Lace has long been associated with romance, femininity, and vintage charm. But this season, designers have reimagined lace as a bold, modern statement. Whether you’re dressing for work, a night out, or a casual brunch, lace can add texture, sophistication, and a touch of the unexpected. Let’s have a look at how to give lace a modern edge – with a capsule of lace outfits.

The best way to wear it is not to wear too much of it – and to mix your lace with contrasting textures like denim, leather or cashmere. Take a look below for our favorite lace pieces we’ve spotted this season, along with plenty of outfit inspiration.

Where to look for lace

If you do want to add a touch of lace to your closet this season, here are some brands we’ve noticed that have stylish lace pieces in stock right now.

Emms wears a cream skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above wears a monochrome cream lace outfit.

Check out this similar striped top, cardigan, skirt, boots, handbag, earrings and belt.

lace

Now that you’re thinking about brands to look out for, and to mix up your textures, let’s take a look at a capsule we’ve created, featuring lace for the new winter and fall season.

tops

A lace top is a super easy way to add this trend to your existing looks. Just team with your favorite jeans or wide-leg pants and you’re ready for a semi-casual night outfit. Lace tops are a fantastic idea for dinner, as the rest of you will be hidden under the table anyway. Look for long sleeves for cooler weather, or wear them under a blazer or a cozy cardigan. If your lace top is super sheer, you can always add a camisole underneath.

Lace tops for fall | 40plusstyle.com

The Noli Shop Jena Lace Button Up ShirtLands’ End Chiffon and Lace BlouseMANGO Perkins Collar Lace TopDÔEN Lilibet Lace Organic Cotton Crop Top

Cream top and black skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Chiffon and Lace BlouseVince Lace Midi SkirtNaturalizer Harmony Mary Jane FlatsFarm Rio Flower Suede BagDemarson Sandro Rhodium-Plated Hoop Earrings

Marie-Louise in a red suit | 40plusstyle.com

Marie-Louise @mrsmlmode opts for a beautiful lace co-ordinated set that is perfect for the upcoming party season. Note that she keeps the rest of her shoes and accessories simple, letting her lace suit be the star of the show.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (other options here and here), pants, necklace and flats.

Jackets and cardigans

If you have a sleeveless dress you no longer wear because you prefer to cover your arms, a little lace jacket or cardigan is the answer. These also pair beautifully with any of your jeans, skirts, or pants to keep you warm enough in cooler weather, while being very on-trend.

Lace jackets and cardigans | 40plusstyle.com

Generation Love Amber Lace Faux Leather JacketGeneration Love Joanie 3D Lace JacketMing Wang Geometric Cutout JacketBoden Leticia Lace Trim Cardigan

Floral cardigan and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Generation Love Joanie 3D Lace JacketFRAME Le Slim Palazzo JeansJewel Badgley Mischka Elliot MuleNina Boujee Crystal Lace ClutchGOGNGTR Fabric Flower Earrings

Pants and skirts

While you tend to think of wearing lace on your top half, with a lace shirt or blouse, lace skirts or even pants are also very stylish. Wear with a cashmere sweater to contrast textures, a plain tank top or t-shirt, and a blazer, or a white shirt.

Lace skirts | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Straight-fit Lace PantsOpen Edit Lace Trim Satin Midi SkirtBOSS Velacey Lace Detail Pleated Asymmetric Satin SkirtVince Lace Midi Skirt

Lace pants and silk top outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above opts for lace pants with a silky shirt.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, pants, handbag, sandals and necklace.

Dresses

Dresses with lace detailing work wonderfully for winter and fall. For party season, choose silky materials and asymmetry. For more casual days, choose wool with lace elements and wear with boots.

Lace dresses | 40plusstyle.com

dh New York Sol Combo Sweater DressBoden Lace Insert Knitted Midi DressH&M Scarf-detail DressReiss Anais Lace-Trim Cocktail Dress

Jess in a lace dress | 40plusstyle.com

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish chooses a lace dress with sandals. You could make this fall or winter-ready by adding tights and long boots.

Get her look with this similar dress (long option here), sandals, handbag and earrings.

Shoes and boots

Shoes or boots with lace details are a great way to add the lace trend to your existing outfits. Just keep the rest of your look simple.

Lace shoes and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Jewel Badgley Mischka Elliot MuleComfortview The Poppy SlingbackNaturalizer Morrison 2.1 SneakersPerphy Block Heel Floral Lace Ankle Boots

Lace sweater and skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Favorite Daughter The Bonnie Cashmere Mock Turtleneck SweaterBOSS Velacey Lace Detail Pleated Asymmetric Satin SkirtNaturalizer Morrison 2.1 SneakersCult Gaia Kazia Nano Suede Top Handle BagDemarson Sandro Rhodium-Plated Hoop Earrings

Accessories

You could also add lace to your accessories. Choose a lace clutch bag for party season, wear a lace scarf with your wool coat. Or if you’re heading off on vacation, a lace tote bag makes a good beach bag.

Lace accessories | 40plusstyle.com

JNZGYBW Lace Woven Shoulder BagNina Boujee Crystal Lace ClutchGOGNGTR Fabric Flower EarringsCindy and Wendy Leaf Lace Fringes Scarf

Lace dress and high boots | 40plusstyle.com

dh New York Sol Combo Sweater DressSteve Madden Dantelle BootsFarm Rio Flower Suede BagGOGNGTR Fabric Flower Earrings

What to wear with your lace

Jona wears leopard print | 40plusstyle.com

Jona @the50plusgirl adds a hint of lace on her top.

Check out this similar camisole (another option here). jacket, pants, flats, handbag and sunglasses.

Of course, you won’t want to wear lace top to toe. Below we’ve chosen some clothes, shoes, and accessories to incorporate into your lace outfits.

What to wear with lace | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched BlazerFavorite Daughter The Bonnie Cashmere Mock Turtleneck SweaterFRAME
Le Slim Palazzo Jeans
Naturalizer Harmony Mary Jane FlatsSteve Madden Dantelle BootsFarm Rio Flower Suede BagCult Gaia Kazia Nano Suede Top Handle BagDemarson Sandro Rhodium-Plated Hoop Earrings

Your lace outfits together in one capsule

Below you can see how you could put together your lace outfits. Any of the lace tops will go with the jeans. You can wear the cream blazer over anything (it also comes in black if you prefer). And, you could wear any of the sweaters with the lace skirts.

Lace capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. The Power of Texture: Wearing Leather & Suede with Confidence
  2. How to add draping elements to your outfits
  3. The skirt hem-length of the season, and how to wear it

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Lace outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk

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