Written By Caleb Moll

Photographed By Hal Lueking

Modeled By Olivia Shipley, Mollie Williams, Nakaja Weaver, & Josie Anderson

Mesh garments have had such a huge impact on fashion in the last few months, mesh as a fabric of choice for styling will only continue to grow. Mesh is known as a “second skin” fabric due to the way it clings and hugs the body. The way the fabric drapes on the body is stunning and an easy way to add a subtle, but impactful finishing touch to an outfit. The fabric is typically sheer, breathable, and retains its shape even after it is worn. These specific qualities make mesh great for layering!

While mesh can seem very difficult to incorporate into your wardrobe, do not let that fool you! The perception of mesh varies from person to person. Mesh can be very intimidating, “too sexy,” impractical, and or sporty. However, I think it can become a staple in your wardrobe! For example, living in the Midwest, mesh can seem very impractical, especially during colder months. Moreover, most mesh textiles are made of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, or spandex. As a result, mesh allows for heat to be trapped closely to the body—even with holes in the fabric! This stunning textile is great when it comes to fall and winter due to its heat-retaining quality.

One of the strengths of mesh, when it comes to styling, is the versatility and ability to layer with everyday outfits. Here are some ways to upgrade your wardrobe with mesh:

1. Casual Bottoms

A perfect way to style mesh is with casual bottoms you might already have in your wardrobe. You can style any mesh top with your favorite pair of jeans, maxi skirts, dresses, denim shorts, joggers, cargos, etc… The mesh adds a focal point and elevates a simple outfit!

2. Under Fashionable Tops

Fashionable tops are the easiest way to incorporate mesh into your wardrobe. Mesh tops are the easiest mesh pieces to find in stores and online. A couple of different ways to style mesh are wearing a mesh top under a graphic tee for a more edgy and street style aesthetic, pairing a mesh top with a bralette, corset, button up, vest, or bandeau for going out or more formal occasions, or styling a mesh shrug with a sporty top for a sleek, sporty athleisure look

3. Dresses

There are several ways to style mesh with dresses. One of the easiest ways is simply taking a mesh top and layering it underneath a slip dress, a maxi dress, or even a statement dress with a funky pattern. However, for those who love a statement, a mesh dress can be a beautiful and elegant way to wear the material. I recommend taking a mesh dress and layering it with a color matched slip for a “nude illusion” effect. This effect can be great for formal settings. You can also layer a mesh dress with a onesie to give the dress a more casual feel or to make the dress more sporty.

4. Under Business Wear

It can be tricky to make mesh work-appropriate. You can pair mesh with a nice tailored blazer, a button down, a crochet sweater, pleated trousers, or a dress vest to make the mesh elevated for work settings. Mesh can be made work appropriate when finding the proper garments for styling!

5. Mesh On Its Own

This is for those of you that are daring, confident, and willing to take a risk! While this method of styling can be adventurous, I believe that mesh on its own can be stunning on the appropriate occasion. This method of styling can be great when it comes to festivals, nights out, holidays like New Year’s Eve, or even concerts. Some ways to style mesh on its own would simply be by wearing a mesh crop top, a mesh tank top, mesh set, or even mesh pants. Styling mesh this way can be bold and impactful.

While mesh may be very adventurous for some, this textile can be very versatile when it comes to styling and adding something new to your wardrobe! Hopefully we will see you try this new textile in the upcoming year!

The Mesh Manual: How to Incorporate Mesh Into Your Wardrobe