I wore this risqué trend in my Norfolk village – here’s what happened

I’m the first to admit some trends are best left on the catwalk. Despite appearances on Valentino, Dior and Prada’s runways, you might dismiss sheer skirts as irrelevant for midlifers, or indeed real life… yet this season the sheer skirt trend has spread to the high street. Meg Ryan and Demi Moore (both 60-something) have worn see-through dresses on the red carpet recently and LTK, the influencer-led shopping platform, reveals sheer skirt searches are up 400 per cent.

A sheer lace skirt is actually a brilliant partywear option. If you would be happy to wear a lace blouse with smart black trousers, simply reverse the details. Bonnie Godsil, the director of design at Karen Millen, says: “The old adage of ‘jeans and nice top’ has been flipped on its head. It’s now about experimenting with statement textures and tactile surfaces on skirts. Pair with a great knit or T-shirt and tailored blazer to keep the whole look accessible and effortless.”

While planning this feature, my friend Kristy messages me with a link to Next’s take on the trend with the query: “Am I too old for this?” Absolutely not! But beyond the perceived restrictions of age-appropriate dress, I wonder if location might be the dealbreaker for a sheer look? My Instagram feed is full of influencers parading “Zone 1 outfits in Zone 8” (fancy frocks that no one would notice in Soho, but look out of place in suburbia). What if you live outside London? Can frivolous trends be worn somewhere more provincial. Say, Norfolk?

I set out to prove that sheer skirts can be worn in midlife – and beyond the capital. I start my experiment with a baby step; Aligne’s “semi-sheer” skirt. I take a deep breath and leave the house for a dog-walk. Suggesting you wear a sheer skirt to walk the dog may seem delusional but as I have a chihuahua, I stick to short, pavement-based strolls rather than field romps. I also believe if you feel good in your outfit, you’ll feel similarly uplifted in mood. Just because you’re walking the dog doesn’t mean you should wear your worst moth-eaten garb. There is so much joy to be had in experimenting with fashion, why not do it at every opportunity? I team the skirt with chunky boots and layers, to balance the bareness, yet I don’t feel cold (my main worry). I admit sheer skirts make far more sense for summer but as we complete our lap of the village I’m relieved I haven’t flashed my neighbours, nor traumatised the dog.

Skirt, £89, Aligne; Cardigan, £79, Albaray; Denim jacket, £99, Albaray; Scarf, was £95, now £76, Rise & Fall; Boots, £170, Geox; Socks, £5, ASOS

I call Rosie Dalling, a confidence coach and the founder of The Boost, a communication training company, for tips when braving an outré outfit. “When you step out of your comfort zone, other people are scared and don’t know what to think, so they look to you. If you carry nervous energy and draw attention to your skirt with your body language, others will join you in doubting yourself. But if you walk in owning it, like you’ve found the secret to inner confidence, they will run to buy their own transparent skirt!” Dalling’s quick fix tip? “Imagine you’ve just bumped into your style icon. They’ve told you how incredible you look and that they’re immediately going to copy your outfit. This visualisation will give you confidence.”

I try it and, feeling braver, pop into town. Earsham Street Deli owner Michelle Steele doesn’t bat an eyelid as I waft in wearing a floor-skimming burgundy lace skirt from Karen Millen. The skirt would be ideal for a black tie event – or worn by someone taller (I’m 5ft 5in). Heels and see-though lace feel incongruous for Bungay so I wore flats, but the length is a trip hazard. However, it’s a good distraction. I’m more concerned about standing on the hem than the fact my thighs are visible. I fill my basket but as I wait to pay, an elderly man gives me a stern head-to-toe once over. It’s clear that my frippery hasn’t passed muster, yet I still feel fabulous and wonder where else I can wear this skirt.

Skirt, £89, Karen Millen; Jumper, £295, Brora; Blazer, £69.99, Zara; Shoes, £28, River Island; Bag, Alex’s own

So far, both skirts had built-in mini-skirt length modesty panels, so I try a style with a slip. The Max Mara Studio skirt is sheer lace but the accompanying slip is equally see-through. I spend some time working out which knickers to wear and choosing tops (a longline denim shirt and chunky jumper) that cover my bottom. The mix of heavy fabrics and ethereal lace tick fashion’s favourite styling trick for the high-low mix (choosing contrasting pieces to create a considered outfit). My coffee date is in South Norfolk’s edgiest cafe, The Silo, where the hip clientele are completely unaware that I’m faffing with my skirt to ensure what lies beneath remains hidden. My friend suggests adding leggings to make the look more practical but I’m committed to the sheer cause and refute the idea.

Skirt, was £475, now £332.50, Max Mara Studio at Fenwick; Jumper, was £110, now £93.50, Hush; Shirt, £195, Saywood; Shoes, was £39, now £29.25, Monsoon; Bag, Alex’s own

Finally, I ramp up my experiment with an after-dark option for dinner at Fritton Lake with my husband. I feel wildly self-conscious, but not because my Zara skirt is completely see-through (I’ve added a pair of shorts underneath). Appropriate dress is all about context and in this location, the entire look is wrong. I’m the only guest in heels and my arms are Caspar The Ghost pale, despite slathering on fake tan the night before. The skirt is actually easy to wear, it’s comfy and cool, but flats – and a jumper – would have worked better. Perhaps this iteration of the trend is more city-suited but don’t blame the skirt, it’s my over-zealous styling.

Skirt, £49.99, Zara; Waistcoat, £125, Aligne; Shoes, Alex’s own from Terry de Havilland; Belt, Alex’s own

Through my experiments I’ve found sheer skirts do deserve a place in our wardrobes. They are easy to wear and fun. An obvious solution for occasion-wear (as long as your venue is suitably glamorous), I’m thrilled with how the trend suits daytime, too. With longer top layers and subtle shoes you’ll get plenty of wear from a lace skirt this winter… and I promise it will come into its own for summer, making the trend a clear winner all year round.