Sophisticated, Stylish and Sexy Ways to Wear a Sheer Black Shirt

Last Updated: July 7, 2022 References

If you’re stuck in a rut and not sure how else you can style that sheer black top hanging in your closet, you’re in luck! There are dozens of ways to mix-and-match your top with different undergarments, bottoms, and layers. Whether you’re going for a sexy date-night vibe or a more sophisticated, office-appropriate ensemble, you can make your sheer top work in multiple ways with just a little creativity.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Undergarments

1
Keep things simple by wearing a loose black camisole or tank top under your shirt.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.} A camisole typically has spaghetti straps, so if you want a little more coverage over your bra straps, wear a black tank top. This is the most office-appropriate undergarment if you’re wearing a sheer black shirt.^{[2]
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- Some tank tops and camisoles come with built-in bras.
2
Wear black shapewear under your top to smooth out your figure. There are lots of styles of shapewear to choose from. Strapless shapewear would work great if you don’t want straps to interfere with the design of your shirt, or shapewear with a deep V could accentuate your bust. There are dozens of options to choose from, so take your time finding the perfect style for your outfit.^{[3]
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- This option is excellent if you feel a little self-conscious about wearing a sheer top. The shapewear smooths things out and creates a more seamless silhouette.
- Shapewear would work well for a night out with friends or for a fancy event.
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3
Add coverage and comfort by wearing a black bodysuit under your top. Bodysuits tend to have a little more flexibility than shapewear. Plus, they give you the added reassurance that your undershirt won’t ride up under your top.^{[4]
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- If you want to add a bit more flair to your outfit, try wearing a brightly-colored bodysuit, like yellow or pink.
- A bodysuit could be worn with a sheer top to most events, and you could potentially wear it to work, too, as long as it provides enough coverage over your chest.
4
Sport a stylish bralette under a sheer shirt for a young, trendy look. Bralettes are available in all kinds of styles and colors, and they’re much more comfortable than a bra with underwire. For a classic look, wear a black lacy bralette. For a brighter look, try out a colored bralette.^{[5]
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- For example, a bright yellow bralette under a short-sleeved sheer black shirt would look sporty and fun.
- For a more feminine look, stick with lacy bralettes.
- A bandeau would also look great under a sheer black top. Wear a black one or a patterned one if you want to be a little more expressive.
5
Create a sensual look by wearing a sheer black top over a black lace bra. This look would be great for a date night or evening out with friends. Wear your most intricate, laciest black bra topped with a sheer black shirt for a sexy vibe.^{[6]
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- If you like this look but feel a little exposed, wear a jean jacket or leather jacket over the shirt. Your shirt and bra will still be a little visible, but you’ll have more cover. If you start to feel more comfortable as the night goes on, you can take off your jacket.
6
Be bold and wear a sheer top with just pasties to cover your nipples. If you want to be as free as possible, invest in a pair of quality pasties and skip the bra altogether. This look works best with a patterned or embroidered sheer black top, as the pattern will somewhat block the pasties.^{[7]
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- If you decide to rock this look, remember it’s best suited for a day out with friends or a date night, but not so much for a day at the office.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Casual-Chic Outfits

1
Pair your sheer black top with colorful shorts for a fun, warm-weather option. Yellow, pink, red, green, blue, or purple shorts would look fantastic with a sheer black top. You could wear a sheer lacy top or an embroidered one if you want a little more flair. Complete the look with white sneakers or strappy sandals.^{[8]
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- Pairing a bright color with a neutral like black is a great way to create a fun color-blocked look.^{[9]
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  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Board Certified Professional Organizer
  Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
- For a more subdued and sophisticated look, wear black or tan shorts.
- If you’re worried about getting cold, bring along a cardigan or jean jacket.
2
Tuck your sheer black top into a pair of jeans for a casual vibe. Lighter jeans look best with sheer black shirts. Opt for a high-waisted pair for a more stylized look.^{[10]
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- Try adding a colorful accent with a bralette or bandeau.
- This outfit looks great with a pair of simple athletic shoes or strappy black sandals.
3
Create an edgy outfit by wearing a short slip dress over a sheer black top. You can wear this look with either a long-sleeved or short-sleeved top. It looks great with a plain sheer top rather than an embroidered one. If it’s colder out, add a pair of sheer black pantyhose to complete the look.^{[11]
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- This look is a little reminiscent of the 90s, but that seems to be coming back in style.
- Opt for a darker dress, like emerald green or maroon.
4
Layer a sheer black top over a crop top for a little extra coverage. If you want to sport a crop top but aren’t quite into baring your midriff, pairing it with a sheer top may be the answer to your problem. You’ll be able to show off that crop top while still feeling like you’re covering most of your midriff.^{[12]
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- Ensure the sleeve length of the sheer top is the same length or longer than that of the crop top.
- Wear a long-sleeved sheer top over a crop top on cooler nights to keep warm.
- This look goes great with black leggings, light-washed jeans, or form-fitting shorts.
5
Add a pop of color by wearing a bright jacket over your top. This creates a really fun outfit that is sure to grab people’s attention. The sheer black top underneath creates a sophisticated vibe while the jacket itself gives you a chance to show off your individuality.^{[14]
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- A red, yellow, green, or orange jacket would look great with a black top and black pants.
- Try wearing a cardigan for a softer look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating Dressy and Office-Ready Looks

1
Wear a top with sheer panels for a sophisticated, office-appropriate outfit. Look for a black top with sheer panels across the shoulders, the back, or the sleeves. In most cases, you can pair this kind of top with a basic black camisole.^{[15]
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- This would look great tucked into a colorful pencil skirt; or, for a more minimalistic look, pair it with tailored black pants.
2
Choose an embroidered or lacy sheer top for a less-transparent option. If you want to wear sheer clothes to formal events or the office, pick a minimally sheer shirt. This will ensure that your outfit errs on the side of modesty rather than pushing the envelope like an entirely see-through top would.^{[16]
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- For example, pick a sheer black top covered with flowery embroidery.
- For office attire, always remember to wear a camisole or bodysuit underneath. Make sure the undershirt is long enough to cover your midriff completely.
3
Amp up a regular button-up blouse by layering a sheer black top over it. If you’re looking for a way to add a little oomph to your daily office attire, simply layering a sheer top over your usual outfit can instantly change things. This look works best with a collared button-up.^{[17]
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- Try pairing a short-sleeved sheer top with a long-sleeved blouse.
- Make sure to keep the rest of your outfit subtle. Wear understated jewelry and black or neutral-colored shoes.
4
Put a sweater or blouse over a long sheer top to create interesting layers. For this particular style, you need a tunic-length black sheer shirt to peek out from under the hem of your sweater. This look goes great with black leggings, creating a comfortable yet stylish outfit.^{[18]
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- Transition your outfit at the end of the day by taking off your top layer. Just wear a cute bra or undershirt beneath the sheer layer, and you’ll be ready to meet your friends.<,ref>https://katewaterhouse.com/how-to-wear-sheer-tops/</ref>
5
Tuck a sheer black shirt into a long black skirt for formal events. This creates a classic outfit that you can wear to all kinds of gatherings, from art shows to client meetings to dinners at fancy restaurants. In colder weather, wear a long-sleeved top; for warmer weather, opt for a short-sleeved top. Lace or embroidery would give this style a more feminine vibe.^{[19]
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- If you want, try wearing a pair of black culottes instead of a skirt.
- Keep things classy with a neutral-colored shoe or use a colorful shoe to add a pop of color to your outfit.
- This look may be a little dark for a festive event like a wedding.^{[20]
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  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Board Certified Professional Organizer
  Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
6
Layer a sleeveless dress over a sheer black top for a classy, cute look. Choose a long-sleeved black top if the weather is cooler or for a more professional vibe. For a more casual, yet still office-appropriate look, wear a short-sleeved sheer top. The length of the dress is up to you—a shorter dress looks more stylized whereas a longer dress would look more bohemian.^{[21]
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- A neutral-colored dress would look very sophisticated paired with a pair of tan or black flats.
- Try a fun colored or patterned dress for a bolder look.
- If the weather is cooler, wear sheer black pantyhose, too.

Expert Q&A

Question

What color bra can you wear with a sheer top?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

If you're heading to a work-related or semi-casual event, stick with neutral colors. If you're heading a party, feel free to choose bold colors.
Question

What can you wear over a sheer top?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

A blazer works well with a semi-casual outfit. If you're wearing a plain top, go with a printed blazer. If you're wearing a printed top, go with a plain blazer instead. For example, if you're wearing a black and white see-through top, you might wear a solid white or black blazer overtop.
Question

Can I wear a sheer black top to a wedding?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

In general, it's best to avoid wearing black to a wedding. Instead, you might choose another neutral, like navy. Then, you can add accessories to suit the occasion, like using very light accessories and sandals for a summer beach wedding, or adding heels and hose for a more formal wedding.