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Do you
find the current fashion passion for sheers a bit enticing, but unrealistic
for your body shape or lifestyle? Discover methods to modify today's sheer
sensations to capture the trend without revealing more than you
dare (or care) to.
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Line or underline the
sheer fabric. When you underline and sew the two fabrics as one, you eliminate
seam and facing show-through, but also change the fabric's character. Lining
often is the favored alternative, because you can secure it only where
essential--at a dress neckline or in the waistline of pants and skirts--so
it hangs freely under a soft or full sheer garment.
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When choosing a lining,
consider the sheer fabric's hand and color, and test the lining under it
to make sure it doesn't adversely alter either one. The usual choice is
a solid-color opaque fabric, but you might consider a print lining under
a plain color or even a patterned sheer. Polka-dot chiffon over a linear
print lining creates an interesting new design, for example.
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The best color choice
for lining a sheer fabric is skin-tone if you don't want to affect the
color. It also can create the illusion of showing more skin than you really
are when used under a sheer lace fabric. Be sure the garment and lining
construction seams align to prevent lining seams from showing through the
garment body.
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Multilayer designs offer
interesting ways to use sheer fabrics and may preclude the need for a lining,
especially if you can wear a nude camisole or bodysuit underneath. (Stand
in front of a full-length mirror with backlighting to see if you're showing
more than you care to through the fabric layers.) Multiple sheer layers
often create a rich and luxurious effect, while eliminating some or most
of the transparency.
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For a little allure
without showing all, use sheer fabric for an inset. Yokes and sleeves are
obvious choices for a peek-a-boo look, and for evening or vacation wear,
consider a midriff inset in a seductive sheer or demure lace. A sheer collar
and cuffs also add a pretty touch to an otherwise opaque garment.
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Layering a sheer garment
over a similarly shaped opaque garment is an interesting alternative that
can give your wardrobe additional mileage. A sheer slip dress over a silk
slip dress gives you the option of two entirely different looks.
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Try a little tongue-in-cheek
camouflage in strategic locations. Pretty pockets cut from satin or other
opaque fabrics add the necessary cover-up on a sheer voile or georgette
blouse. For a unified look, use the same fabric for other elements, such
as the collar, cuffs or front band. Or add rows of tuxedo ruffles to a
sheer shirt for a decorative cover-up ploy, then wear it over a skin-tone
bodysuit.
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Sheer blouses or jackets
you might wear over a nude bodysuit also make wonderful breezy jackets
over other layers, such as a pretty sheath or lined georgette separates.
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