It can seem like every year your summer wardrobe really gets on a roll — just in time to turn the calendar to September. By mid-August, you’ve got your short-sleeve and cropped combos down to a science. You’ve even had plenty of chances to break out your favorite white outfits and sandals. But by now, even they can start to feel a little stale. Well, this year it’s not too late to try out the ultimate summer pièce de résistance: an airy lace confection of your choosing.
There are many reasons why lace is an optimal choice for late summer and fall — some obvious and some not so obvious. Lace is breathable, of course. It’s also as stick-proof as it gets, even on the hottest of days. Plus, working this lightweight fabric into your look is always a worthwhile challenge. That’s right, challenge. It’s natural to think twice before slipping into such intense texture.
We think of lace as being delicate and soft-spoken, but in fact it makes a powerful statement that can dominate your whole outfit if you let it. The question becomes how much lace and in what form? One option is to pick out a piece lightened by lace panels. Another method is to balance your ensemble with solid pieces that will make the lace elements pop. Above all, the trick to keeping this lovely material fresh and modern is to add an element of surprise.
Cuts, colors and layers can make all the difference as these nine street style pros demonstrate. It would be easy to assume that lace limits you to strictly dainty or romantic looks, but these fashion experts know better. The right lace item will instantly become the star of your summer (and fall) wardrobe — whether your style is elegant, edgy, artsy or anything in between.
Airy Lace (Runway Manhattan)
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Silvery Whimsy
Sheer black and blue florals enliven this exquisite ensemble put together by Harper's Bazaar's Kerry Pieri. Silvery notes, including go-go boots and Gucci’s Dionysus bag, tie the whimsical outfit together.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Chase
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Polished Pop
Layer vintage lace to get a truly ethereal effect. Then add a bright pop of color, such as cherry red statement socks, just to let everyone know you mean business.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Chase
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Leather and Lace
Scalloped lace softens Andrea Ramil’s edgy black leather. Part goth, part biker chic, her hardcore look is accessorized with pearl-rimmed sunnies for a touch of glam.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Valentina Ranieri
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Crafty Cut-Outs
This Self-Portrait dress proves that a little lace can go a long way. Dr. Martens anchor the all-white piece accented by cut-out shoulders and ruffled sleeves.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Valentina Ranieri
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All Laced Up
Blogger Chriselle Lim pairs a brilliant pair of white pants with a floaty top of lavender lace. Decorative ribbons trail down from her sheer sleeves.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Dodds
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Light as Air
Mix and match with a sleek jacket and a rimmed hat. Even when every part of your outfit is exploding with personality, lace keeps the overall effect light and carefree.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Valentina Ranieri
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Comme des Minimalistes
For those scorching days when you can’t bear to slip into your favorite full-length skirt, take a cue from blogger Swantje Sömmer. She stays cool in a crisp Comme des Garçons button-front shirt.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Lena Juergensen
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Southern Exposure
Bare shoulders, ruffles and peachy hues in the South of France — does it get any better? Snapped in Cannes, blogger Tara Bosstick pairs oversized shades with her embroidered For Love & Lemons dress.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Celine Gaille
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Sublime Refinement
It takes know-how to pull off an entire lace ensemble — especially a suit. Camila Coelho makes it look easy in this avant-garde pastel combo polished off by Gentle Monster sunglasses.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
