Proof That See-Through Dresses Can Be Modest, Too

I was standing at the preview for REDValentino's pre-Fall '16 collection, admiring the details on all the feminine, floaty dresses, when it hit me: most of these looks were totally sheer. Even still, I was standing there dreaming about wearing them to my boyfriend's house for Christmas dinner, my company's holiday party, and, yes, even to that Winter wedding I've got coming up.

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that I've come to accept see-through designs as "appropriate." After all, the fashion world is now accustomed to the naked dress, and we don't give a celebrity as much as a second glance on the red carpet just because she's baring skin.

But there's something different about the lacy wonders that make up the REDValentino line, all of which boast girlie ruffles, flouncy hemlines, and prim collars. These silhouettes are decidedly modest. In fact, they're so damn lovely, they give off the illusion of coverage, even though the lingerie beneath them is entirely visible.

These dresses remind me of the Self-Portrait numbers that are trending on every blogger's feed and even worn by preppy stars like Reese Witherspoon. They make me feel OK about taking a little style risk. They're a total anomaly — in that they look and feel demure, even though they're transparent.

For that reason, I declare the sheer, modest dress the new naked dress. While the REDValentino version might not be available to add to your wardrobe just yet, there are plenty of alternatives for you to shop right now. Read on to get obsessed with this on-the-rise trend that's so clearly becoming a must have.