Lace is usually found on the most elegant lingerie, evening or bridal wear, but this season it has found its way onto everything from T-shirts to leather.
With intricate weaving and delicate floral patterns, lace appeals to all of the social pyramid, from centuries past to the fashion of today. Wearing lace is a statement of class and luxury, and it became commonly available at inexpensive prices with the advancement of the textile industry.
On sunny days, when perhaps some seersucker bottoms and a flared crop top are in order, a sheer blouse with laced collar or detailing pairs perfectly with a flouncy hat. Even trends more commonly associated with street styles have been graced by lace designs detailing including butterfly-type collars, cascading flounces and tiered yokes of shirts trimmed with lace ribbon.
I can also envision heavily-layered tiered skirts with lace detailing re-emerging in street style with lace calf and knee socks. The dainty femininity this look portrays is reflected in fashions across the globe.
In Japan and Hong Kong, Harajuku-style fashions and the ever-so-popular Gothic Lolita style have generously used lace details of frilly embellishment and sensual style. These Asian styles revere Parisian and British trends that emphasize Asian features and blend with traditional Eastern garb.
A few brands that exemplify the rich influence lace has had on classic and modern styles are Xuncai and Maxbelle. These brands offer the true blue and coral colors that have appealed to consumers this season with a side of lace sleeving, backs and detailing.
American brands that follow suit with these European trends are DKNY and Betsey Johnson, ranging from red carpet runway steals to fabulous frugal finds under $100.
Actress Ashley Greene was spotted at the People’s Choice Awards in a lovely black cocktail number from Donna Karan New York, which bared a beautiful shoulder and neckline made of black lace. The remainder of the dress included a fitted bodice and flounce skirt all made of leather.
A black lace Betsey Johnson wrap can create a similar look with floral ribbon embroidery and flounce trim. Betsey’s signature style celebrates lace-laden vixens with tea-length or mid-thigh-length taste. I remember my Betsey Johnson vintage-looking prom dress bearing those same features about eight years ago.
But this trend is found far beyond the designer showrooms, and it is in rotation among fashion-forward brands at staple inexpensive fashion outlets Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. Kimchi Blue and Pins And Needles are both brands that look to please with not only floral styles but also lace detailing.
Forever 21 has introduced exciting new styles in the $20 to $40 range that include the lace-back dolman top that has ladies raving. The chain also offers a fashionable, floral-print plus-sized cocktail dress with nude and black lace for $25 available in stores now.
More exciting are the styles that have sprung out of the new comfort-meets-sensual revolution. This includes lace on T-shirt hems as well as razored jean short pockets. These items will pair perfectly with floral hair bows of the season trimmed with lace tape ribbon.
Tape lace is often overlooked, but it can provide a softer side to hardcore, goth-influenced pleated skirts and bustiers, giving them a street chic appeal when paired with graphic T-shirts or fitted vests.
All in all, lace is back with a vengeance and the sweetness of children’s candy. But despite the sugar rush of this trend, my advice is to refrain from styles that will make you look play-pen appropriate.
Al Burks is a 25-year-old apparel design senior from New Orleans.
 
____
Contact Al Burks at [email protected]