Item of the week: the lace dress

What it is:

The lace dress is a style that transcends seasons and fashion trends,
appearing in looks that can be linked to almost every aesthetic, from
bohemia to formalwear to beachwear. While typically a trend that appears in
the summer season, its prominence on the runway for autumn/winter 2023 has
seen it take on new forms, in styles that allow it to be appropriate all
year round and for just about any occasion. The lace itself also differed
in use, either seen throughout the entirety of a garment, lining the hem or
in intricate panels, most commonly as an extension of the
underwear-as-outerwear trend that had its grip on the coming fashion
season.

Why you’ll want it:

The lace dress can fall into a lot of varying aesthetic and trend
categories, giving it a wide appeal to different target audiences that may
be looking for a transeasonal style to add to their wardrobes. The piece is
particularly popular around wedding season, which typically spans May to
October, and has seen a boom in business over the past year as couples
continue to go ahead with weddings that were rescheduled due to the
pandemic. While the lace dress is often linked to formalwear, the look can
also be found in casual pieces, giving it a good scope when it comes to
different occasions.

Where we’ve seen it:

The lace dress was exhibited in ready-to-wear and haute couture runways
alike for AW23, seen in both pieces that could be worn for events and ones
to wear to the supermarket. Off-White set its sights on the former with a
floor-sweeping, figure-hugging mermaid silhouette that had contrasting lace
panels throughout. Ester Manas also offered up form fitting designs which
drew inspiration from lingerie and corsetry to make their minimalistic
shapes. The lace-favouring Zimmermann stuck closely to its signature
bohemian aesthetic with its own designs that placed an importance on lace
hems for lightweight, flowing dresses. Meanwhile, Alaïa’s lace looks went
from head to toe, encircling the models in intricate materials.

How to style it:

Layering the lace dress is a pinnacle point in styling the item. With the
material, it is usually possible to see through the design, meaning that
more often than not, an underlayer is needed. Use a slip dress in nude or a
colour similar to the lace itself, or mix things up with a contrasting tone
to bring depth to the piece. For casual wear, pair the dress with sneakers
and a leather shoulder bag, or alternatively, for eveningwear, add sparkly
accessories and strappy heels.

As a multi-occasion, multi-season dress style, the lace dress brings a wide
appeal to various shopper groups, whether they are celebrating an occasion
or simply going to the beach.