The pretty, trending detail your wardrobe needs this autumn
There's nothing better fashion-wise than a micro trend springing up that actually, you've loved for ages. I've always been a lace lover and have never been without that touch of period-drama chic in my wardrobe (it makes sense: I've possibly watched the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice more than anybody else on the planet). I just love how its romantic vintage quality elevates any piece and feels both elegant and sexy at once. Lace is delicate and super feminine, but it's got depth; I always want to look closer and admire its unique intricacies. So – I'm delighted that lace trim is having a moment, be it on the hem of skirts, the sleeves of dresses or the necklines of slinky camis.
Suffice to say, the street style set are on board, with fashion influencers recently embracing lace for their Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 looks. Many have been going all-in with full-lace skirts or trousers – playing into the bigger sheer or 'naked' trend that's dominated both the runways and red carpet fashion this year – but if that feels too intimidating, items with lacy detail make a sophisticated compromise that also nod to the current love for nighty dresses and that '90s 'underwear as outerwear' vibe.
Lace trim has been proving popular with some of our celebrity style icons too. Sienna Miller made waves when she attended Chloé's Paris Fashion Week AW24 show (you know, the one where Chemena Kamali brought boho back) wearing the designer's cream satin slip dress with a pointed lace hem, cooly contrasted with a boxy leather jacket and clompy wooden wedges. The star then stunned in a ruffled lacy mini dress at the Met Gala, again as part of Kamali's Chloé cohort.
Meanwhile, in recent Instagram pictures, presenter Alexa Chung can be seen wearing a pastel green satin slip skirt with a contrasting white lace hem, which she'd paired with a matching white lace bralette and an olive cardigan. Clearly a fan of the trend, Alexa also wore a butter-yellow Doen dress with abundant lace trim to Glastonbury this year.
Don't be fooled though: the lace trim trend isn't only for summer. In fact, I think it's going to come into its own in autumn, when it feels like the perfect complementary match for grittier biker boots and studded ballet flats, as well as oversized knitwear, hardy denim and metallic accessories. If you're worried that lace feels too 'prim and proper', be sure to lean into these kind of 'unexpected' styling clashes to make it feel more playful.
Sure enough, the high street has already caught on, so if you're ready to say yes to lace, you've got plenty of choice. Here are some of our favourite lace-trimmed pieces to buy now, from Doen and J.Crew to Zara and M&S...
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