No-fear sheer: 3 easy ways to master the art of delicate layering

Layering is an art form. It's one that we are usually faced with mastering during the transitional seasons, tackling the perfect proportions of shirts, knitwear and outer layers. But now, a new dimension of layering has come to the fore with the finest, most transparent and delicate of fabrics are swathed and overlaid – with Miu Miu, Sportmax and Fendi leading the layering charge.

Sheer comes hand-in-hand with peeks and glimpses of skin and undergarments, sometimes considered 'brave'. But with the right layering techniques for your most delicate pieces – you can slay sheer with confidence.

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In its essence, layering prolongs the wearable period of a garment. For example, a chunky knit under a blazer opens up an additional month of a blazer's life as outerwear. But for delicate layering, we leave that mindset behind. Your main focus should be instead to create dimension – drawing attention to several garments at once.

The best thing about delicate pieces? The more the merrier. Layer up to three or four pieces without feeling too bulky or warm. And play around with what is closest to the body – our tip is to start with higher-denier, thicker fabrics closer to the body, and sheer fabrics on the outer.

To ease more gradually into this trend, an easier place to start is the dark side. The same rules apply, but the teases of skin and undergarments are a little more subtle. Introduce textures of lace and opaque as you go.

There's no two ways about it – sheer and delicate fabrics will have your undergarments on show. For those less confident about putting their daily bra on show, cue in pieces that aren't necessarily in your underwear rotation but still do the job: like a silky slip or streamlined high-rise briefs. Or, simply add a camisole or bodysuit underneath your sheer pieces if you're seeking a more modest approach.