Delicate lace is having a moment – here’s how to make it look modern

Delicate lace is everywhere right now, adding a soft edge to everything from daywear to evening looks. From silken boxer shorts to lace-adorned camisole tops, lingerie dressing was one of the summer trends that had the biggest impact on how people actually got dressed. Rather than the shock factor of clickbait naked dressing, this underwear-as-outerwear mood is more romantic and vintage-inspired – think gossamer-thin tanks and lace-adorned bloomers that look like they’ve been unearthed from a trunk in Portobello, rather than a Valentine’s Day gift. Brands like Chloé, Givenchy, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent are continuing to stick to this “undone” styling for autumn/winter 2025, with lace trims poking out from ankle-skimming coats and knitwear.

With New York and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks behind us, we have ample material for how to style this look in a modern way. Instead of heavy lace, it’s all about subtle touches and detailing that you’d typically find with lingerie – a delicate trim along the hemline of a skirt or framing a neckline. In New York, the fashion set has largely stuck to a monochrome colour palette, with artful layering of asymmetric tanks over slip skirts, camisoles tucked into tailored trousers or skirts layered over jeans.

To stop it looking like you are wearing pyjamas, it’s best to keep the rest polished and considered, whether with the addition of tailoring or elegant accessories. Keep it looking day appropriate by avoiding anything else too revealing or lingerie-inspired – this is all about subtlety, rather than anything too suggestive. A pair of simple high-waisted jeans, for example, would work better than tight leather trousers.

Vogue’s associate fashion director Madeline Fass mastered this balance at New York Fashion Week in a black pencil skirt with white delicate lace trim by Beaufille with vintage Celine heels and a crew-neck top. Beaufille is a brand that has perfected this modern approach to lace, with monochrome tailoring spliced with a flash of white lace – keeping the overall silhouette simple and minimalist stops it from tipping into bridal or Victoriana territory.

Asymmetric camisole + lace-trim slip skirt:

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Zara – Asymmetric Lace Dress

Rixo – Stassie Satin Midi-Skirt

Net-A-Porter – Stella Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Lace camisole + checked shirt + tailored trousers:

Valentina Valdinoci

COS – Checked Flannel Shirt

Massimo Dutti – Wool Trousers

& Other Stories – Leather Bowling Bag

Lace-trim skirt + crew-neck knit:

Francesca Babbi

H&M – Fine-Knit Cashmere Jumper

Beaufille – Miuccia Skirt

Essen The Label – The Perfect Pump Black

Gucci – Gucci Giglio Small Tote Bag

Lace-trim dress + trousers + pendant necklace:

Francesca Babbi

Zara – Combined Lace Camisole Dress

& Other Stories – Press Crease Trousers

COS – Hammered Pendant Necklace

Selfridges – Giio Leather Loafers

Lace skirt + jeans + shirt:

Valentina Valdinoci

Allsaints -Tiered Lace Midi-Skirt

Net-A-Porter Relaxed Jeans

Dune – Harness Leather Biker Boots

Shop more lace pieces:

Net-A-Porter – Obelia Corded Lace-Trimmed Silk- Satin Midi-Dress

Net-A-Porter – Kira Corded Lace-Trimmed Silk- Satin Camisole

Mango – Satin Camisole Dress

Intimissimi – Silk Slip with Lace Isert Detail

Net-A-Porter – Kira Corded Lace-Trimmed Silk- Satin Camisole

Intimissimi – Silk Shorts with Lace

This story first appeared on Vogue.co.uk.