As someone who wears jeans or trousers 99% of the time, it takes a lot for me to swap my usual pants for something softer like a skirt or dress. If I do, it needs to be for a style that feels especially cool and of-the-moment because otherwise, I'm just not a big dress person. There's one major dress trend that's making me set aside my staple pants for, though, and it couldn't be any more "fall 2025" if it tried.
I'm talking about lace-trimmed dresses, of course, the trend that has been bubbling up since the spring but is now reaching a full fever pitch. Designers including Fendi, Chloé, Saint Laurent, Phoebe Philo, and Alberta Ferretti all featured the romantic detail in their fall collections, and coming off of the summer of viral lace-trim shorts and slip skirts, there's zero doubt in my mind that lace-trimmed dresses will become the go-to way to wear the romantic trend for the upcoming season.
After what has felt like a long period where stark minimalism and sharp tailoring has been the defining aesthetics at the forefront of fashion, romance is once again back in the spotlight. Ahead, see how fashion people are wearing lace-trimmed dresses right now, where they were featured on the fall runways, and shop our top picks.
Another day, another Dôen banger.
A subtle, and ultimately timeless, take on the trend.
Chloé basically invented this trend.
This color!
Just add pretty flats.
Reformation always gets it so right.
Date night is calling.
A dress so iconic it continues to sell out year after year.
*The* Zara item to buy right now.
The asymmetric hem is what makes it feel so modern.
The contrasting lace panel is so right.
The Italians have perfected romantic dressing, and this dress is proof.
A personal favorite.
Snag it for 30% while Mango is running its Labor Day sale. Use code is MANGO30.
Trendy but ultimately so wearable.
You really can't beat that price.
The style I just added to my closet.
To style on its own or layer like the above outfit.
Gap continues to be that girl.
Wear it underneath a leather bomber jacket for the perfect fall look.
Love the placement of the lace paneling here.
Simple but effective.
Let the lace panel peek out from underneath an oversize blazer.
It's a boho fall.
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