There are certain pieces in our wardrobes that demand a little extra thought. They challenge us to step outside our comfort zones, rethink the way we style ourselves, and maybe even push us to own our confidence in a new way. For me, that piece was a sheer skirt.
At first glance, sheer anything can feel intimidating. It’s delicate, revealing, and carries an air of boldness that isn’t always easy to embrace. But fashion, at its best, is about play and exploration. So I leaned into the challenge—because 1) I love testing myself with styling risks, and 2) it gave me the perfect opportunity to balance creativity with wearability.
The Key to Styling Sheer Pieces: Structure
When you’re working with something sheer, the question becomes: how do you ground it? My answer was structure. To offset the soft transparency of the skirt, I reached for tailored lines up top. A sharp double-breasted blazer layered over a high-neck tank created just the right mix—feminine yet polished, daring yet controlled.
The blazer was a standout piece on its own. Crisp tailoring, sleek lapels, and the kind of construction that instantly elevates whatever it’s paired with. It’s the kind of wardrobe staple that has endless possibilities: it holds its own over a skirt for an evening out, but it’s just as chic thrown over denim for casual days.
And while I styled it here with the sheer skirt, I couldn’t resist showing it off again later with jeans—because sometimes a piece is just too good not to wear on repeat.
Denim That Finds the Middle Ground
Speaking of denim, let’s talk about the jeans I’ve been reaching for on days I want structure with comfort. Enter the slim straight leg jean—a style that sits perfectly between two extremes. Imagine if your favorite skinny jeans and your favorite wide-leg trousers combined forces: you’d get this cut. Slim through the leg, but with just enough room at the opening to feel modern and versatile.
The stretch in these jeans makes them a dream to wear all day, yet they don’t lose their shape (a rarity worth noting). They do, however, run a little large. For sizing reference, I usually wear a 26 in jeans but found my best fit in a Petite 24. So if you’re considering them, I’d recommend sizing down at least one, if not two, sizes.
This particular pair also happens to be on sale right now, which feels like the universe giving us permission to refresh our denim drawer.
Polished Footwear to Complete the Look
Every outfit deserves a finishing touch, and for me, that came in the form of heeled Mary Janes. I love how this classic silhouette has made a return in recent seasons. They strike that sweet spot between ladylike elegance and everyday practicality.
The pair I’ve been wearing runs true to size and has just enough height to elongate the leg without sacrificing comfort. Paired with jeans, they feel chic and understated. Styled with the sheer skirt and blazer, they add a polished, slightly vintage note that ties everything together.
Style as Self-Expression
At the heart of this styling experiment was something bigger than just putting together an outfit. Wearing a sheer skirt required me to not only figure out how to balance the proportions but also how to feel fully comfortable in something outside my usual picks. Fashion is deeply tied to confidence—how we carry ourselves, how we move through the world.
For me, pairing the sheer with structure wasn’t just about creating balance in the outfit; it was about creating balance in how I felt. The tailored blazer grounded the boldness of the skirt, allowing me to step into the look with ease and authenticity.
That’s the joy of fashion—it’s not only about what’s trendy or what’s flattering. It’s about how clothes make us feel. Sometimes it’s a challenge, sometimes it’s effortless, but the best looks are the ones that push us to see ourselves a little differently.
Key Takeaways for Your Wardrobe
If you’re looking to try something new this season, here are a few takeaways from my styling experiment:
- Balance contrast with contrast. If one piece feels soft, sheer, or dramatic, ground it with something structured or simple.
- Invest in versatile staples. A great blazer or a well-fitting pair of jeans will carry you through countless outfits.
- Pay attention to fit. Sizing can vary widely, so don’t be afraid to try a size down (or two) when the fabric has stretch.
- Shoes matter. The right pair can make the difference between a look feeling unfinished or complete.
- Confidence is the best accessory. At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Fashion should never be about following rigid rules—it’s about creativity, expression, and finding joy in the pieces we choose to wear. Sometimes, it’s the challenge pieces, like a sheer skirt, that remind us just how fun it can be to play dress-up.
