When avant-garde houses Maison Martin Margiela and Comme des Garcons played with peek-a-boo dressing some seasons back, they created clothes that looked unfinished or that mimicked exposed undergarments -- and launched a look that has continued on the runways.

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In Marc Jacobs's Spring 2008 collection, the designer added his own touch to the motif, slashing skirts to look raw, and sewing patterns onto his trousers that suggested underwear. For Spring 2009, designers like Erin Fetherston and Marni used sheer fabric to show the undergarments beneath. A Spring 2009 Luella dress has a bodice that dips asymmetrically to show off a peek of a sequined bra beneath. Similarly, a Prada skirt reveals a full-length view of a leg via a suggestively-tied skirt worn with bloomers underneath.

Sheer dressing is cousin to the lingerie- and boudoir-inspired trend that continues to thrive on the runways. But will women really feel comfortable playing peek-a-boo?

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