Lace: once reserved for Victorians and those hoping to channel Madonna circa 1985, has made a comeback. Romantic lace, sexy lace, gothic lace... it seems like being holy this season is in and that the rigid structures of seasons past is out! However, some might need a divine intervention in order to get this trend spot on.
One of the things I love about lace is also what makes it difficult to master: its versatility. Punk-rock, angelic, sexy, demure... it's like fashion Mad Libs. Unfortunately, with the limitless options comes the limitless potential to screw it up royally. One accessory too many and you'll look like you fell out of a Cyndi Lauper music video. One accessory too few and you'll look like you're running late for ballet practice. To sum it up- this soft fabric is pretty hard to pull off. But with the proper guidance and the right amount of self control, this look has the potential to charm even the coldest of cynics.
The most important thing about lace is to pick a style and then commit. None of this "ballerina meets Avril Levine plus a bit of Billy Idol". Decisiveness is key. For instance, let’s say you choose a romantic incarnation. Limit yourself to just a few pieces that will allude to the lace rather than yell it from across the room. The subtlety of this Phillip Lim 3.1 is brilliant (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/80125). Even though it is drenched the delicate fabric, the silk allows for it to add texture rather than cloy. I’d pair it with some nude heels to keep the pallet light and a cropped blazer to complete the look.
If you’re more daring or have a special occasion, you’ll fall head over heels for the dresses from Kate Moss for TopShop. She offers her devotees long tulle options that make it clear why we all wonder What Would Kate Wear. Or if you want something a little less conspicuous, TopShop also offers tons of adorable crop lace tops to pair with your high-waisted jeans for an easy weekend look.
The Goth Lace Look is probably the hardest to master without looking cliché, so pick one standout piece and work around it. I’d love to wear this LBD (http://www.my-wardrobe.com/sara-berman/black-lace-dress-by-sara-berman) with heels and long pearls to add some graceful accents to this edgy choice. But buyer beware: too many accessories will make you look like a Lady of the Night, instead of the chic Girl About Town that we would all love to incarnate.
Lace is a beautiful thing. Feminine, soft, delicate, it is the ultimate luxury fabric. And while it is not necessarily an easy look to master, if able to resist the urge to over-indulge, the rewards of a well thought out lace ensemble will definitely make it worth the effort.
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