10 best sheer skirts and how to style them
WANT to tap into one of the season’s biggest trends? Don’t miss our guide to the best sheer skirts – and how to style them.
From Dior to Prada, see-through skirts have been having a moment on the runway for a while now and although they might sound risque, the good news is: they’re totally wearable IRL, too.
From airy chiffon and delicate lace to edgier mesh designs, sheer skirts can work dressed up or down, with varying lengths, styles and patterns to suit every taste and occasion.
Think a slip worn underneath teamed with an oversized blazer for daytime, or a high-waisted brief and fitted top for something a little more daring come the evening.
We’ve curated a selection of outfits below to get you started, each featuring a peek-a-boo skirt of dreams – whatever your budget.
Intimately Gemini Moon Half Slip
- Intimately Gemini Moon Half Slip, £78 from Free People – buy here
- Glamorous western ankle boots in black, £38 from ASOS – buy here
- White Ribbed Scoop Neck Vest, £7.99 from New Look – buy here
Intimately is Free People’s in-house intimates label featuring the brand’s ‘softest layers and sultriest pieces’ – and this dreamy half-slip skirt is the perfect example of why soft and sultry works so well.
Featuring a sheer lace panel and satin upper in a dusky pink hue, the low-rise maxi-length silhouette is ideal for leaning into a grungier styling aesthetic to balance out its feminine features.
We’ve picked out a pair of on-trend cowboy boots and a simple vest top. Throw on an oversized leather jacket and this is a winning outfit.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Sheer Maxi Skirt in Leopard Print
- ASOS DESIGN Curve sheer maxi skirt in leopard print, £36 from ASOS – buy here
- ASOS DESIGN Curve knitted off-shoulder bardot top in black,
£18£13.50 from ASOS – buy here - Patent leather effect heeled sandal, £35.99 from Mango – buy here
Leopard print is always a bold look. But if you’re worried about it being a bit too ‘busy’, then going sheer is a genius way to still get that hit of print – but with a softer finish.
This sheer maxi skirt by ASOS Design (also available in standard sizing) is a subtle way to do sheer without baring all, as it looks like it comes with a mini slip to provide coverage.
It’ll look great dressed down with a vintage tee, but we’ve chosen a chic bardot top and black patent sandals for a dressier outfit you can wear on your next night out.
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Topshop Knitted Sheer Knit Starfish Skirt in Black
- Topshop knitted sheer knit starfish skirt in black, £45 from ASOS – buy here
- Mango Manu Tie Fastening Shirt, Light Beige, £55.99 from John Lewis – buy here
- M&S Collection Strappy Flat Sandals, £22.50 from M&S – buy here
For relaxed beachy vibes this summer, you can’t go wrong with this sheer knit skirt by Topshop.
Maxi in length and featuring a side split and stretchy waistband that makes it super comfy to wear, it’s embellished with tiny starfish pieces for all the mermaid vibes.
Worn with a loose and semi-sheer tie front blouse and flat strappy sandals, it’s an effortless summer look you can rock around the pool – or pub roof terrace.
John Lewis Sheer Skirt
- John Lewis Sheer Skirt,
£45£36 from John Lewis – buy here - Limonata T-Shirt, £39 from Hush – buy here
- Genesis G-Volley Trainers, £119 from Hush – buy here
John Lewis always impresses with its trending pieces, so we knew we’d find a great selection of sheer skirts.
This baby pink number is an absolute dream, with a half-slip underneath that makes it less risque for everyday wear.
Wear it with the matching top for a soft and feminine head-to-toe look that’s perfectly Barbiecore, or dress it down with a summery print tee and sneakers as we’ve done here. We love that the blue in the t-shirt logo is picked up in the trainer detailing, but still looks effortless.
New Look Black Asymmetric Ruched Mesh Midi Skirt
- New Look Black Asymmetric Ruched Mesh Midi Skirt, £25.99 from New Look – buy here
- Black Mesh Ruched Cami Crop Top, £15.99 from New Look – buy here
- Black Multi Strap Stiletto Heel Sandals,
£35.99£26.99 from New Look – buy here
At under £30, this New Look mesh midi is a total bargain: it’ll work as a base for a multitude of going-out looks – or even on the beach as a slinky coverup.
Featuring an elasticated high waist and flattering ruched detailing, the asymmetric hem is what really elevates things, with a mesh panel completing the midi length.
Styled with a simple cami top and strappy sandals, it’s the best example of how all-black can be just as head-turning as bold colour.
New Look Red Stripe Mesh Asymmetric Midi Skirt
- New Look Red Stripe Mesh Asymmetric Midi Skirt, £25.99 from New Look – buy here
- Flare Sleeve Crochet Top,
£15£12 from Boohoo – buy here - V.GAN Vegan Bok Sandals, £49.99 from John Lewis – buy here
‘Love, love, love this skirt. I am a curvy 16 and it looked great on. So many compliments. Will get a lot of wear this spring/summer,’ raves one shopper about this New Look midi.
We’re not surprised they love it so much: the colours are perfect for building a warm tonal look, while the ruching can be adjusted to flash as much – or little – leg as you like.
Dress it up with heeled sandals and a strappy top, or team it with a crochet top and flats in the daytime for a boho, beachy vibe.
Mango Semi-transparent knitted skirt
- Mango Semi-transparent knitted skirt, £49.99 from Mango – buy here
- Beige mesh marble long sleeve top, £28 from River Island – buy here
- Brown beaded heel lace-up sandals, £65 from River Island – buy here
For a true homage to the fashion runways, look to this Mango semi-transparent beauty.
Made from a fine knit fabric, it’s long, flowy and very sheer – and there’s even a matching cardigan.
Wear it with high-waisted briefs if you dare, or try layering it over a shorter slip underneath.
We’re obsessed with the marbled effect of the River Island top we’ve styled it with, along with statement beaded heels for the most fashion-forward of looks.
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Knitted Midi Column Skirt
- M&S Collection Cotton Rich Knitted Midi Column Skirt, £49.50 from M&S – buy here
- Maeve Puff-Sleeve Blouse, £80 from Anthropologie – buy here
- By Anthropologie Mule Sandals, £90 from Anthropologie – buy here
This crochet effect midi in from M&S is going straight to the top of our wishlist: it’s a classic that will never date.
The underskirt finishes just above the knee to preserve your modesty, while the openwork knitted design adds that on-trend element of sheer.
We’ve opted for a crochet effect sandal and a puff sleeve blouse in tangerine for a summery look that’ll stand out at any garden party this season.
Pretty Little Thing Orange Textured Sheer Midaxi Skirt
- Pretty Little Thing Orange Textured Sheer Midaxi Skirt,
£25£16.25 from Pretty Little Thing – buy here - Blue Tassel Sleeveless Crochet Scallop-Trim Top, £48 from Anthropologie – buy here
- Clarks Leather Metallic Wedge Sandals, £80 from M&S – buy here
Orange, textured and sheer? This midaxi is all the things we love, rolled into one; plus it’s a great price.
It’s also available in stone if you prefer a more neutral look – or even want to pick up both. We wouldn’t blame you.
Pack it for your summer holiday, and in the meantime, embrace the beachy feel by teaming it with a crochet top like Anthropologie’s scallop trim beauty and a pair of wedges.
Boohoo Diamante Mesh Maxi Split Skirt
- Boohoo Diamante Mesh Maxi Split Skirt,
£59£41.30 from Boohoo – buy here - Gold satin halter neck top, £25 from River Island – buy here
- Gold cross strap heeled mule sandals, £30 from River Island – buy here
This diamante skirt has got ‘showstopper’ written all over it: everything from the shimmering nude hue to the thigh-high side split and satin effect waistband is screaming for it to be worn out. But you know; out out.
Also available in silver and black, it’ll look ultra fashion-forward styled with an oversized blazer and bandeau top.
We’ve opted for a full gold moment though, with a stunning satin halter neck top and heeled mule sandals from River Island to dial up the glam.