Sartorial Science: Sheer Trend

By: The Buyologist

Remember the videos of the nineties? The outfits from the videos of the nineties?

Thinking of those videos, the first thing that springs to mind for me is unintentional comedic BRILLIANCE and….secondly…the ummm…..interesting fashion choices. Or is that just me? My distinct memories of music videos in the nineties consists of various R&B and Pop artists gyrating around in sheer shirts and combat boots. Not sure why that is strongest impression left with me, but it is. Now, one of the current spring 2010 trends, totally sheer or sheer accented garments has been leaving me stuck in a mental replay of the videos from the last decade of the last century. I’m not sure I can warm up to this trend, but many fashionistas are! Sheer looks were spotted all over the spring 2010 runways from designers like Alexander Wang, Collette Dinnigan, Givenchy and Salvatore Ferragamo among many others. Their interpretations are both modern and inspirational while skillfully avoiding the retro looks of the nineties.

Alexander Wang Spring RTW 2010 www.style.com

Collette Dinnigan Spring RTW 2010 www.style.com

Givenchy Spring RTW www.style.com

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2010 RTW www.style.com

The sheer look has been sported on many of fashion’s current darlings. These sartorial trailblazers have taken a look that for some, remind them of an awkward adolescence and adapted it in a way that both fresh and new; for example Kristen Stewart and Zoe Saldana on recent red carpets:

Kristen Stewart Madrid New Moon premiere www.kstewartfan.org

Zoe Saldana at the 2009 CFDA awards www.zimbio.com

Overall, the sheer look is shaping up to be a strong trend for spring. Its versatility lies in the ability to dress it up or down . The same sheer top can be worn for day and with a few quick changes can be just the thing to complete a chic night ensemble. Don’t believe me? Well, truth be told, I am having a bit of reluctance with this trend myself, but the more I see the look interpreted…..the more excited I am to try it…again! It may be time to pull out my vintage pieces from the nineties. What can I say…I’m inspired and that’s what fashion is all about! Here are some looks that may inspire you as well:

Ports 1961 Slip dress $100 www.shopbop.com

Asos Sheer Seam shirt from $30.77 www.asos.com

Cheap Monday Bag lady dress $49.00 www.ssense.com

Asos Sheer lace blouse $30.77 www.asos.com

The Buyologist Sarah Davis is a fashion designer living in NYC.