STYLE : FASHION : Steering Sheer

Women who never pictured themselves wearing see-through clothes are in for a surprise. Sheerness rules the fashion runways for spring. If fashion’s newest styles are not all-out transparent, at least a suggestion of bare skin shows through tulle, lace, macrame or spider-web netting.

Taking the veil really isn’t so dreadful, however, because designers have found ways to mix sheer materials with solid fabrics to limit exposure. Longer, wool-crepe jackets cover a decent portion of sheer skirts. Floor-length evening dresses are made from layers of netting and solid black silk, so that only the neck and hemlines are truly revealing. For casual wear, there are sheer coat dresses and shirts worn unbuttoned over solid, stretchy skirts.

Even all-sheer outfits can pass a streetwear reality check since most designers make them in multiple layers of tulle or chiffon for a cloud-like effect.