather jacket.

Embrace the Ethereal Vibes

Founders of Franki Ray, Stacey George and Sasha Spivey, associate lace with elements of tranquility and nature's beauty—an aesthetic, they say, that's all its own. Rather than switch things up, George and Spivey tell InStyle they'd rather lean into that earthy power by keeping things simple, wearing natural stone energy bracelets and maybe adding a few vintage items. However, the two recommend skipping anything too large "so everything continues to flow."

Combine Aesthetics

Personal style is meant to be explored and experimental. So if you can't make up your mind between a tougher, emo girl vibe or going unabashedly boudoir, why choose? Celebrity stylist Soneca Guadara says a sheer lace dress yields itself to both.

"A moto jacket and skater sneakers can easily be layered with a lingerie-inspired slip and bodysuit underneath," Guadara tells InStyle. The key, she says, to any contrasting aesthetic combo, is to "find that delicate balance between chic and fashion-forward."

Keep Foundation Layers Neutral for Formalwear

If you're looking to style your sheer lace dress for a formal event or make the garment office-appropriate, Guadara recommends a nude-tone or neutral-color slip dress that provides the right amount of body coverage.

For styling in warmer temperatures, let the sleeves of your jacket fall to your elbows and accessorize with a vibrant handbag and chunky jewelry, suggests Joanna Angeles, head stylist at Tobi.

Build With Basics

Believe it or not, sheer lace dresses are incredibly versatile. Simply slip one over your activewear for a look that transitions seamlessly from day to night. And don't forget to accessorize with a pop of color—like these neon pumps—to give this outfit a little something extra.

Don't Shy Away From Color Completely

"There's an unwritten rule" stipulating that lace looks should be monochromatic, Guadara says. However, that rule is meant to be broken. "Go for a color contrast if you're looking to stand out and make a statement," Guadara tells InStyle. Think: red pants, a black bra top, and a beanie, as seen here.

Layer Over Swimwear

For whatever reason, swimsuits and sheer lace dresses are natural partners, and The Nines stylist, Lisa Sanchez, is here for it. Not only do lace looks make for cute, fun, and fashionable cover-ups, they also easily slip into your beach bag, since they're difficult to wrinkle and sand can just fall off. Plus, she adds, they dry quickly. Translation: Sheer lace dresses should be your new vacation staple.

Take a Page From Bridgerton's Book

Add a corset. According to stylist and creative producer Kennedy Bingham, founder of Gown Eyed Girl, layering a brightly colored corset on top of a sheer lace dress will break up the lace and add some shape to your ensemble. Just make sure the Regencycore staple isn't too restrictive; you want to make sure you're able to move as freely as wearing the dress solo would allow.

Create Balance With a Blazer

As much as celebs enjoy the naked dress, you might have your reservations about letting it all hang out. The solution? Cover up with a blazer. It's the perfect complement to a sheer lace dress that also happens to earn you major style points.

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