The Dress Trend Fashion People Still Canāt Quit
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Nicole KliestFri, April 17, 2026 at 9:09 PM UTC
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How to Style a Lace-Trim DressGetty Images
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Boudoir-inspired pieces have always had a way of softening an outfit. Velvet smoking slippers, hammered silk camisoles, and liquid-like pajama sets bring a sense of elegance that, despite the clichƩ, still feels effortless. While some of these pieces can be tricky to work into an everyday wardrobe, one stands out as especially easy to justify: the lace-trim dress.
If youāll recall, this look has been quietly building momentum since CĆ©lineās Phoebe Philo era, when for the houseās Spring 2016 collection the designer sent models down the runway in black-and-white lace-trim dresses and tank tops. More recently, the trend has reappeared at labels like Simone Rocha and RohĆ©, often with unexpected lace placement or fresher color combinations. Then there are Chemena Kamaliās covetable lace-trim gowns for ChloĆ©, which would make an especially beautiful choice for a spring or summer wedding guest look.
For spring, consider adding a delicate panel of lace to your wardrobe. The texture is inherently romantic, but the beauty of a lace-trim dress lies in its versatility. You can ground it with pared-back pieces, like a crisp poplin shirt layered overtop, or lean into the sultrier side with strappy sandals and gleaming jewelry. Ahead, eight outfits that prove just how versatile the lace-trim dress can be.
Color Coordinated
While a black-and-white combination will always evoke a Philo sensibility, a colorful lace-trim dress deserves a place in your wardrobe, too. Lean into springās cheerier palettes with a baby blue slip, a green cardigan, and a rainbow-hued necklace.
Dress Over Pants
Despite its reputation as a niche fashion move, wearing a dress over pants is surprisingly easy when youāre working with a lightweight lace-trim slip. The contrast between the boudoir-inspired dress and wide-leg cargo pants feels especially fresh, particularly with simple thong sandals.
An Ode to the Classics
One of the easiest ways to test-drive a new trend is to style it with the pieces you already wear on repeat. A pink lace-trim dress may feel like a statement, but layer it under an oversized white shirt and add some neutral accessories, and it instantly feels more grounded.
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Evening Elegance
For dinner dates and cocktail parties, it doesnāt take much to make a lace-trim dress feel dressed up. The simplicity of the silhouette does most of the workājust add a pair of low heels, perhaps a ā90s-inspired mule, and simple jewelry.
Lightly Layered
If you love the idea of lace but want something a little less overt, layer a simple tee over a lace-trim slip dress and finish with capris. Paired with point shoe-inspired ballet flats, the result feels especially current.
Sunday Style
For an outfit with a relaxed, weekend feel, style a printed lace-trim mini with an eyelet head scarf and a denim jacket. A pair of Maison Margiela Tabi Slingbacks adds just the right amount of contrast.
ā90s Coded
Lean into the ā90s references that continue to shape street style of late with a look built around the decadeās essentials: a slip dress, cardigan, strappy sandals, and silver jewelry. Itās simple, understated, and always works.
Polished Polka Dots
For occasions that call for something slightly dressier, pair a lace-trim dress with an oversized blazer. The combination feels balanced and polished, especially with low heels and understated jewelry.
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