It's the Year of the Sheer Wedding Dress, and These 16 Are Total Showstoppers

Sheer wedding dresses may not be anything new, but the runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week might have convinced me otherwise. While the spotlight once mainly focused on "illusion" styles—in other words, dresses that only appear sheer through the strategic incorporation of fabrics in skin tone-like shades, 2025's iteration of the sheer wedding dress is far more daring. Wedding dress designers Savage & Hunt and Pnina Tornai debuted gowns with sheer tulle panels and skirts, while SOUCY took things a step further topping a strapless bustier bodysuit with an entirely sheer organza column gown. But if the see-through look scares you, fret not—there are plenty of new and exciting takes with lining as well.

Ahead, we're giving you a peek at 16 of-the-moment sheer wedding dress styles, ranging from the exact dresses we saw IRL at New York Bridal Fashion Week to some genius affordable alternatives from the likes of Lulus and Azazie. Whether you're looking for a sheer touch at the sleeves or bodice, a classic illusion neckline wedding dress or want to go all out with a fully see-through style, the options are aplenty. If you're itching to try any of these in person, visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find bridal salons near you and schedule an appointment.

In this article:

• Types of Sheer Wedding Dresses
• The Best Sheer Wedding Dresses for Every Style

Types of Sheer Wedding Dresses

While the terms "sheer" and "illusion" are often used interchangeably in the world of wedding dresses, there is a difference between the two. "Sheer" wedding gowns refer to styles made with see-through fabrics like tulle, organza and lace. "Illusion" wedding gowns, on the other hand, refer to layering these same fabrics over neutral-colored materials to create the appearance of transparency without actually forgoing coverage. Here are some of the most popular types of sheer and illusion wedding dress elements.

• Illusion necklines: Illusion neckline wedding dresses are likely the sheer wedding dress styles you've heard of the most. These dresses typically give the "illusion" of a deep neckline without exposing any skin thanks to the use of neutral fabrics, whether used alone or underneath lace and other sheer materials.
• Sheer sleeves: From long and voluminous to short and fitted, sheer wedding dress sleeves can add a romantic, see-through element to any gown. They're typically made with lace or an airy, transparent fabric like chiffon, tulle or organza.
• Illusion backs: Similar to the concept of an illusion neckline, an illusion-back wedding gown allows for the look of a dramatic, exposed back without actually exposing any skin. The look can be achieved through the simple incorporation of fabric in a skin tone-like shade, though layering a bit of lace on top is common.
• Sheer overlays: Whether it's an entirely sheer dress, a simple sheer bodice or even a sheer skirt, sheer overlay wedding dresses come in many forms. The key here, though, is that there isn't always any opaque material layered underneath them.
• Illusion cutouts: Like illusion necklines and backs, illusion cutouts allow for pops of sheer-looking elements throughout a dress. You'll often find them around the bodice of a dress, though they can be placed anywhere from the sleeves to the skirt.

The Best Sheer Wedding Dresses for Every Style

From classic wedding gowns with removable sheer accents to jaw-dropping illusion backs, necklines and slits, keep scrolling for the 16 sheer and illusion wedding dress styles I currently can't take my eyes off of.

Drop-Waist Corset Wedding Dress With Sheer Overlay

Photo: Anthropologie

The Pia Sleeveless Drop-Waist Mikado Wedding Gown from Willowby by Watters combines the season's top wedding dress trends with its basque waist, corset bodice and asymmetric layered skirt. To top it off, it has a removable net underskirt you can wear for extra coverage, then remove later to show some leg.

Simple Mermaid Wedding Gown With Sheer Puff Sleeves

Photo: Lulus

This sheer sleeve wedding dress from Lulus, aptly named the "Immaculate Romance" dress, is effortlessly romantic thanks to its boat neckline, exposed décolletage and subtle mermaid silhouette. The airy organza allows for just the right amount of sheerness while still feeling conservative. Shop this style and use code THEKNOT20 at checkout for 20% off your first Lulus order.

Sheer Mermaid Wedding Dress With Long Sleeves and Slit

Photo: Pronovias

A more daring take on the sheer wedding dress trend, Atelier Pronovias's Buganvilla Gown is see-through all the way from its high neckline down to its long mermaid skirt. However, you can easily customize it with lining to add some additional coverage.

Strapless Crepe Column Gown With Glittery Sheer Slit

Photo: Galia Lahav

Galia Lahav's Carmen Dress looks like a minimal strapless sheath at first glance, but a simple shift in position will expose a thigh-high side slit with a pop of sheer glittery tulle. Pair it with a pearl-embellished veil and gloves for a matching moment.

Off-The-Shoulder Corset Illusion Wedding Gown

Photo: Olivia Bottega

An illusion tulle corset bodice and off-the-shoulder straps give Olivia Bottega's Asa gown a sexy touch, while the long full skirt, sweetheart neckline and cascading train keep things classic. With an under-$1,000 price tag and custom sizing available, this sheer wedding gown is a no-brainer for the budget-conscious bride.

Crepe Sheath Wedding Gown With Sheer Floral Accents

Photo: Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld

Leave it to Pnina Tornai to bring us one of the most unique takes we've seen yet. This one combines all the classic elements of a cowl-neck slip dress and pairs them with oversized see-through floral accents that will feel right at home during a romantic garden wedding.

Off-The-Shoulder Satin and Sheer Lace Wedding Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

Modern glamour or timeless sophistication? The Harlow Gown by Watters is perfect for the to-be-wed who want a little bit of both—its clean lines, corseted bodice and draped skirt pair flawlessly with its touches of intricate lace at the skirt and sleeves.

Sheer Ruffle Strapless Bustier Wedding Gown

Photo: For Love & Lemons

The best part about For Love & Lemons's It girl-approved Bustier Gown—besides its stunning corseted lace bodice, of course—is its whimsical, cascading ruffle skirt. It appears full and fluffy at standstill but beautifully catches the wind to reveal the pretty lace mini skirt lying beneath it.

French Lace and Sheer Organza Overlay Gown

Photo: SOUCY

Seeing SOUCY's Lia Tunic IRL at New York Bridal Fashion Week might just be what sparked my love affair with sheer wedding dresses. Its boatneck, lace detailing and long train have a breathtaking effect, whether styled over a simple slip dress or placed atop a barely-there bodysuit.

All-Over Illusion Floral Mermaid Wedding Gown

Photo: Casablanca Bridal

If you want a daring look that doesn't actually reveal too much skin (or any at all, really), opt for Casablanca Bridal's embroidered floral lace Aria Gown. It's scattered with silver-beaded blooms that pop against its neutral underlay, creating a tattoo-like effect. Plus, the airy tulle mermaid skirt adds a touch of romance and an ultra-flattering fit.

Basque Waist Corset Gown With Sheer Skirt

Photo: Katie May

Featuring a corseted sweetheart bodice to contrast its ethereal, see-through chiffon skirt, Katie May's Elena Dress feels like it came straight out of a fairytale. All you need it an equally magical veil for this modern, minimal bridal look to feel complete.

Sheer Sleeve Floral Lace Illusion Wedding Gown

Photo: Rime Arodaky

The Belle d'un soir gown from Rime Arodaky is equal parts romantic and unique, featuring oversized hand-embroidered flowers (which require over four days of work to create) over multiple types of transparency. The sleeves and round neckline are made with see-through tulle, while neutral-colored fabric lines the middle for a touch of extra coverage.

Sequin Sheer Sleeve Ankle Wedding Gown

Photo: Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread is a go-to for floaty, princess-like dresses with sheer details. The brand's Scatter Dot Round Neck Ankle Gown is adorned with tiny sparkling sequin motifs and tulle trims at the neckline and shoulders, plus a see-through neckline and sleeves. Bonus: It's available in two other equally stunning neutrals.

Floral Lace Mermaid Illusion Wedding Gown

Photo: Lulus

Nude-colored inserts at the neckline and side slits give the Exceptional Vow Dress from Lulus all the makings of a classic illusion wedding dress. Complete with a lined mermaid skirt and a scattering of sparkling sequins and floral appliqués, it's certain to wow when you walk down the aisle.

Pearl-Embellished Illusion Tulle Corset Wedding Gown

Photo: Martina Liana

Martina Liana's take on the sheer wedding dress trend is scattered with pearl embellishments and features a stunning corseted bodice with sheer illusion inserts at the front and sides. We love that the lining fabric is available in three shades: Ivory, Porcelain and Mocha.

Sequin Lace Illusion Edge Crepe Mermaid Gown

Photo: Azazie

Another true illusion style, Azazie's Estephanie Gown is brimming with beautiful details. It has eye-catching lace-illusion side panels, a deep V-neckline and a scalloped lace train that dramatically trails behind it. This gown is available in six different lining colors, ranging from Dazzling White to Cocoa.