Lace all day: 12 ways to wear the trend this spring
Top picks and styling tips for wearing lace any way you’d like
A delicate fabric or trim that can be costly to produce, depending on its quality and construction style, lace is often associated with eveningwear and formalwear. Now, for Spring/Summer 2019, designers are embracing the elegant, centuries-old material for all occasions, particularly in black and white. On the runways at Dion Lee, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Sacai and Tom Ford, lace appeared on everything from black-tie gowns to workwear separates.
Whether you go for full-lace garments or styles embellished or edged with lace trim, incorporating spring's fanciest trend into your wardrobe is an easy way to elevate and liven up your go-to looks. For example, swapping your basic white dress shirt out for a (fully-lined) lace blouse immediately softens the look of a tailored pant suit. Or you can layer a lacy slip under your favourite shift dress from last year to create a longer, softer hemline for the season.
Rather than thinking of lace as a precious material for fancy occasions, why not embrace its distinctive look and beautiful texture for your everyday dressing? Try one of these styles on for a pretty new look.
Cami NYC, a label founded by Canadian Samantha Steen, specializes in silk camisoles and slips. You can wear their popular Selena dress (currently sold out in white) on its own, or styled under your knee-length, fitted skirts and dresses for a cool layered-hem look.
The Selena Dress, about $353 CAD, caminyc.com
This semi-sheer, scalloped edge dress from Zara is a warm-weather Little Black Dress that's anything but dull, but could also be worn to the office under a tailored blazer or fitted cardigan.
Lace Dress, $49.90, zara.com
A embellished take on the classic slip dress, this bronze-coloured dress from Topshop can be worn solo with heels, or as shown with a cotton t-shirt and comfy high top sneakers.
Contrast Lace Slip Dress, about $68 CAD, topshop.com
This relaxed-fit, polyester-blend jumpsuit features lace trim and is lined and belted. Consider the cropped length an opportunity to highlight your favourite footwear.
Lace-Trim Crepe Jumpsuit, $250, michaelkors.ca
Those who are daring can try head-to-toe black lace; otherwise, these lace pants from Spanish fast-fashion retailer Zara would also look great with an oversized knit top or simple black t-shirt. For day, pair them with flat shoes or clunky sandals for a more relaxed look.
Lace Pants, $99.90, zara.com
This dark orange camisole makes for a colourful addition to any wardrobe. It's dressy enough to be worn with the season's must-have beige suit, or can be styled with blue jeans for the weekend.
Satin Top with Lace, $34.99, hm.com
In pretty pale yellow, this simple satin camisole could be layered over a cream-coloured t-shirt or under one of those sheer pieces you already have in your closet.
Little Moon Sedum Camisole, $78, aritzia.com
The dramatic lace pattern on this bodysuit is somewhat tempered by its sporty fit and clean-finished neckline. Pair it with pencil skirts and wide-leg trousers for the workday, and midi- and full-length skirts for evening functions.
Lace Bodysuit, $64.99, hm.com
This delicate, floral lace blouse is designed for both the office and nights out. For work, wear it with a dark-coloured blazer, and let the charming ruffled sleeves peek out.
Paula Lace Blouse, $295 (on sale for $100), reiss.com
Less expected in white lace, this casual, cotton-blend blouse features a pretty gathered-sleeve detail and informal, flowy fit. Style with jeans in place of your usual plain white tee.
Lace Blouse, $69.99, mango.com
On sale, RW&CO.'s chiffon blouse is a great deal and an easy way to try out this spring trend. Wear it tucked into high-waisted jeans, or under a fitted jacket with the sleeves peeking out just a little.
Chiffon Blouse With Lace Sleeves, $69.90 (on sale for $14.95), rw-co.com
A softer, more interesting take on the classic fitted blazer, this jacket from Ted Baker comes pre-styled with a contrasting lace trim that will freshen up any all-black outfit for the new season.
Ennio Lace Trim Contrast Crop Jacket, $499, tedbaker.com
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.