The Sheer Thing : Designs With a Touch of Diaphanous Softness, as Revealed by Actress Shari Headley

Shari Headley had a toothache. She was not in the mood to model clothes after an emergency trip to the dentist and a scuffle with L.A. traffic. But the Queens, N.Y.,-born actress (currently co-starring with Eddie Murphy in “Coming to America”) and former top model kept her photo date. “I’m so glad I did,” Headley said with a grin when she saw the sheer wonders she would wear. “I love fabrics that move when I walk, that feel comfortable on the body and yet look elegant.” She’s not alone. This season, women are waking up to the possibilities of soft, sheer fabrics that are used for the midriff, shoulders, back, pant legs or sleeves of outfits meant for business or casual wear. There’s something playful about the see-through look, especially when it’s built into what would otherwise be serious office attire. And of course, the glamour of gauzy fabric is especially potent at night. Headley said she had so much fun posing in these clothes that her toothache actually seemed to disappear.

Hair and makeup: Agostina Lombardi/Celestine-Cloutier; styling: Joanna Dendel