Black lace is back, and this party season it’s more glam than gaudy… Chic way to flash a little flesh
- Get black lace wrong and you’re in danger of looking like a 1980s throwback
- READ MORE: This winter’s cosy trend? The scarf coat! (Coat with scarf attached)
Some trends lend themselves to party season with a smoothness to rival that first seasonal sip of Bailey’s. Others are less palatable.
Take black lace, a divisive fabric in most women’s book. Get it wrong, and you’re in danger of looking like an over-dressed 1980s throwback. Get it right, and no one would ever dream of invoking Cyndi Lauper or Cher.
This season, the fabric has undergone a sophisticated makeover of such persuasiveness that even those who hate black, lace or anything remotely transparent will have cause to rethink their stance. In myriad incarnations, whether you’re a Little Black Dress fan or someone whose tastes run more towards the androgynous, the High Street has come up with a style to suit every budget and taste.
Few colours look as chic as black. But during party season, it can look a little dowdy. Black lace, however, is anything but. Like a print, it lends a point of interest to an outfit. Black lace is also a clever means of showing some flesh that also provides a degree of camouflage.
Dare to bare as much or as little as you like, safe in the knowledge that this fabric’s got your back — and your arms and legs, too.
Velvet va-va voom
This classically elegant dress, by LK Bennett, will last you for seasons to come, thanks to its versatile fit and flare shape. As well as its flattering mid-calf length and feminine cap sleeves, it’s a distillation of two trends in one: black velvet, and black lace. Perfect for the indecisive, or those who like to get more bang for their buck, it’s ultra-subtle not to the lace look means it will be a long-term party staple.
Dress, £429, lkbennett.com; shoes, £275, russellandbromley.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
V-neck festive flares
A jumpsuit might not be the first item that springs to mind as a party outfit, but this stylish black lace one by Zara adds a dose of festive flare to the daytime style. The wide-leg trousers are universally flattering, while the deep lace V at the front is subtly seductive. If you don’t like wearing heels, this would look equally great with flat shoes.
Jumpsuit, £79.99, zara.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
Mini might
Mini skirts are a big catwalk trend this season, but you don’t have to go super-short to get the look. This chic lace John Lewis dress falls to a flattering mid-thigh length, but looks shorter thanks to its flippy frill. An opaque underlay makes this a modest take on the lace trend, while the sleeves give great arm coverage while still baring some flesh.
Dress, £139, johnlewis.com; shoes, £325, russellandbromley.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
Optical illusion
Those wanting to make a statement this party season need look no further than this black lace column dress by Mint Velvet. Its asymmetric shoulder is guaranteed to turn heads, as will the optical illusion created by its peach-coloured underlay. It might look transparent, but the wearer can rest assured she’ll reveal nothing more than the slip underneath.
Dress, £229, mintvelvet.com; shoes, £, website.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
Show a leg in a maxi
There’s more than a trace of Grace Kelly in this sophisticated dress, thanks to its simple, chic neckline and slender arms. It would work well with a statement necklace or bold earrings. Its ultra-plain, understated bodice cascades into a waterfall of lace, drawing focus to the legs, which peek seductively from underneath. Those wishing to bare less could wear it with semi-opaque or coloured tights.
Dress, £89, albaray.com; shoes, £275, russellandbromley.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
Time to take a bow
The pussy bow on this River Island dress lends it a prim and proper air that plays against black lace’s loucher connotations in a clever way. The diamond-effect buttons snaking down the front also add a point of interest, enlivening the hue and providing a welcome dose of festive sparkle. Slim-fit sleeves, falling to the elbow, give coverage in an elegant way.
Dress, £75, riverisland.com, shoes, £130, boden.co.uk; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk; earrings, £79, daisyjewellery.com; ring, £38, orelia.co.uk; ring, £125, daisyjewellery.com
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