Risqué sheer skirts are taking over the cool girls' wardrobes—here's how to wear them

Vogue Singapore

3 days ago

Getty
She's not new, but she's sneaking back in with fresh moves. That barely-there skirt—audacious and borderline risqué—can low-key slide into subtle territory too. Maybe that's the magic of it. One moment it's scandalous, the next it's lowkey chic. So why are sheer skirts still holding court? Maybe because it refuses to pick a side. It's as audacious as it is adaptable, teasing modesty while serving just the right amount of drama.
On the spring/summer 2025 runways, it made its presence known in more ways than one: at Fendi, it was styled down with a soft, slouchy top—effortless and casual; while at Hermès, it leaned tailored and precise, layered over shorts and topped with a matching bomber that felt sleek and urbane. Two ends of the spectrum, same core piece. Fendi spring/summer 2025 Umberto Fratini Hermès spring/summer 2025 Daniele Oberrauch
Off the runway, the styling game has no limits. You'll see it over shorts, skirts, even pants. Sometimes tied around the waist like a last-minute afterthought that somehow pulls the whole look together. Dua Lipa, for instance, flipped the script on the not-so-office-friendly cream skirt, throwing an oversized coat over a sleek bodysuit. Rihanna wearing a dark lace rendition, paired with an oversized navy blue bomber jacket. @shotbyjuliann Dua Lipa putting a business casual spin on the piece—styling it with an oversized coat. @dualipa
And Rihanna proved her baby bump is no limitation—if anything, it's unlocking new chapters in her fashion playbook. The queen of style stepped out in a dark lace version, paired with a navy bomber and a stunning diamond necklace. And of course, K-pop it girl Jennie is no stranger to the trend. Her airport look featured a sheer piece with a jagged hemline, layered over shorts and paired with a cosy checked flannel and brown suede jacket.
The crowd's favourite move for sheer skirts? Layering. Over or under, sometimes both—just enough to hint at what's underneath. Go tonal or clash textures—lace over cotton, sheer over denim—for that extra pop of texture and surprise. Below, peruse the myriad ways to work this risqué little wildcard into your wardrobe. @dualipa
1 / 22 Not so business casual: Dua Lipa
Oversized coat? Check. Sheer skirt? Also check. This look says, 'I mean business'—but the kind that comes with dinner plans on the side. Don't forget a statement bag and matching stilettos to seal the vibe—playful and structured on top, translucent below. Courtesy of Farfetch
2 / 22 Not so business casual: Saint Laurent skirt, $587
Available at Farfetch. Courtesy of Alaïa
3 / 22 Not so business casual: Alaïa bodysuit, $1,158
Available at Alaïa. Courtesy of Farfetch
4 / 22 Not so business casual: Prada blazer, $5,300
Available at Farfetch. Getty
5 / 22 Layer it on: Kristen Stewart
Summer heat doesn't scare this trend off. From sheer skirts over shorts or pants, to loosely tied versions around the waist—there's something unexpectedly textured and cool about layering. Fabric choice matters, too: a stiffer mesh adds structure, while gauzy renditions reads romantic. Courtesy of Farfetch
6 / 22 Layer it on: Marc Le Bihan skirt, $2,645
Available at Farfetch. Courtesy of Chanel
7 / 22 Layer it on: Chanel tweed shorts, $6,760
Available at Chanel. Courtesy of Farfetch
8 / 22 Layer it on: Versace tweed jacket, $5,227
Available at Farfetch. Getty
9 / 22 The cosy brief: Jennie
Throw on some oversized outerwear and let the sheer do its thing. This take makes the trend feel lived-in and low-stakes—ideal for errands, coffee runs, or even just leaning into the I-woke-up-like-this energy. Courtesy of Farfetch
10 / 22 The cosy brief: Courrèges skirt, $393
Available at Farfetch. Courtesy of Miu Miu
11 / 22 The cosy brief: Miu Miu jacket, $10,500
Available at Miu Miu. Courtesy of Mytheresa
12 / 22 The cosy brief: Bottega Veneta shirt, $8,780
Available at Mytheresa. Courtesy of Mytheresa
13 / 22 The cosy brief: Ganni shorts, $345
Available at Mytheresa. Getty
14 / 22 Tactile play: Anya Taylor-Joy
Summer is flirting with textures this season, and crochet and lace are totally here for it. A crochet skirt can be your outfit's showstopper or the subtle anchor that quietly holds everything together. Either way, it's a tactile twist that adds depth and dimension to your whole look. Courtesy of Farfetch
15 / 22 Tactile play: Nanushka crochet skirt, $295
Available at Farfetch. Courtesy of Ssense
16 / 22 Tactile play: Dion Lee top, $510
Available at Ssense. Getty
17 / 22 Touch of glitz: Kim Hye-Jun
If subtle isn't your thing, sheer skirts with embellishments are made for you. Think sequins, gems, or a hint of glitter—perfect for late-night dinners, rooftop parties, or anywhere you want to sparkle without trying too hard. Courtesy of Farfetch
18 / 22 Touch of glitz: Simone Rocha skirt, $1,303
Available at Farfetch. Courtesy of Valentino
19 / 22 Touch of glitz: Valentino Garavani sweater, $1,380
Available at Valentino. Getty
20 / 22 Leather code: Kate Hudson
Boho might be creeping back, but this time with a little bite. Pair your sheer skirt with leather—belts, boots, or jackets—for a look that feels both romantic and rough around the edges. Courtesy of Mytheresa
21 / 22 Leather code: Chloé skirt, $1,904
Available at Mytheresa. Courtesy of Gucci
22 / 22 Leather code: Gucci jacket, $10,171
Available at Gucci.