Lace is having a long-overdue renaissance, propped up by the overarching vibe shift away from quiet luxury as the defining fashion trend of the Covid-to-Chaos epoch we’ve been surviving. Fashion is shifting with a pretty decent amount of velocity towards expressiveness — think: hand-crafted, organic shapes and materials like crochet and lace that reflect human touch in a world hurtling towards artificial intelligence at every touchpoint.
Lace has always had its place in fashion, especially in a la dolce vita, Dolce & Gabbana, Monica Belluci-for-Blumarine context. V hot, in a lingerie-as-outerwear, male gaze-y sort of way. But the contemporary take is more akin to Phoebe Philo for Celine circa 2015/2016, when she introduced lace trims to slip dresses and skirts. It’s more about a romantic flourish, and the juxtaposition of the delicate with the robust — think: lace-trimmed tunic layered over baggy cargo pants or slouchy jeans.
In practical terms, the rise of lace-trimmed layers gives us a very useful shortcut for introducing texture depth to an outfit that might otherwise feel flat. The key is to mix lace alongside ultra-casual pieces to create harmonious balance between the elements and keep it feeling relevant.
This week we bring you an edit of the best lace-trimmed layers we’re shortlisting as we head into spring. And just to really hammer it home…the point here really is the layering: it’s the contrast between hard and soft, light and heavy that brings this trend to life. Check out our Pinterest board below for references if you need inspiration on how to make this work.
And for anyone new here, we always prioritise Australian labels in all our recommendations and this week’s edit is no exception. In fact this sweet little lace bag by local designer Krystal Deans has been in Annie’s saved folder since January 2024 (and it’s now just $40!).
Below the paywall you’ll find a whole lotta lace trim, but specifically:
3 x lace trim camisoles
5 x Lace trim mini dresses
3 x lace trim maxi dresses
7 x neutral lace trim midi skirts
3 x coloured lace trim midi skirts
5 x lace trim mini skirts
3 x lace trim mini shorts
— and oh so many ways to wear.
Spring we’re ready for you baby. Naked toes, come at us.
Thank you! We love you!
♥️♥️♥️
Lace trim camisoles
For those looking to dip a toe into the lace renaissance, this is a good place to start. You might even have a lace camisole buried somewhere in your wardrobe. Time to give it a quick steam and see if you can revive her. Try layering under a v-neck knit, with just a little of the lace peeking out from behind the neckline. Or layer her over a relaxed long-sleeve cotton tee.
SAINTED SISTERS / Scarlett Silk Camisole — $75 (on sale)
GINIA / Silk Lace Cami — $159.95
LILLY PILLY / Frankie Black Silk Cami — $199
Lace maxi dresses
Dial the dressiness of a lace maxi right down by layering over and under more relaxed separates. A sheer black lace maxi worn over baggy blue denim jeans; a floaty lace-trimmed silk maxi worn under an oversized knit or man’s style cotton poplin shirt; a romantic lace v-neck, spaghetti strap slip layered over your boyfriend’s tee. You get the drift.
MAISON ESSENTIELE / Scoop Neck Maxi — $325
THIRD FORM / Visions Lace Frill Dress — $360
BEC + BRIDGE / Audrey Slip Maxi Dress — $300
Lace trim mini dresses / tunics
Look for a style with both a lace trim bust and hemline for an extra level of interest. Bonus points for a side-split detail and/or uneven hem a la The Row. Ideal for layering over trousers and jeans, with a knit or blazer layered over the top. Chic as hell.
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