Honestly, if you haven’t seen a photo of Bella Hadid in a sheer top lately, you’ve probably been living under a very opaque rock. It’s everywhere. Since her massive return to the spotlight after her health hiatus, she hasn’t just been "wearing" clothes; she’s been shifting the entire gravitational pull of the fashion industry.
The Bella Hadid sheer top phenomenon isn't just about showing skin. It’s a masterclass in what we call "deliberate exposure." While everyone else is trying to look "quiet luxury" or "old money," Bella is out here looking like a high-fashion ghost from the future. It’s polarizing. It's risky. And that’s exactly why it works.
The Saint Laurent Moment That Changed Everything
We have to talk about Cannes 2024. This was the turning point. Bella stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of The Apprentice wearing a Saint Laurent dress that was basically a pair of expensive pantyhose draped over her body.
Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director at Saint Laurent, basically said that his job isn't to make things "realistic." He wants to create fantasy. Bella is the ultimate vessel for that fantasy. The dress was a sheer, honey-colored midi that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. She "freed the nip" in front of a thousand photographers, and the internet basically imploded.
But here’s the thing: it didn't look cheap. It looked like art. By pairing such a naked garment with an Old Hollywood side-part and a bronzed, "goddess" makeup look, she turned a potentially scandalous moment into a historical fashion archive entry.
Why It’s Not Just for the Red Carpet Anymore
You might think, "Okay, cool, she’s a supermodel at Cannes. I can’t wear a sheer top to get a latte."
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Well, Bella disagrees.
Just a few months ago, she was spotted in New York City wearing a $135 off-the-shoulder sheer top from the British label Me+Em. This is where the trend gets interesting for the rest of us. She tucked it into baggy, light-wash jeans with holes in the knees. She threw on a leather bomber jacket and vintage Chanel sunglasses.
The contrast is the secret sauce.
- The Top: Delicate, see-through, feminine.
- The Bottoms: Rough, oversized, masculine.
It’s that "wrong shoe theory" applied to your whole torso. By grounding the sheer fabric with heavy textures like leather and denim, she makes the "naked" trend feel... dare I say, casual?
The Anatomy of a Bella Hadid Sheer Top Look
If you’re trying to decode how she pulls this off without looking like she forgot to finish getting dressed, you have to look at the "under-stuff."
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In 2025 and early 2026, Bella has been leaning heavily into the "sheer-on-sheer" layering system. She’ll wear a lacy bra under a sheer cardigan, then layer a hard-edged leather jacket over that. It’s about the peek-a-boo effect.
The Underpinnings Matter
Sometimes she goes completely braless—it's her signature. But when she does wear something underneath, it’s intentional.
- Tonal Matching: Wearing a bra that is the exact shade of the sheer top. This creates a "monochrome column" effect that looks very "fashion editor."
- High-Contrast: A black lace bra under a white mesh top. This leans into that 90s grunge aesthetic (think Courtney Love but more polished).
- The Bodysuit Hack: For her more daring dresses, like the Schiaparelli she wore recently at The Beauty premiere, there’s often a seamless, skin-tone bodysuit involved that smooths everything out while keeping the "naked" illusion intact.
The Industry Impact: Why This Trend Won't Die
Designers are obsessed with her. When Bella wears a sheer top, searches for "mesh blouses" and "transparent knits" spike by over 200% on platforms like Lyst.
We’re seeing brands like Miu Miu, Gucci, and Dior all leaning into this "transparency" era for their 2026 collections. It’s a reaction to the stiffness of the pandemic years and the boredom of the "clean girl" aesthetic. People want to feel alive again. They want a little bit of danger in their wardrobe.
Common Misconceptions About Going Sheer
People think you need to have a "supermodel body" to wear a sheer top. Honestly? That’s nonsense. The sheer trend is actually very forgiving if you play with textures.
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A semi-sheer oversized button-down is one of the most flattering things anyone can wear. It blurs the lines of the body rather than highlighting every "imperfection." If you're nervous, try a sheer sleeve first. It gives you the "vibe" of the Bella Hadid look without the full exposure.
Another myth: It’s only for summer.
Bella has been rocking sheer tops in the dead of a New York winter. She just styles them with heavy wool coats and chunky scarves. It’s about the internal temperature, guys.
How to Style Your Own Bella Hadid Inspired Look
Don't go out and buy a 100% transparent catsuit tomorrow. Start small.
- The Layered Cardigan: Find a sheer, thin-knit cardigan. Wear it over a simple silk camisole. Pair it with wide-leg office trousers and loafers. It’s the "Bella at a fitting" look.
- The Evening Mesh: A black mesh turtleneck is a wardrobe staple. Wear it under a blazer for dinner. If you’re feeling bold, take the blazer off once you’re inside.
- The Texture Mix: Pair a sheer top with something "tough." Think cargo pants, leather skirts, or heavy denim. The goal is to balance the "delicate" with the "rugged."
Bella Hadid has proved that the sheer top is here to stay because it’s a tool for confidence. It’s not about being "naked"; it’s about being seen. Whether it's archival YSL or a $70 Revolve find, the sheer trend is about owning your space.
If you want to try the look, start with a high-quality base layer—a nude, seamless bralette is your best friend here. From there, it's all about the confidence you bring to the pavement.
Next Step: Check your closet for any lightweight knits or "burnout" tees you already own. Try layering one over a contrasting bra and see how the silhouette changes in the light. If you're ready to buy, look for "mesh jersey" fabrics—they have the best stretch and durability for that "second skin" look Bella loves.