Sheer Beauty

Sheer fabrics, those diaphanous materials that skim the body like water and allow the outside world to glimpse the skin underneath: now that is beautiful. This trend is creeping into fashion now and is set to be huge for Spring Summer 11: undoubtedly the 'new lace'. It is slightly more tricky to pull off, however, as you do not want to reveal too much at once: it has to be more of a flirtatious suggestion rather than an explicit exposé.

For their SS 11 collection for The Row, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen demonstrated to perfection how this look can be worn, by emphasising the contrast between luxe sportswear separates (think jersey fabrics and simple tees) with sheer panels for beautiful and delicate yet extremely wearable designs.

Pictured: AW 10 Religion mesh seamed skinny jeans; looks from The Row SS 11 collection