

Sheer is THAT girl this year.
Since the debut of spring/summer collections last year, sheer clothing, or the ’barely there’ aesthetic as it’s being called, has been on the radar of fashion insiders for months. But after it was catapulted into the spotlight following buzz sparked around Ciara’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party look, it’s clear that the sheer aesthetic will be one of 2023’s hottest trends.
Ciara attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a sheer dress from Dundas.
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
Perfect for warmer temperatures, the minimalist trend packs a maximum punch no matter which way one decides to wear it. On the red carpet, on the beach, or at your local cafe, the limit is nonexistent, which is why this trend will dominate in 2023.
And while it’s not a new trend (hello, Lil Kim and Naomi Campbell in the 90s), it’s definitely been modernized this season.
Lori Harvey wears sheer top, skirt, bag, blue heels outside Tory Burch during New York Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Does the rise of “free the nipple” have anything to do with the rise of sheer, barely there dressing? It could be argued one influenced the other, but that’s not the chicken-egg battle we’re discussing today. Designers are pulling out all the stops to capitalize on this trend; from all-sheer dressing to a more demure nipple slip, it’s an accessible and scalable trend.
It’s all about showcasing as much or *as little* as you want. This is an updated way to incorporate last year’s reigning trend: cut-outs.
If you’re interested in trying out this trend, keep reading for effortless ways to incorporate sheer dressing into your wardrobe.
Bare It All
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
This aesthetic lends favorably to the risk-taker in us all. This style of dress is effortlessly transcending beachwear for everyday wear, even emerging into the echelons of cocktail and formalwear. If you’re comfortable baring it all, you can easily do that with a sheer dress and nothing else. But fear not, this trend is easily complimented by a structured long blazer or a belt to provide some wanted coverage.
Peek-A-Boo
Myha'la Herrold wears green sheer blouse, gray shorts during the Paris Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Maybe full sheer isn’t your thing, and that’s what makes this trend so exciting. This is what I call the peek-a-boo method. Opt for a brightly colored sheer top to pair under a more neutral blazer or jacket for a very IT-girl moment. If you want to take even more of a risk, opt for a sheer shirt to pair with shorts and a trench, a la our girl Myha'la Herrold. The juxtaposition of textures and lengths is the perfect element for an understated but sexy moment.
A Touch Of Bling
Ari Lennox attends 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch.
Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation
When in doubt, go embellished! This is an easy (and sparkly) way to create coverage without sacrificing the barely there element of sheer clothing. Whether you adorn yourself with a jewel-encrusted sheer dress or merely layer jeweled accessories on top of a black dress to elevate the look, it’s the perfect combination for any GNO.
A Feminine Dream
Amina Ladymya wears a sheer embroidered dress during Milan Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
What is spring without a bit of pomp and circumstance? The lace detailing is a stylish way to elevate any piece of sheer clothing, especially for the spring and summer seasons. If you really want to lean into the renaissance aesthetic circling the runways, add ruffles and floral appliques to elevate this look.
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
From Rock Bottom To Redemption: Paula Patton Opens Up About Her New Film 'Finding Faith'
When Paula Patton’s name is on a project, you already know it’s going to bring some soul. From Jumping the Broom to Baggage Claim, she’s long been a radiant presence on-screen. But in her new film Finding Faith, premiering in theaters June 16–17 via Fathom Events, Paula digs deeper—into grief, healing, and ultimately, redemption.
The film follows Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life is upended by a devastating loss. As she spirals into despair, it’s the love of family, friends, and God that slowly leads her back to light. And for Paula, this story wasn’t just a role—it was personal.
“It connected to a time in my life that I could really relate to,” she says. “That feeling of having lost so much and feeling like so much pain, and not knowing how to deal with the pain… and numbing out to do that.”
Courtesy
A Story That Hit Close to Home
Having been sober for seven years, Paula says the emotional territory was familiar. But more than anything, it brought her closer to a deeper truth.
“Once you give [the numbing] up, you have to walk in the desert alone… and that’s when I truly found faith in God.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
While the film touches on loss and addiction, Finding Faith ultimately lives up to its title. Paula describes the acting process as cathartic—and one she was finally ready for.
“Art became healing,” she says. “That was the biggest challenge of all… but it was a challenge I wanted.”
More Than an Inspirational Thriller
Finding Faith is described as an “inspirational thriller,” with layered tones of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection. Paula credits that dynamic blend to writer-director LazRael Lison.
“That’s what I love about Finding Faith,” she explains. “Yes, she goes on this journey, but there’s other storylines happening that help it stay entertaining.”
"Finding Faith" cast
Courtesy
On-Set Magic with Loretta Devine
With a cast stacked with phenomnal talent—Loretta Devine, Keith David, Stephen Bishop—it’s no surprise that the film also came alive through unscripted moments.
“We did this kitchen scene… and Loretta changed it,” Paula shares. “She wouldn’t leave. I had to change my dance and figure out how to work with it, and it took on this whole other layer. I’m forever grateful.”
Faith When It Feels Like Night
The film leans on the biblical verse: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Paula says that reminder is something she’s lived.
“When you’re feeling so anxious, and you look out in the distance and see nothing there… that’s when you have to trust God’s timing.”
Divine Timing Behind the Scenes
Paula didn’t just star in the film—she produced it through her company, Third Eye Productions. And the way the opportunity came to her? Nothing short of divine.
“I said, ‘Just for one week, believe everything’s going to be perfect,’” she recalls. “That same day, my friend Charles called and said, ‘I have a film for you. It’s called Finding Faith.’ I thought I was going to throw the phone down.”
What’s Next for Paula Patton?
When asked about a dream role, Paula didn’t name a genre or a character. Her focus now is on legacy—and light.
“I want to make sure I keep making art that entertains people, but also has hope… That it has a bright light at the end to get us through this journey here on Earth.”
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Feature image by Lev Radin/ Shutterstock