The History of Lace and Lace Dresses
Dresses are a staple of woman's fashion. Whether you want to wear a formal dressfor special occasions or a simple day dress like a shirt dress or skater dress, there are so many sizes, patterns, materials and styles to choose from! One especially popular and timeless type of dress is the lace dress. Women's lace dresses bring a breath of elegance, sophistication and refinement to every outfit. Another great thing about lace dresses is that they can easily be dressed up or down, making them convenient for various occasions.
Lace wasn't always so widely available. The delicate textile characterized by open web-like patterns and designs has been used in clothing and home décor for centuries. In Europe, lace became a popular fashion accessory with the wealthy and nobility. The material was used to make undergarments and dress decorations for those who could afford it. Different regions of Europe developed unique types of lace that became highly prized such as Venetian lace, Genoese lace and Flanders lace. As the technology of making lace improved in Europe, it became more accessible and affordable to the general population. Lace was used for everything from aprons and handkerchiefs to dresses and underwear.
There are various types of lace and lacemaking methods. For example, needle lace is created with needle and thread, while a shuttle or a tatting needle is used for tatted lace. Bobbin lace is wound on bobbins. Examples of bobbin lace include silk Chantilly lace and guipure lace, which is popular for lace wedding dresses. Lace is especially important for wedding attire. A lace wedding dress is a must-have for many brides, and lace is also common for bridesmaid dresses and wedding guest dresses.
Of course, you don't have to wait for a wedding or formal event to wear a lace dress. There are many types of women's lace dresses that can be styled in numerous ways to suit different occasions and aesthetics.
Popular Styles of Lace Dresses
Lace dresses can run the gamut from an allover embroidered lace or tulle lace dress to a dress with lace details like lace overlay, lace panel, lace trim or lace sleeve. Let's take a closer look at some popular types of lace dresses.
White Lace Dress
White dresses are often associated with weddings, especially when they have lace. However, white lace dresses actually come in many styles. If you want to look elegant and preppy, try pairing a white lace midi dress with high heels for a sophisticated summer look. If your fashion style is more alternative, you could juxtapose a white lace mini dress with a faux leather jacket and Dr. Martens boots for an edgy ensemble. If you like boho style, combine a square neck lace crochet dress or tiered mini dress with chunky jewelry.
Black Lace Dress
What's better than a little black dress? A little black lace dress! Just like white lace dresses, black lace mini dresses and shift dresses can be styled into elegant or grungy outfits. A classy mock neck black lace cocktail dress would deserve a place of honor in your collection of party dresses, while a dramatic sweetheart neck black dress with lace sleeves and trim would unleash your inner goth. For a classic go-to piece that suits a variety of occasions and styles, add a scoop neck black lace midi shift dress to your capsule wardrobe.
Red Lace Dress
If your goal is to stand out, then a scarlet red lace dress is the perfect choice. Build a bold and sexy look around a slinky red lace maxi slip dress or V-neck dress. For a subtler but still eye-catching look, try a lace panel wine red short-sleeve dress that falls to knee length.
Lace Maxi Dress
A long-sleeve maxi lace dress is ideal as a sophisticated and modest formal dress for evenings out. For breezy and refined spring and summer looks, a lace maxi sleeveless dress is a versatile piece that can be easily styled for officewear, casual outfits and semi-formal occasions. Throw a cropped cardigan or denim jacket over a lace maxi cami dress for an effortlessly stylish ensemble.
Floral Lace Dress
Lace and florals make a perfect match. Both floral prints and lace dresses are valued for their ability to make every outfit more feminine, romantic and refined, while still keeping things simple and fashionable. Make sure that the floral design is subtle enough so that it doesn't overpower the lace. A tea-length floral embroidered lace dress with puff sleeves or flutter sleeves is a graceful option for cocktail parties and afternoon tea. For a sweet and kawaii look, try a floral printed mini dress with lace ruffle detail. A lace inserted floral midi dress is a lovely choice for a wedding guess dress.
Lace Wedding Dresses
Lace is often used in wedding dresses for good reason. The fine and delicate fabric lends itself to creating beautiful and dreamy looks fit for a bride. Even as wedding dress styles have evolved greatly over the years, lace remains a key element, be it for traditional wispy and opulent bridal gowns or more clean and modern wedding dresses. A floor-sweeping long-sleeve lace wedding dress with a train will make the walk down the aisle all the more memorable, while a tulle and leaf lace short dress is airy yet elegant for an outdoors summer wedding.
Lace goes well with any style, length and neckline of wedding dress, and different types of lace and lace details may appear in one wedding dress. Lace may be used allover or as overlay, netting and embroidery details. Oftentimes, lace may be used for a part of the wedding dress, such as the bodice, yoke or sleeves. Embroidered lace sleeves and cap sleeves are popular designs for those who want a lace wedding dress with sleeves. Beside lace bridal gowns, lace bridesmaid dresses are also standard for wedding events.
Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Lace Dress
While lace dresses are versatile and beautiful, there are some common styling mistakes that can ruin the outfit. Choosing a lace dress that's not appropriate for the occasion will reduce its beauty, no matter how gorgeous the piece may be. For example, you don't want to wear a white lace cocktail dress as a wedding guest dress because you’ll look too much like the bride.
Consider the season and weather. A lace dress with sleeves is great for spring and autumn but wearing a long-sleeve lace maxi dress in the middle of the summer is a bad idea because it will be too hot. Instead, choose a sleeveless or flutter sleeve lace trim midi or mini dress for a breezier outfit. Oversized or overly tight lace dresses don't look good on anyone, so make sure to choose a dress that fits properly.
Be careful to not over-accessorize. Various types of jewelry and accessories go well with lace dresses, such as pearl strand necklaces, but a cleaner and minimalist aesthetic is usually best to avoid clashing with the lace dress. Try to keep the rest of the outfit simple, as combining a lot of accessories with a long-sleeved lace dress can be too much. Sometimes, less is more. You’ll also want to avoid jewelry that might snag the lace.
Women's Lace Dresses for all Occasions
The lace dress is a women’s fashion favorite that has remained popular throughout several centuries. While lacemaking and lace fashion have changed a lot over the years, what hasn’t changed is the sense of delicate and feminine appeal that lace dresses give.
A clothing item initially reserved for nobility, lace dresses have become widely available for everyone, and they can be worn in a variety of ways. Lace dresses are go-to picks for a cocktail dress, prom dress and, of course, wedding dress. Not just for formal dress wear, many types of lace dresses, such as a lace trim floral midi dress or lace cami dress, can also be worn as part of casual or work outfits. Whatever your style, there’s a lace dress out there for you!
