Are you ready to bare it all? I don’t think I am. The current sheer clothing trend which has completely covered (see what I did there?) fashion magazine pages and socials for the last few weeks, is all about showing off what’s underneath. Daring to bare it all – or at least some – with transparent and barely there clothing.
S/S 2023 fashion is leaving little to the imagination and it feels almost inescapable. Sure, this particular look is more about ‘doing pretty’ rather than full on seductress. But rest assured, modesty and subtlety are not what this trend is all about. Showing a bit more of what you’ve got – from sheer blouses to see-through skirts – it’s not for the faint of heart, so is it for the over 40’s?
Fashion over 40…
In the words of Vogue Magazine:
‘For the first time, we seem to be pushing more boundaries with sheerness. Labels have long sent models’ exposed breasts down the runway, but nowadays celebrities and regular people alike are more inclined to bare it all. Perhaps it’s an act of cultural pushback against some governments’ puritanical restrictions on women’s bodies. Maybe it’s a sign that we shouldn’t be so concerned with our own nakedness. No matter how you wear it, sheer is sexy, subversive and powerful.’
Sounds great – but for someone in their 40’s (namely, me) it also sounds a bit tiring.
What I mean is this: if you are of a certain age and you want to keep up with the trends, but you have moved on from bum skimming skirts and nipple grazing tops (which let’s face it, most of us have by our 40’s) is sheer a comfortable middle ground or just a lot of bloody hard work?
“I do not own a single sheer item (apart from some old tights I bought for a wedding once).“
I remember when I wrote about falling out of love with fashion. I was in my 30’s and felt that I had somehow lost my mojo and had no idea what to wear.
That was then but I am NOW back in the game – with an office full of carefully chosen fashion pieces I use like armour for the many events and meetings I attend. Fashion has ‘given me wings’ after being a stay at home mum for years. I went from PJ Masks to TK MAXX and now I have a few select designers that I know I can rely on. I have taken great joy in following trends and favoured designers to see how I can use fashion to fit my own personal style – using and restyling items I already have in the name of sustainability, but keeping an eye on what is happening from the catwalks all the way down to thrift stores.
All of that to say, despite my commitment to keeping up with trends – I do not own a single sheer item (apart from some old tights I bought for a wedding once).
My style has changed, I’ll say that. I used to be all about pretty florals, fitted dresses and feminine cuts. Now, you’ll find me in the oversized blazers, chunky boots and pared back make- up that has (thankfully) been on trend for the last few years. It all came as a bit of a relief to tbh. I was tired of having to constantly smooth out my dresses, wear the ‘right underwear’ and suck in my stomach after a big meal (don’t judge me, we all did it) . Tired of having to adjust my top – when in meetings my boobs gained more attention than my grammar – and reposition my fitted skirts (for the hundredth time) so that the zip fit perfectly down the centre of my back and butt.
YAWN! It was exhausting and I don’t really want to go back. This bare it all trend feels like a step in that direction…I no likey.
Yes, i’m sure there are ways to work this trend that may feel more ‘appropriate for my lifestyle. And yes, bare-it-all clothing may not be intended for a trip to Asda (or maybe it is). I suppose my point is, where it may feel empowering for some to bare what’s underneath, there are a few of us who have blossomed in our oversized blazers, huge trousers and comfy trainers…namely, me.
I suppose that’s what is so great about fashion and why my rule of ‘choosing what’s right, over what is right now’ has served me so well throughout the years. Truly knowing what works for you and your lifestyle may be your first consideration when it comes to choosing your fashion pieces – it helps.
There are some ways to make this daring trend work for ‘all’. Here are a few tips that may help you to navigate this sheer madness too:
- Wear the right undergarments. This is key to making sheer clothing work…for obvious reasons.
- Try layering up. Sheer clothing doesn’t have to mean you’re completely exposed – if you don’t want your bum out in Waitrose, layer a sheer top over a tank or a sheer skirt over a slip to add some coverage.
- Pair a sheer blouse with high-waisted jeans for a daytime look that’s both sexy and sophisticated.
I realise I sound like a cranky old woman – one who has left her golden years of bold sexy clothing behind (maybe I am), but consider this: the potential for wardrobe malfunctions increases exponentially when wearing a pair of see through chiffon trousers, k?
For those who dare to bare, I salute you! Hey, no pain no gain, right?
