Retail Therapy: Sheer

This summer was all about color-blocking, so get ready for sheer-blocking. We were so entranced with this pretty top from the Valentino runway that we wouldn’t even have noticed if the rail-thin model had a tiny tummy bulge. The peek-a-boo neckline draws all attention to your collarbone and shoulder, not your belly. Copy this style by looking for a similarly constructed dress or tucking one of the season's sheer blouses into high-waisted slacks or a pencil skirt.

Busty ladies flaunt their chests. So, it’s only fair you get to show off your bra-free back. We were wow'ed when we saw this intricate design strut down the J.Mendel runway. While you can wear it with a bra, the drama factor is greatest when it's just skin and sheer fabric. If you’re nervous about headlights, use pasties to help prevent forward-facing 3-D effects in the front.

When deciphering fall fashion for busty women, it's paramount to remember that well-endowed ladies need to be able to conceal bra straps and cleavage (to some extent). Rather than going with sheer panels on the chest, look for tops with see-through sleeves, like this Givenchy top. The mesh arms show off toned shoulder, while the covered trunk is ideal for concealing larger, more supportive bras.

Small ladies can get away with voluminous silhouettes since adding size to their shape isn't a concern. Try tiered fabric or long, loose sleeves, like this Vera Wang dress, (warning: trying both trends together might make you look like a fashion victim). The romantic pleats will help fill out boyish builds.

Those that like shocking style can play around with using sheer fabrics to tease glimpses of far-from-conservative pieces underneath. The perpetually sex-minded designers at Gucci sent this dress down the runway for fall, and introduced a perplexing fashion question: Is it long or is it short? The verdict's still out in our office, but one thing's for sure—this is a black-tie option that’s haute and naughty. Recreate the look by layering sheer blouses over bustier-style tops or floor-dusting, mesh skirts over opaque mini's.