Unlike other trends that come and go, lace never goes out of style.
Stylists insist that when it comes to wearing lace, you should invest in an array of bright, bold hues. "This will keep you looking young and fresh," says fashion consultant Colin McDonald. "It makes you glow." Whether you chose turquoise, tangerine, or classic red, don’t be afraid to experiment.
According to celebrity fashion stylist Anthony Henderson, there’s no fabric that will flaunt curves quite like lace. “It’s not just for your grandmother’s coffee table, the curtains, or the living room,” he says. “When wearing lace, you want it to accentuate your hottest assets. You should be confident that it will make you feel fabulous.” Henderson advises making sure the lace is strategically placed on your favorite feature to flaunt it.
Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, fashion and beauty director for POPSUGAR, says to take inspiration from a duchess who’s often photographed wearing this classic look without being too seductive. “Kate Middleton is the epitome of how to wear lace,” explains Goldberg. “It’s an utterly feminine fabric, but the slim silhouettes she picks keep it looking modern, along with her sleek accessories. This is not a fabric to go over-the-top with jewelry.”
Got curves? Flaunt them with a peplum. This is an easy look that will make your waist appear smaller and enhance your figure in all the right places. Add nude stilettos to elongate the legs.
A designer lace dress is ideal to channel your inner Hollywood screen siren at a swanky soiree, but when it comes to daytime, it's best to opt for a more casual look. “If you’re going to rock lace, make sure to mix it up with different textures, like your favorite pair of boyfriend denim or a black leather skirt,” Colin McDonald. “Stay away from wearing lace head to toe. It will only age you and make you feel a bit antiquey.”
Invest in high quality lace. “Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ wedding garb isn’t quite the look you’re going for, so keep it classy with the quality,” says Kennedy.
If you’re in a hurry, lace can help solve your what-do-I-wear woes because the hair and accessories should be kept as minimal as possible. “Hair and accessories should be no fuss,” says Kennedy. “You don’t want to take away from the sex appeal of the lace, so keep it sleek and easy with the rest of your look.”
Yes, lace can be worn to the office, but there’s a specific way to keep your outfit polished, not raunchy. “Make sure you choose neutral colors,” says model and fashion expert Jaimie Hilfiger. “Wearing bold colors will be too daring for a conservative setting and eliminate the element of grace to your look. Don’t go sheer.” For office-friendly attire, Hilfiger says to stick with pencil skirts and blouses with thicker lace prints. Those peekaboo pieces? Reserve them for a night out with friends.
Before you wear a lace dress, it’s important to first visit a seamstress and ensure that it’s not only the right fit for your frame, but also the correct length. “If the dress is too long, the lace may give an effect of excessive weight,” says celebrity stylist Ali Levine. “Whereas if your dress is too short, it can look cheap.”