15 Sexy & Sheer Plus Size Styles

There's no better time than summer to try out all the new, sheer plus size clothes that have been cropping up on the sartorial landscape. Hot weather can make bare skin seem almost essential, and with all the great, see-through plus size designs available, you can try out this trend in a way that fits your aesthetic and comfort level.

Whether you want to rock a bold, barely-there lace dress or try a subtler take on the sheer look with a few strategically-placed mesh panels, there's a piece out there that's perfect for you.

I love that sheer styles can run the gamut from romantic to minimalist to sporty and everywhere in between. Sheer pieces are a great way to make pretty undergarments an essential part of your look, and they can also make layering a more comfortable proposition, even when temps climb. Plus, skin-baring fabrics are a great way to break boring fashion rules that say big bodies need to stay covered.

When I wear a sexy, sheer outfit, it always feels like an affirmation of my body's right to be visible. So go ahead and embrace the skin you're in with these 15 stunning sheer designs that will make staying cool look so hot.

1. Lavish Lace

Sheer Lace Dress, Sizes 1X - 3X, $28, Forever 21

Embrace your inner romantic in a sheer lace dress that's both short and sweet. Pair it with your favorite sexy bodysuit for a memorable going-out look.

2. Sporty Spice

Sheer Hoodie, Sizes 1X - 3X, $89, Youtheary Khmer

For a casual look that's anything but sloppy, this silky sheer hoodie has you covered. The customizable lettering option will allow you to make a unique fashion statement.

3. Fresh Crop

Mesh Crop, Sizes 1X - 5X, $35, Chubby Cartwheels

Sometimes simplicity is the best option, as this cool crop top proves. Layer it with a sexy body chain for the ultimate in sultry summer style.

4. Second Skin

Thames Fog Dress, Sizes 10 - 28, $80, Universal Standard

An essential layering piece that will work with just about every item in your closet, this simple shift dress will add endless options to your wardrobe. Shown in black, this style also comes in a variety of fun shades, from smoky navy to petal pink.

5. Go For The Gold

Lucille Genie Pants, Sizes 2 - 24, $88, Rue 107

Make all your wishes come true with the Lucille Genie pants from Rue 107. A bold, sunny hue makes these an obvious choice for summer dressing, and the breezy silhouette is effortless perfection.

6. What's Underneath

Lace Overlay Mesh Bra, Sizes 0X - 5X, $33, Torrid

This lace and mesh bralette is a versatile style that can be layered or worn on its own. Try it with your favorite boyfriend jeans for an easy weekend look, or slip it on over a high-waisted pencil skirt for a stunning date night outfit.

7. Paneled Leggings

Mesh Panel Leggings, Sizes 1 - 3X, $20, Forever 21

Upgrade your athleisure wardrobe with a pair of edgy leggings that are just made for showing off chubby thighs. Blocks of sheer mesh add a graphic touch to basic black, and the high waist will look fab with all your summer crop tops.

8. Minimalist Mesh

Sweat Top In Mesh, Sizes 12 - 28, $33, ASOS

Keep it simple with a sporty sweat top that's sheer perfection. This style adds a softer edge to a traditional, athletic shape, while still staying true to its minimalist inspiration.

9. Romantic Bodycon

Lace Dress, Sizes 12 - 24, $249, Youtheary Khmer

Sweet meets sexy in this sheer lace bodycon dress from Youtheary Khmer. Worn over a slip dress, it's ideal for attending summer weddings. With a bodysuit or high-waisted briefs? It's a take-no-prisoners party dress for any occasion.

10. Get Me Bodied

Ibis Lace Bodysuit, Sizes 10 - 24, $67, Carmakoma

If you want to try out the sheer trend on a slightly less dramatic scale, this dreamy navy bodysuit from Carmakoma mixes lined and unlined lace panels for a sophisticated look that still offers a little extra coverage. Paired with a light kimono-style jacket, it's an easy way to add a little romance to your summer wardrobe.

11. All White Everything

Sammie Sheer Dress, Sizes 2 - 24, $105, Rue 107

This white hot wrap dress mixes a longer length and a sheer mesh construction for a truly dramatic look. This is an ideal vacation dressing solution that can move from poolside to dinner with ease.

12. Up Your Sleeve

Lace Mock Neck Top, Sizes 00X - 6X, $28, Torrid

Floral lace and floaty chiffon team up in a top that's perfect for the fashionista who wears their heart on their sleeve. Unlined so you can customize your ideal level of coverage, this style's ethereal bell sleeves are balanced by a fitted bodice and mock neck.

13. Breezy Boho

Crochet Flare Pant, Sizes 1X - 3X, $22, Rue 21

Take your lounge look up a notch with these retro-inspired crocheted flares. A built-in short offers a little coverage, while still keeping you cool no matter the weather.

14. Bold Button-Up

Sheer Body Blouse, Sizes 1X - 3X, $109, Youtheary Khmer

Why not try out a high-low look by pairing this sheer, floor-length blouse with your favorite short-shorts? It's an easy way to pump up the drama without trying too hard.

15. Sweet Dream

Long Sleeve Coverup, Sizes S - 5X, $15, Rebdolls

Another coverup style that can do double duty, this sweet pink shift would look just as pretty over a lacy bralette as it would a bikini top. Multi-tasking FTW.

Soak up the end-of-summer rays in a sheer design that perfectly shows off a sun-kissed glow. These skin-baring looks will let you flaunt your killer style all season long.

Images: Courtesy Brands