SHEER MADNESS

 

 

 

 

 

Dolce and Gabbana launched the Spring/Summer 11 season with what was to become their rather famous take on sheer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s not the first time we’ve seen the underwear as outerwear trend (remember Dolce and Gabbana and Christian Dior SS2010) but this season certainly is all about flirting with transparency and see-through layers.  This look, shown by the likes of Alberta Ferretti and Chloe in their RTW SS11 shows, is however tasteful in a way it has never been before.  Volume and pleating, ankle-lengths and layering allow for the trend to encompass something feminine and floaty, chic and sophisticated…and just the right amount of teasing.  I must say though, for my conservative acquaintances, this look is utterly confusing and they can’t decide if I forgot my pants at home or put on an extra skirt by mistake.  And why in the world would anyone wear unlined pants with your knickers showing….. I guess it is a little perplexing…

 

Christian Dior and Dolce and Gabbana SS10 and the launch of the “underwear as outerwear” trend

 

 

 

 

The contrast between the 2011 and 2010 trend is quite blatant.  This season is much more feminine and whimsical.  Alberta Ferretti and Chloe show us just how to do it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When embarking on your conquest to master this look, ensure you experiment with contrast colours and textures, with solid mini linings and sheer maxi over-garments.  The wide-leg sheer palazzo and maxi skirt are key.  This is good news for those of us who haven’t put our pins in some sunlight for a while as the playful shadows of these translucent items cast doubt over the true pastiness that lies beneath!  This trend is also great for that in-between season dressing which can be awkward and just plain old boring.  If I have to wear shorts/skirts with my tights and bikers for one more day I think I may as well just move back to London and turn myself over to pretty-grunge kids of Camden Town!  With my sheer skirt I still feel I can get away with tights and even a chunky boot, but feel a bit more delicate than when wearing the edgy-street look that was fast becoming my uniform.

Lily Donaldson and my favourite of the moment, Olivia Palermo, effortlessly work the sheer trend with their trademark chic styles

 

For the wary among us, this trend is a great way of letting you get away with a bit more ‘sexy’ without exposing flesh that you’re not quite ready to bare!  It allows you to expose in a different way, being subtly suggestive rather than feeling like a Gaga/Hilton hopeful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the more risqué, there are of course the completely see-through items which necessitate either more body-confidence or complete lack of self-preservation, whichever comes first.

 

Barely-there shifts and drop-waisted dresses in lace and mesh are a sexy take on this trend without being tasteless.  And why not if you have that body?

 

 

 

 

 

I love the sleeve detail here and the printed version is just too cute

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although this trend lends itself to the romantics creams, greys, oysters and blush palettes there is no reason to not use it as a colour vehicle.  I love this play on colour to wet our appetites for summer.

Bare in mind, this look is not only about the silk chiffons and organzas.  Lace and mesh are a must and add to the play on textures which I am swooning over right now.  Ladies just be sure to invest in a good slip or bustier as well as an upgraded pair of solid knickers for the brave!  My favourite items for this look are owed to the pillaging of my mother’s forgotten closet and a few mod takes here and there to certify that I do look like I do know what I’m doing and haven’t actually just missed the boat entirely.  My boyfriend insists it’s touch and go...

Kirsten Dunst plays with lace                      I love this lace interpretation of the sheer palazzo pant.  Too quirky!