Sheer delight

Planning a cover-up job this winter? We say, how boring! Come what may, a feisty fashionista cannot risk compromising on her style quotient. Least of all to the diktats of the weather.

Breaking traditions, designers have announced this winter is going to be a sheer delight. Valentino's Fall Winter 2013-14 line delivered the big news by keeping things almost transparent, playing with organzas with golden thread embroideries in midnight colours. Louis Vuitton too made a potent statement with elements of sheer in a nude colour lace creation.

Designer Harsh Gupta feels sheers are scripting a successful winter story. “In A/W 2013-14 sheer-cocktail gowns, shirts and maxis are set to make the maximum impact. In casuals, gypsy dresses, tunics and cowl tops will be quite visible. Sheer works beautifully in combination with something more opaque. To put the whole look together for autumn/winter, try to team up sheers with chiffon, georgette, lace, net with fine leather, suede, faux fur or felt. Try to create a hide-n-seek look this season with sheer."

The designer unfolds a gamut of ideas and adds, “The word layering sounds fabulous to the ears. A sheer dress mixed with a shimmery suede shrug, jacket or cardigan is perfect balance of style and safety. Sheer fabrics drape well, so complement it with some structured fabrics -like a solid black colour top flaunted with a printed or colourful tube creates an interesting veil effect. You can wear gold shimmer, prints, textures under a solid colour sheer piece too. Let the fabric do the talking -chiffon, georgette, lace, tulle, organzas look great with satins, taffetas, Cupro, modal, suede and faux leather."

Do heed the expert's warning: “Don't overdo the layering with sheer or else it may come across as tacky. The less is more mantra is clearly applicable. Also, if you are a heavier body type, avoid sheer in prints, instead opt for dark tone sheer fabrics with tone-on-tone match."

Designer Gavin Miguel loves the sheer effect and has incorporated it in his upcoming collection. “Evening wear in tulle and chiffon juxta posed with latex looks like a definite scene stealer. Let the opaque portion be structured while the sheer in wintry deep green, electric blue and nude takes a flowy turn. An element of ruffle adds to the charm of the sheer and latex story."

Designer Neelu Oberoi finds the sheer glam versatile and flexible. She says, “For day, a sheer top or dress with complementing inner, and for the evening a well-fitted turtleneck with a sheer embroidered jacket and trousers qualifies for the chic look. Sheer back tulle blouse with a delicate embroidered motif is a must-have look this bridal season."

Layering works best. If you are not very well toned, the look can be a little tricky to carry off. If you are not very confident of carrying off the look opt for sheer back or sleeves or the hem line, recommend style gurus. “A structured tweed skirt and a sheer top make a pretty picture for autumn/winter. Throw in a stole, stylishly wrap a scarf to carry the idea forward," points out designer Abhishek Dutta.