Last month, in a moment of divine inspiration, I googled the current fashion trends to shop for the perfect outfit for a night out, that was essentially both cheap and trendy. As someone on a budget but with plans to attend several events throughout the semester, I was on the lookout for something new to diversify my wardrobe.
Owning my fair share of sheer tops, I was nevertheless surprised to see ‘Sheer’ listed as a major fall trend by Harpers Bazaar. According to fashion prophet Vogue, ‘sheer’ clothing dominated both the Spring/Summer 2024 and 2025 runway. Apart from the usual lingerie-inspired wafting gowns, sheer pencil skirts took the spotlight at the Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy shows worldwide. Clearly, it seems this trend isn’t coming to an end anytime soon. To live up to my self-imposed title of ‘fashion enthusiast’ it seemed fit to abandon my search and consider the timeless allure of the sheer fabric.
As a fabric that leaves little to the imagination, the sheer look has always evoked jaw-dropping reactions: it’s sexy, and it’s scandalous. Over the decades, celebrities ranging from Cher to Florence Pugh have sported sheer outfits that bared their bodies, despite widespread outcry about indecency, in an empowering move to celebrate their figure. However, this is one look that’s easy to pull off on the red carpet but remains restricted to niche circles and specific occasions.
It’s no surprise then that the sheer look has been embraced by students in the isolated seaside town of St Andrews, who regularly dress like they’re in a Milanese Fashion Show. It’s impossible not to spot girls wearing sheer blouses over beaded bralettes or partially sheer corset tops during a night out at 601 or The Vic. The sheer fabric also remains a favourite at balls with a less rigid dress code, and at fashion shows where both models and attendees are often styled in sheer. This risqué look is chic and highly glamorous, reflecting the fun and freedom of ‘going out culture’.
For this article I also spoke to two friends about their opinions on sheer outfits. Dina told me that she didn’t feel confident while displaying her body as a teenager, but she doesn’t let judgement trump how fabulous she feels in sheer clothing anymore, accepting that all body types can be desirable. Emma described an instance when she cut her sheer leggings and converted them into a top to wear to the DRA ball, unwilling to spend money on a new dress. For Emma, this feels like the counter-culture to maximalism and other micro-trends churned on social media. Donning a sheer top requires little thought; though it can be styled various ways, she doesn’t have to worry if her outfit is trendy enough.
It’s safe to say that sheer fabric will remain a staple piece on a night out, whether that’s in St Andrews or attending a club night out abroad. We’re young and we want to go out more, and sheer clothes embody this flirty and fearless energy perfectly.
However, by opting for sheer clothes we’re also reclaiming our agency and countering the politicisation of bodies. We’re making a statement with our bodies; underpinning liberation through sexuality.
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