I just got back home after a coffee with a friend. There, I saw a mom in a dress who looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing a black lace dress. Impressed by what I saw, I decided to put together a small selection of tips and illustrations on how to wear lace properly, so that it looks elegant and beautiful.
First of all, I want to share a very important point that many ladies overlook: you should not focus on how the model is displayed in the store or on the runway. Many models wear sheer and lace items directly on their bare skin. That’s understandable—they have little time to change, first lit by spotlights, then in darkness, then light again… there simply isn’t enough time to choose and put on proper underwear under each dress. And sometimes the designer intentionally emphasizes the transparency just for the runway. But we are not on a fashion runway, so it’s worth considering whether your sheer lace blouse or lace dress would be appropriate to wear on the bus, to a parent-teacher meeting, or in the office.
Now let’s talk about what lace is in fashion and how to make the most of this fabric’s potential. There are two main directions I want us to focus on: the first is the passionate beauty, and the second – the innocent young girl. For girls with darker skin tones, the first type is more suitable (black lace, lingerie-style, provocative models); girls with lighter skin are more likely to go with the second option (hand-crocheted lace or its imitation, light colors, a bit of pastoral charm and naivety in the outfit overall).
Thanks to Marc Jacobs, Richelieu embroidery has been on the rise in recent years. I remember a passage from *Anna Karenina*: Kitty loved that kind of embroidery, and Levin laughed, saying, “Everyone sews up holes, and you cut them out.” Most often, this embroidery is done in white and pastel colors. Under such garments, it’s most appropriate to wear closed nude-colored underwear (white would be too transparent).
I believe that in most cases, it’s worth paying attention to this kind of look, but only when such embroidery is not used for the entire outfit, but just as decoration: a collar, hemline of a skirt, etc.
Intricate lace fabrics appear delicate and at the same time opaque. Alternatively, I think instead of a solid lining, you can use a second layer of lace fabric, like in the image below. This way, you will look wonderful, while also making sure your underwear doesn’t “sparkle” through.
If we're talking about a nude lining under black lace – I personally believe the lining should match the full length of the dress, otherwise the lower edge will ruin all proportions.
If you decide to wear lace details without an additional layer, it's only important to make sure that all the “indecent” areas are covered by an opaque part of the fabric.
In principle, it is possible to wear even very sheer garments directly over your underwear, but only when the visual center of the look shifts the focus to a closed-off part of the outfit.
How to choose the right level of transparency? This is the most crucial point when it comes to lace. If you want a bold look, go for a more transparent model, but only in certain areas. Sheer sleeves or neckline are provocative enough and lie right on the edge of acceptable. If you don’t want an overly revealing effect, opt for elegant designs with a lining in the same or nude shade.
If you're unsure whether the lace dress looks too provocative or revealing, you can add various lace details like trims or borders.
Lace looks great against a contrasting background, but you need to be careful with your choices, as overly simple lace can look very cheap and “ruin” the outfit. It's worth paying attention to the base material. Popular combinations like “cheap guipure over polyester crepe satin” should definitely be avoided.
I’d also like to say something about lace skirts. The best length is around the knee or slightly below. This applies both to the skirts themselves and to dresses with lace bottoms.
An exception can be made for “girlish” style pieces that don’t carry a seductive or provocative vibe, but look more innocent than inviting. In such cases, choose appropriate colors: white, cream, beige. A short black lace skirt should only be worn if it’s fluffy and flared.
You can use sheer lace as a cape or bolero over your main dress. This is an effective and at the same time “safe” way to wear very transparent lace.
There are also stretchy laces, which can be used for cardigans or tops to wear over a corset or bodysuit.
As for shorts – if you're a fan of lace shorts, they should look playful. That’s why a loose fit is encouraged. (By the way, loose-fitting shorts also make your legs appear slimmer.)
As soon as lace shorts start clinging tightly to the thighs, you start looking like a “runway girl” – if you know what I mean.
I advise you to pay attention to lace accessories. There are many shoes and bags covered in beautiful lace. They immediately create a certain accent while still keeping your outfit tasteful and appropriate.
By the way, check out the online stores and boutiques – lace summer coats look incredibly cool! This is one of those cases where lace can be completely transparent (after all, we wear coats over dresses or other clothes).
Here’s a lace dress look that, personally, I find rather tacky and tasteless.
Maybe the dress is suitable for a red carpet event, but for an average girl, it would look terrible.
How to style a lace dress for everyday wear? The truth is, lace garments aren't made only for luxury events and gala nights. You can create a great everyday look – choose a lace blouse and high-waisted jeans, or wear a lace dress with a light cardigan or a cropped leather jacket. These combinations are excellent choices for a daytime outfit without looking overly formal.
A bright color plus a tight lace pattern like this – it just doesn’t look right. I believe that most tailors could sew a much better version of this “blue disaster.”
Be careful with skirts like this. All stores in the “stylish office wear” category are full of such pieces, whose range can hardly be called either office-appropriate or stylish.
🌈 Colorful lace – the trend for 2025. Colorful lace is an absolute trend! In 2025, classic black and white give way to trendy navy blue, burgundy, mustard, and emerald green styles. Colorful lace brings personality and freshness to your styling, especially in evening dresses or combinations with neutral accessories.
🌿 Eco materials and sustainability. I won’t stop repeating – this is the future of fashion. Look for lace dresses made from organic cotton or other sustainable materials like recycled fibers or eco-friendly production. They combine style with care for the environment. It’s not only ethical but also shows great fashion awareness.
🧼 Caring for lace dresses. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle in the washing machine. If you’re using a machine, always place the dress in a laundry bag. Avoid dryers and high-heat ironing – air drying on a hanger is best.
You can browse all our stylish lace dress suggestions here
Lace is versatile when it comes to occasions — suitable for evening events as well as for everyday style in spring and summer.
Opt for nude or full-coverage underwear underneath lace — especially with light tones and embroidered patterns like Richelieu.
A black lace dress is a classic and works for all occasions, but soft pastel shades are ideal for romantic or daytime looks.
Choose simple metals and classic silhouettes — a clutch, delicate earrings, and elegant sandals or heels.
Pair it with a leather jacket for a rebellious twist or go for colorful lace to create a bold and modern look.