Lace Gets a Bad Rep—27 Items That Are Single-Handedly Rewriting the Narrative

Lace can either go great or terribly wrong—there's really no in-between. With its ties to lingerie, the delicate fabric, when transitioned into the world of ready-to-wear, can stray too far in the direction of tacky instead of refined and romantic. No matter how often designers try to reel it back in, success is rarely achieved. But something to do with the material changed in the last year, resulting in a renaissance of sorts for all things lace—just in time for fall.

If you ask me, its success lies in designers finally embracing the romance and sexiness of lace and really steering clear of anything overly sleepwear-like. Pieces by labels like Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Khaite, and Beaufille are styled with pencil skirts, tailored outerwear, and sleek trousers and constructed with bold collars, velvet touches, and billowy sleeves. Bright, neon colors have been taken out of the equation, and emphasis is being placed on far more classic black and white designs that allow for easier styling and increased versatility. In other words, there are no longer any blockades in place to stop you from dipping your toe in the chic and sophisticated world of lace. For further proof, see how the fabric's being worn to perfection on the runways and Instagram alike.