Do you find the current fashion passion for sheers a bit enticing, but
unrealistic for your body shape or lifestyle? Discover methods to modify today's sheer
sensations to capture the trend without revealing more than you dare (or care) to.
Line or underline the sheer fabric. When you underline and sew the
two fabrics as one, you eliminate seam and facing show-through, but also change the
fabric's character. Lining often is the favored alternative, because you can secure it
only where essential--at a dress neckline or in the waistline of pants and skirts--so it
hangs freely under a soft or full sheer garment.
When choosing a lining, consider the sheer fabric's hand and
color, and test the lining under it to make sure it doesn't adversely alter either one.
The usual choice is a solid-color opaque fabric, but you might consider a print lining
under a plain color or even a patterned sheer. Polka-dot chiffon over a linear print
lining creates an interesting new design, for example.
The best color choice for lining a sheer fabric is skin-tone if
you don't want to affect the color. It also can create the illusion of showing more skin
than you really are when used under a sheer lace fabric. Be sure the garment and lining
construction seams align to prevent lining seams from showing through the garment body.
Multilayer designs offer interesting ways to use sheer fabrics and
may preclude the need for a lining, especially if you can wear a nude camisole or bodysuit
underneath. (Stand in front of a full-length mirror with backlighting to see if you're
showing more than you care to through the fabric layers.) Multiple sheer layers often
create a rich and luxurious effect, while eliminating some or most of the transparency.
For a little allure without showing all, use sheer fabric for an
inset. Yokes and sleeves are obvious choices for a peek-a-boo look, and for evening or
vacation wear, consider a midriff inset in a seductive sheer or demure lace. A sheer
collar and cuffs also add a pretty touch to an otherwise opaque garment.
Layering a sheer garment over a similarly shaped opaque garment is
an interesting alternative that can give your wardrobe additional mileage. A sheer slip
dress over a silk slip dress gives you the option of two entirely different looks.
Try a little tongue-in-cheek camouflage in strategic locations.
Pretty pockets cut from satin or other opaque fabrics add the necessary cover-up on a
sheer voile or georgette blouse. For a unified look, use the same fabric for other
elements, such as the collar, cuffs or front band. Or add rows of tuxedo ruffles to a
sheer shirt for a decorative cover-up ploy, then wear it over a skin-tone bodysuit.
Sheer blouses or jackets you
might wear over a nude bodysuit also make wonderful breezy jackets over other layers, such
as a pretty sheath or lined georgette separates.
Sheer Intelligence 