A/W 10 Trend Alert: Luxe Lace Details
Posted: Saturday, November 20, 2010
by Lakeysha Marie
BeautyBodyStyle
Lingerie. Doilies. Elizabethan Collars. Excusing the later, all popular images that come to mind when referencing lace.
As a fashion stylist, I have to admit that lace often gets a bad wrap as a fabric of extremes. Faced with the bleak propaganda of being overtly racy or crisp and stuffy, it's often whisked away to the clearance rack long before the season has ended. But this season designers introduced a modernity to lace that's caught the eyes of style critics world-wide.
With that said, lace is a sensitive fabric that should be worn strategically. We've all witnessed how inappropriate pairings will take this look from classy to trashy in one felled swoop. If you encounter any of the aforementioned lace offenders, just shake your head and read on to learn the top tips for keeping this hot trend in check.
Lace is a versatile textile that looks phenomenal by day or night. "Take the new autumn/winter 2010-11 wide-leg trousers into evening by teaming with a lacy blouse" suggest the fashion forward writers of Vogue.co.uk. Or, keep the look simple by working in this stylishly seductive detail with your favorite accessories.
Stay Focused. Select one lace garment to be the focal point of the outfit and keep the rest of your look simple. In doing so you will balance the lace and ensure you don't arrive looking like a new pair of drapes. In contrast, if the lace only appears in the outfit minimally as a trim, set this demure detail off by accessorizing with shoes or handbags that have lace accents.
Layered It. Keep lace tunics and tops day-time savvy by layering them with a monochrome tank or slip. For example, a peek-a-boo black lace tee looks great over a black satin camisole. Don't forget that lace blouses are a fantastic way to set off a tailored suit, and ruffled lace tops take on a sophisticated air when worn with a pencil skirt and pumps.
-Note: Nude color underpinnings are best reserved for a more glamorous night look.
Body Balance. Lace immediately creates a focal point for the eye, so placement is essential when it comes to disguising figure flaws. Lace tops and lace details along the neckline will bring the eye up and detract from full hips and tummy. Women looking to minimize a fuller upper body will benefit from chic lace skirts paired with a flattering heel.
Think Outside the Box. Add a modern twist to this trend by incorporating metallic lace into your outfit. Metallic lace dresses are perfectly paired with a simple heel, or take on an urban edge by pairing a metallic lace top with dark wash denim. When wearing metallic lace and all over lace styles, keep jewelry to a minimum.
Not so fashion forward? Lace details, accents and trims are an easy way to seamlessly incorporate this trend into a wardrobe. Lace adds textural dimension to any outfit and looks gorgeous when combined with a variety of fabrics. Think sleek leathers, sumptuous silks and cozy tweeds.
Oh, and for those of you who raised a brow at the Elizabethan collar reference, this is not to be confused with the plastic collar worn by our furry four legged friends after surgery. It is in fact a historical reference to the Ruffs most popularly seen around the neck of Elizabeth I and other royalty of the times. Not exactly water cooler talk, but intriguing nonetheless. Who would have thought?
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