Sheer Chic

CEBU, Philippines - There’s always something about glittering trails of fairy dust and iridescent wings that induces a sense of child-like excitement into even the most grown-up of girls.

One of my favorite trends has been the sheer fabric trend because this filmy material quickly brings into mind thoughts of fairies, pixies, and ethereal gardens. Sheer is highly feminine and the way to wear it now vis-à-vis how it was worn back in the 90s has leaped from street to sophisticated.

Sheer dominated the 2009 runways in a bevy of designs from layered sheer tops and dresses, to the softer more feminine drapes ala Midsummer Night’s Dream. Although the runway may sometimes exhibit sheer in haute couture and avante garde designs, take it from celebrities like Megan Fox and Leighton Meester to make sheer a more wearable, every day fab piece.

Here are some top stuff to remember if you’re entertaining thoughts of venturing into the sheer, see-through trend for the holiday season:

Because sheer isn’t simply limited to billowy blouses and delicate dresses, sheer pants and skirts are a great way to give a fresh twist on the sheer fabric. Just don’t even think about pairing it with a thong or neon underwear. Instead, cap the look with a pair of bloomers or tasteful boy shorts. Sheer should never look raunchy.

Two things to remember when you think about sheer: quality fabric and classic colors. Sheer is a very delicate fabric and if you’re more into femme drapes, the flow of the fabric is a very important consideration. Dirt cheap sheer fabric has a tendency of being too stiff, hence ruining the entire feel of the look. Sheer in screaming colors like neon green or fuchsia can be quite risky or just simply cringe-worthy so stick to jewel tones or deeper hues for a more subdues yet classic feel.

Although the looks to channel for the sheer trend lean more towards the elegant, classic, and the regal, take the cue from Lindsay Lohan and give the sheer trend a more casual yet chic look by pairing a sheer top with a vest and leggings. Another key to the sheer trend is subtlety and no other celeb has got this look perfectly than supermodel Heidi Klum and actress Diane Kruger.

Sheer is versatile yet it takes the right person to make the trend look chic. The magic in sheer is simply being the right person for the right style, for the right cut, and at the right occasion.

And really, it’ll take more than magic to rock this trend.