Racy, yet reserved, prim, yet provocative; daring, yet demure. Lace is fashion’s collective chameleon. If you want to look formal, but still flirty, then wear a lacy dress. If you want to dress sensibly, but still feel sexy, grab a lace cami and throw on a blazer. But if see-through separates are still too risque for your style, then incorporate this trend into your wardrobe with lace-embellished shoes, handbags and jewelry.
This ladylike trend may not be new, per se. But it certainly continues to evolve. And with each evolution comes a fresh look. Lace took the fall runways by storm as innovators including Lanvin, Jason Wu and Dolce & Gabbana sent peek-a-boo dresses and sheer blouses down their catwalks. Each piece was form-fitting and figure-flaunting to draw attention to our womanly curves.
Celebrities immediately jumped on the bandwagon as we started to see lacy looks on the red carpet. Reese Witherspoon looked posh with a pinch of promiscuous at Elle’s Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute. She paired a black Bocanegra pantsuit with a Maje lace camisole that showed just a bit of bra. Claire Danes and Elle Fanning took a more traditional approach. Each actress strolled the scarlet strip in a tea-length lace dress with cap sleeves. The rich ruby hue of Claire’s Valentino was a bold choice, as it transformed a girlish frock into a sophisticated sheath. Elle stayed true to her age. The classic white of her Louis Vuitton was the right choice for this rising star.
Now it’s your turn. Integrate this feminine fad into your existing attire with lace-covered accessories. A timeless platform heel in a neutral hue looks elegant against an LBD or softens the aesthetic of dark skinnies and a moto jacket. A lace bootie has edgy appeal, but maintains the grace of this formidable fabric. Or keep your look grounded with a lovely ballet flat. A lacy handbag can also provide a much-needed dose of refinement whether you choose to carry a clutch, duffle or structured style. You can even add a vintage vibe to your day or evening ensemble with a necklace and earring set that boasts lace-inspired details.
So tap into your inner girly girl and get dramatic (or dreamy) with a little lace!
