Lace Gets a Bad Rep—27 Items That Are Single-Handedly Rewriting the Narrative

Lace can either go great or terribly wrong—there's really no in-between. With its ties to lingerie, the delicate fabric, when transitioned into the world of ready-to-wear, can stray too far in the direction of tacky instead of refined and romantic. No matter how often designers try to reel it back in, success is rarely achieved. But something to do with the material changed in the last year, resulting in a renaissance of sorts for all things lace—just in time for fall. 

If you ask me, its success lies in designers finally embracing the romance and sexiness of lace and really steering clear of anything overly sleepwear-like. Pieces by labels like Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Khaite, and Beaufille are styled with pencil skirts, tailored outerwear, and sleek trousers and constructed with bold collars, velvet touches, and billowy sleeves. Bright, neon colors have been taken out of the equation, and emphasis is being placed on far more classic black and white designs that allow for easier styling and increased versatility. In other words, there are no longer any blockades in place to stop you from dipping your toe in the chic and sophisticated world of lace. For further proof, see how the fabric's being worn to perfection on the runways and Instagram alike. 

This was one of the first lace looks that really stopped me in my tracks and made me reconsider the fabric and its role in modern-day fashion. I love the juxtaposition of the sheer, delicate lace with the structured nature of the skirt and the daring quality of the boots. There's something for everyone. 

Wide lace trim dominated Coperni's S/S 24 collection, but I personally loved the combination of the lace-trimmed silky slips with super-elegant tailored separates like this all-black suit. It makes the top underneath feel far more wearable and approachable. 

If you're struggling to style lace right now, my suggestion is to just go all in and wear the fabric from head to toe. Just use this image to guide the way. 

This fully sheer lace maxi dress from Zara went completely viral on TikTok at the tail end of summer, proving that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on Saint Laurent or Miu Miu lace in order to get a compliment-worthy lace look (unless you want to). 

One of my favorite ways to wear the lace trend is in the form of items you really wouldn't expect to be made of sheer material, like this collared button-down shirt from Tove. It's unexpected and undeniably cool, and since we all already know how to style the generic versions of these items, it makes wearing the lace trend far easier. Just do what you've always done—with a risqué twist. 

Alaïa has been a leader of trends ever since Pieter Mulier took over as creative director in 2021, so it should come as no surprise that the designer has dabbled in the lace trend here and there, with one especially alluring take coming from the brand's F/W 23 collection.

Our very own editor in chief, Kat Collings, got in on the lace trend during Paris Fashion Week with the long-sleeved alternative to the Beaufille blouse below, layering the oversize collar on top of an elegant evening coat and pairing the duo with a miniskirt, sheer socks, and kitten-heel mules. Swoon.

This just might be the runway look that solidified my current infatuation with lace. From Saint Laurent's F/W 23 show, the ensemble—consisting of a lace camisole tucked into a matching sheer pencil skirt with oversize sunglasses and a gold-buckled belt—epitomizes the way the modern woman wants to wear lace today. 

At Sabato De Sarno's debut show for Gucci, the designer featured a significant number of lace pieces and silhouettes, including many slip dresses ranging from classic black styles to brighter takes like this fiery-red one.