Product of the week: The lace dress

What is it:

The lace dress is a product that transcends seasons and fashion trends, appearing on the catwalks in numerous looks. It can be associated with almost any aesthetic, from bohemian styles to occasionwear to beachwear. Although the lace dress is usually a piece that pops up in the summer season, it has taken on new forms on the Fall/Winter 2023 catwalk, making it suitable for colder days as well. The lace itself has also been used in a variety of ways, either throughout the garment, as a hem trim, or in delicate panels that reveal underwear, supporting the lingerie trend dominating the upcoming fashion season.

Why you should order it:

The lace dress falls into many different aesthetic and trend categories. This fact gives it great appeal to different audiences who might be looking for a cross-seasonal piece for their wardrobe. The dress is particularly popular during the wedding season, which usually lasts from May to October. The wedding fashion business has boomed over the past year as couples have started catching up on weddings that have been postponed due to the pandemic. While the lace dress is often associated with occasion wear, the look can also be found in casual versions, which gives it a wide range for a wide variety of occasions.

Where we saw it:

The lace dress graced the FW23 runways in both the ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. There it appeared in both looks to wear to formal occasions and those to wear to the supermarket. Label Off-White opted for a floor-length, figure-hugging mermaid silhouette that was finished with contrasting lace inserts throughout. Ester Manas also offered figure-hugging designs that were inspired by lingerie and corsetry when creating their minimalist forms. Known for their lace, Zimmermann stayed true to their signature bohemian aesthetic with lightweight, floaty dresses with lace hems. Alaïa’s lace looks went from head to toe, enveloping the models in intricate draping.

How to style it:

Layering with a lace dress adds excitement to the styling. The material often makes the dress partially transparent, so in most cases an additional piece of clothing is required to wear underneath. Use a nude slip, or a color that resembles the lace itself, or pair it with a contrasting tone to add depth to the piece. Style the dress with sneakers and a leather shoulder bag for office and leisure, or with glittery accessories and strappy shoes for the evening.

The lace dress is a dress that can be worn in many occasions and seasons. It appeals to different target groups, regardless of whether it is about occasion wear or a trip to the beach.

This translated article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk.