Fashion Challenge: Lacy Whites
Photo Credits: 1 – Anna Kendrick, 2 – Hannah S. via Lookbook, 3 – nvme6768 via Chictopia
Little white dresses are always popular when the weather gets warm, but this season they have a new twist–lace. It’s difficult to wear white lace without looking like a runaway bride (or a baby doll), but if worn correctly, white lace can add just the right touch of girlish charm to your summer wardrobe.
Lace sometimes gets a bad rap in the fashion world for being too childish (or too uptight–umm, can anyone say Victorian Era?), but a touch of white lace has a carefree vibe that works with almost any style; so even if your look is a little more urban-chic than Lolita, you can still incorporate this trend into your closet. Think you’re up to the Fashion Challenge?
Tips and Tricks for Rocking White Lace
- Go all out. Don’t be afraid to embrace two trends at once. White lace is a great opportunity to work the sheer trend as well–just be sure to layer for appropriate coverage.
- Mix and match. Use white lace to doll-up menswear inspired pieces like a tailored trouser or short. This helps prevent the runaway bride look, and also keeps you from looking too cutesy.
- Go white on white. Don’t be afraid to accent your white lace with, well, more white. White on white is a classic look, but a little lace adds interest. Break things up by throwing on a blazer or belting the waist of whatever you’re wearing.
Get The Look
Product Information: Lace blouse – ModCloth, Silk scarf – ModCloth, Oxfords – Urban Outfitters, Pinstripe shorts – The Outnet, Belt – Forever 21, Watch – Urban Outfitters, Red bangle – Charm & Chain
For this outfit, I chose menswear-inspired pieces (pinstripe shorts, oxfords, and a boyfriend-style watch) to tone down the femininity of the white lace top. I would layer this gorgeous lace blouse over a slinky white tank and tie the scarf in a super-chic french twist around my neck. The best part about this look is that you can easily transition it into fall by adding thick tights and/or a blazer.
So, will you take the Fashion Challenge?
Do you love the look of white lace, or is this challenge too girly for your taste? Would you prefer your white lace in dress, skirt, or blouse form?
Already work this trend? Send us pictures of you in your lacy whites and we’ll feature them here!* As always, we are open to suggestions for future fashion challenges and we’d love to hear from you!
* Send your outfit pictures to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion DOT net! – be sure to include your name and where you go to school, as well as a description of what you’re wearing in the photo! (See examples here and here!)
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Posted on on June 23, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Featured, Lace, little white dress, Spring/Summer 2010, white lace
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Charlene
I absolutely am embracing this new lace trend that’s sweeping over this summer. :) I have this oversized white lace dress that I love wearing– instant ethereal quality. I love your suggestions to pair it with menswear-inspired pieces, too!
anubha
i agree with charlene…it does add an ethereal quality!! love lace,black and white :)
Diane
I do really love this article, and I can’t wait to buy some lacy pieces myself. The only thing I’m just upset about is how you said lace can look up tight like the Victorian era. Sorry but the Victorian era fashion wise is pretty amazing, even with the corsets.
Jen
I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect white lace blouse. I love the one you posted in the outfit actually. Though I don’t know if I’ll wear it enough to warrant buying that specific one. Great post though!
Gracey
I do love white lace, it’s so pretty and cute.
I really love that scarf you paired with it :)
Nicole Kim
I like the outfit presented. It has a very classy vibe to it!
Sari
This might just be too dressy for me, but that watch?! My goodness, I feel in love- and then I saw the price tag. Sad face.
Audrey - Ohio State University
Diane,
I love Victorian Era style too (especially the cameo jewelry, high necklines…and obviously lace!), but there is no denying the extent to which they use lace is a bit overwhelming. Not that it’s not wearable (or awesome!).
Check out this Style.com collection for awesome Victorian-Gothic looks (I am pretty much obsessed with the second look from Alexander McQueen 2006).
Sari,
Sorry about the price! If you’re looking for something similar for cheaper, I’ve found a lot of great menswear watches at thrift stores for only a couple bucks. Maybe try your local goodwill?
Hope it helps!
Suzi
Lace is a bit fussy for my tastes, I go for crochet accents and eyelet.
Sari
Thanks for the tip, Audrey!
ELLEN
OMG… lace, LACE!!!??
I’m SOOOOOOO in love with laces. I have lacy dress, tank and skirt and I just love them! But my dress is long sleeves and I was thinking of how to wear it this season. I think pairing it with menswear pieces like picture 2 is really great idea! I just brought deep purple tailored trousers so maybe I will try them on with my lacy dress.
For those who want to try this trend but afraid it’s too girlish, lacy black maybe a better choice ‘coz it gives more of the glamour sexy looks than girly looks
and your suggested look is great and I will absolutely follow this look :)
Susan Shieldkret
Very nice suggestions. Maybe I should try experimenting on the lacy stuffs I have now. Thanks for posting. If you get the chance, feel free to visit some of my collections at my site.
Stel
oooh I’ve had my eye on a white lace skirt for a wee while, this article makes me think that I should take the plunge and buy it.
I’d wear it with stockings and a merino though! its the middle of winter here. So no bare arms and legs for me!
Yvonne
White lace is pretty as a top, skirt or dress. Love it all!