A Sheer Thing

What is with the nudity on the runway these days? I like sheer tops and all but seeing exposed bosoms on the runway is just not my thing. Kendall Jenner is the latest It girl to have the dubious honor of walking the runway breasts exposed. I just don’t understand the appeal. Do designers truly think this is an attractive runway look or are they just caught up in the shock value of it? Kendall Jenner’s modeling career has been the topic of many fashion publications and entertainment shows since she modeled during New York Fashion Week in Marc Jacobs show. Her fame has really started to rise based on that particular modeling gig. She recently stated that she has heard the buzz about it but she hasn’t really followed the reactions to the look. She may not be tracking the social buzz but the media has gone berserk over since she walked the runway in an outfit that included a transparent shirt. The above look from Anthony Vaccarello's Milan runway show is one that I can get down with because the look is styled to tantalize not to expose. The outfit is one of my favorite sheer runway looks because it proves that some designers are true masters of that fine line between sexy and trashy. Photo credit: Style.com

I am a supporter of including sheer pieces in an outfit when it is evident that the taste factor has been considered. I have included in this post additional sheer looks from the runways that I love because they prove that the line between seductive and vulgar can be straddled with finesse. I will confess, however, that some of the same designers responsible for the looks displayed throughout this post were also the owners of other looks that raised my brows. I have deliberately chosen not to display  those looks here because I do not feel that additional exposure is needed for those types of scantily clad looks. I have, instead, chosen to highlight how designers have used sheer pieces to create elegant looks. I can not deny the chic factor the look below has even though when the coat does not softly fold down as the model glides the model's breasts are exposed. It is completely unrealistic to wear a coat around all day to keep the breasts covered; hence, the need for a bra, preferably, in a nude shade.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW; Source

Why are some designers averse to pairing their transparent creations with basic undergarments? Can’t they just do like a few of their peers and add a couple of pockets are layers over the breasts area? When I first saw the no-bra sheer top look a few seasons ago my initial thought was did the stylists forget to make sure the models were wearing bras? I realized the truth, a few seasons ago, which is that for some mysterious reason a few designers think it is acceptable to have models display their wares for the public. I was always taught the importance of wearing proper undergarments when out in public so I continue to cringe whenever I see models walk the runways without the proper underlayers. Miuccia Prada's Milan runway collection of sheer looks was a smashing success because she understands how to do sheer the right way.

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Not only are bras being left behind in the dressing area but the deliberate exposure of panties is just completely breaking acceptable attire protocols. Now that panties have also joined the fray it is getting to be unseemly. A few designers have decided to pair sheer dresses and skirts with panties that clearly are not in the same color family as the sheer garments. Mixing a black sheer skirt, for example, with white print underwear just reads tacky to me. I am not making this up. I actually saw this while browsing one of several runway show feeds lately. We all have pet peeves and this is one of mine.

The look below, from Burberry Prorsum, is the epitome of how undergarments can be incorporated into an outfit without becoming the center of attention. I can not resist adding, however, that due to my modesty if I had the pleasure of wearing such an outfit I would add a half slip beneath the skirt. This look, however, is so successful because the shade of the undergarments blends in so effectively with the color of the sheer pieces.

Spring 2014 RTW; Source

I tend to pair my sheer garments with black or nude lingerie depending upon the shade of the sheer garment. That is just one of the cardinal rules I learned along the way. Rules can be broken but I tend not to stray from that one. I can get quite adventurous with how I dress but revert to a more classic style when incorporating sheer garments in an outfit. It is for this reason that I consistently choose to pair my sheer pieces with camisoles, blazers and vests. How do you style your sheer garments? I would love to know. Perhaps, I can include some of your tips in my style repertoire.

Before I depart, I want to share a few sheer looks from one of my favorite runway shows, Cushnie et Ochs. Let me know what you think. Which designers, not featured in my post, do you think had the best sheer looks?

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