When the sun comes out, fashion turns up the heat. But this summer, it’s not just the temperature breaking records—it’s the fashion itself. Across catwalks, street corners, and social feeds, bold colors and sheer fabrics are making a full-force comeback. And it’s louder, sexier, and more unapologetically expressive than ever.
Welcome to summer 2025: where mesh meets neon, transparency becomes armor, and color is less about matching and more about making statements.
The Rebirth of Bold
Bold color never really left the fashion scene—but in 2025, it’s evolving. Think hyper-saturated tangerines, electric blues, shocking fuchsias, and citrus greens, often layered together in fearless combinations. Color forecaster Liya Fernandez says, “We’re witnessing chromatic confidence like never before. It’s emotional dressing. These aren’t just shades—they’re signals.”
When Valentino unveiled their S/S 2025 collection in head-to-toe highlighter orange, and Bottega Veneta presented sculptural silhouettes in acid green, the message was clear: neutral minimalism is taking a backseat, at least for the season.
Even brands known for restraint are leaning into the vibrancy. COS introduced unexpected pops of cobalt in an otherwise beige-heavy line, while Celine flirted with tangerine on accessories and piping details.
Why the return to maximalism in hue? Gen Z’s influence, essentially. “Color is rebellion, color is mood,” says stylist and digital fashion curator Jaxon Li. “It’s how we reclaim optimism after a heavy few years.”
Sheer Everything: The Naked Truth
But color is only half the story. The other is transparency—both literally and metaphorically.
Sheer fabrics dominate high fashion and streetwear, from diaphanous silks to mesh, tulle, and tech-layered organza. It’s not just about showing skin—it’s about revealing intention, identity, and sometimes, vulnerability.
At Mugler, we saw transparent body suits worn as outerwear, styled with oversized blazers and combat boots. At Coperni, sheer layering became almost architectural—engineered translucency that danced with the light. Marine Serre’s moon-printed mesh returned, now in iridescent tones that catch the eye and camera lens alike.
Even on the streets of Tokyo, Berlin, and São Paulo, sheer paneling has become a signature summer move. TikTok creators are layering lace and mesh over bold undergarments and pairing see-through tops with cargo skirts and platform sneakers.
“This is not about shock value,” explains designer Marco Fini of Blazed’s rising streetwear label. “It’s about exposure as empowerment. We’re removing filters—literally and figuratively.”
Streetwear Meets Luxury: A Blended Aesthetic
What makes Summer ’25 unique is how seamlessly this trend straddles the luxury and streetwear spaces. Givenchy’s sheer mesh dresses with crystal embellishments are now styled with Nike Shox. Hood By Air returned with sheer puffers. Even Louis Vuitton’s Virgil-era legacy pieces are being reinterpreted with see-through PVC inserts and neon linings.
Gen Z is leading the charge here. “They’re not buying into the old binaries—luxury vs street, feminine vs masculine, daywear vs clubwear,” notes fashion theorist and writer Élodie Martin. “They’re creating their syntax through styling. The sheer-and-bold trend plays right into that freedom.”
How to Style It (Without Looking Like You Tried Too Hard)
The secret to mastering this trend? Balance. If you’re going bold with color, consider playing with contrast—like a neon mesh top over dark denim, or a sheer citrus dress anchored by chunky boots. For those dipping their toes into transparency for the first time, think layering: sheer button-downs over crop tops, mesh skirts over bike shorts, or even sheer socks under open-toe sandals.
Accessories matter too. Translucent bags, color-block sunglasses, and jelly-texture sandals are back. Brands like Jacquemus and Telfar are already ahead of the curve, offering capsule collections in sheer materials.
Pro tip: Invest in statement undergarments. If it’s going to show, make it part of the outfit. Bralettes in metallic hues, boxer-style shorts with logos, and corset tops are not just foundational—they’re fashion-forward.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Trend
At first glance, this trend might read as seasonal flash: bright colors and revealing fabric for the heat. But dig deeper, and it’s clear there’s more beneath the surface.
Transparency symbolizes authenticity, and color signals emotion. In a world grappling with digital avatars, AI filters, and curated perfection, fashion’s current direction is a call to return to rawness—visually, sensorially, and socially.
While the trend may seem fleeting on Instagram reels, the ideology behind it feels more permanent. As designer Iris Van Herpen once said, “We dress not just to cover ourselves but to expose who we are becoming.”
This summer, that philosophy is more straightforward—and bolder—than ever.
Final Thought
If you’re not already experimenting with vibrant shades or semi-sheer layers, now’s the time. The heat is on, and it’s not cooling down anytime soon.
Whether you’re strutting through the Marais, raving at Primavera Sound, or posting OOTDs from your bedroom mirror—remember: this summer, being seen means being seen through.
