Even as a fashion writer, figuring out what to wear under a see-through dress can feel like solving a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. I own a beautiful sheer dress from Rat & Boa that I am determined to wear all summer, but it is transparent in the truest sense of the word. Think freshly cleaned window rather than artfully semi-sheer. Add two whisper-thin straps into the equation, and most bras, slips and bodysuits are immediately ruled out.

After trying what felt like every piece of shapewear and lingerie on the internet, I eventually found my answer in the Skims Strapless Shortie Bodysuit. It disappeared beneath the fabric, stayed securely in place and gave me the smooth, sculpted finish I was looking for without distracting from the dress itself.

But underwear is only one part of the sheer-dressing equation. This summer, the most interesting styling ideas go far beyond nude briefs and invisible bras. Copenhagen’s fashion crowd has been layering transparent dresses over relaxed jeans, while slips, tailoring, biker shorts and deliberately exposed lingerie can completely change the mood of a look.

Kate Moss wearing a sheer slip dress by Liza Bruce in 1993.

Of course, sheer dressing is hardly a new red-carpet invention. Its modern origin story can be traced back to 1993, when a 19-year-old Kate Moss stepped out wearing a transparent, copper-toned slip dress by British designer Liza Bruce. Photographed under the flash, the seemingly simple dress became almost entirely see-through, creating one of the defining fashion images of the decade and helping to turn underwear-as-outerwear into something daring, deliberate and undeniably cool-girl.

More than 30 years later, naked dressing has evolved into the ultimate red-carpet power move. At the 2026 Met Gala, Gigi Hadid wore a custom Miu Miu gown styled by her longtime collaborator Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, with embroidered patches and crystal embellishments placed over an almost invisible sheer base. Actor Myha’la took a similarly fearless approach at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, stepping out in a translucent lavender-hued Valentino lace dress. The dresses may be barely there, but the confidence required to wear them is anything but.

So, whether you want to preserve the illusion of wearing nothing underneath or would rather turn your base layer into part of the outfit, this is exactly what to wear under a see-through dress in 2026.

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What you wear under a see-through dress will depend a lot on the style of the garment. As much as we love a white dress, lighter fabrics can often be a little sheer even when that’s not the intention. Wearing seamless underwear can resolve the issue if your dress is bodycon, otherwise you can get away with a full slip or a skirt slip underneath.

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Some dresses are intentionally designed to be worn with something underneath. But instead of picking something to match your skin tone, try a colour that distinctly contrasts with the dress. The aim here is not to conceal what’s underneath, but to make it work hand-in-hand with the outer layer. Every closet should have at least one slip dress in it, and you’ll be surprised just how much wear you get out of it as a layering piece.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: A guest wearing white sheer wrap dress, grey Saint Laurent bag, brown shoes at Australian Fashion Week 2026 at Anibou on May 14, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

Naked dresses dominated the red carpet this season, and the definition of ‘naked dressing’ continues to expand. From statement chainmail to ultra-sheer, skin-toned gowns at the Met Gala, the look has become the ultimate power move. To keep the attention firmly on the dress itself, opt for seamless, well-fitting underwear in a shade that closely matches your skin tone. The aim is to create the illusion of wearing almost nothing underneath, without actually revealing anything through the fabric.

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The bodysuit may be the most common item of clothing to wear under a see-through dress. I know I’ve done it plenty of times — it simply covers everything that needs to be covered and nothing more. And no matter how short the dress may be, it won’t accidentally show at the bottom hem. Rather than disappear completely, it often works in tandem with the dress, adding a bit of oomph to a see-through dress, as seen above.

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I adore the return of boho-chic outfits, but they’re frequently made of lace, which is notoriously see-through. I say lean into the aesthetic and layer even more lace underneath, like a lace bodysuit or bralette. The trick is to find pieces that pair well with the dress, but I wouldn’t overthink it — a classic lacy white or black bra top will do just fine.

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Summer dresses tend to come with skimpy straps or low-plunging necklines. And while lightweight fabrics are appreciated in the heat, they’re usually not that dense or opaque. So if you’re looking for something that’s strapless, provides chest support, and adds an additional layer of fabric under the sheer dress, the strapless bodysuit is the answer. If that still doesn’t feel like enough coverage, add a vest or blazer as an extra layer.

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Your see-through dress can be one half of a whole look. If you combine it with a dress underneath that’s meant to be seen, they can work together to create one cohesive outfit. Play around with different colours and patterns, and choose something you would be happy to wear on its own too.

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For shorter sheer dresses, biker shorts or leggings are both a styling choice and a practical one. A fitted, high-waisted pair adds clean structure beneath diaphanous fabric, while offering enough coverage to sit, walk and dance without constantly adjusting your hem. Keep them tonal for a sleek, barely-there effect, or choose black to create a deliberate contrast that gives the dress a sportier, more directional edge.

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A favourite among the Copenhagen fashion crowd, layering a sheer dress over jeans is the easiest way to make something delicate feel a little less serious. Try a floaty slip or lace dress over relaxed straight-leg denim, then add ballet flats, trainers or a kitten heel. It is practical, slightly unexpected and ideal for those days when the weather cannot decide what it is doing.

This story originally appeared on Glamour US.