Lace Skirt Love

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Lace Skirt Love

— by Angie

on May 14, 2012

I might be becoming more romantic because lace and I are developing a great fondness for one another. For a few years now I’ve had a black lace skirt on my shopping list, but have yet to find the perfect one that fits into my style budget (I seem to fall hard for the ones that cost thousands of dollars). But I’m patient in this respect and will hold out for the right item.

The lace skirt is one of those versatile classic and timeless items that can be styled and manipulated to portray all sorts of fashion personas. Classic, retro, romantic, and elegant on the one hand. Modern, gothic, flirty, fun, arty, and spunky on the other. It really depends on the style of the skirt itself, and the items that you match it up with.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic: Add a white shirt and pumps
Alternative: Add Doc Marten boots and a graphic tee
Edgy: Add a T-shirt, leather jacket and booties
Romantic: Add a soft ruffled blouse, floral heels and pearls
Retro: Add a patterned blouse and mary janes
Modern: Add an oversized high-low striped knit top with wedged cage heels

Or, just add a layering top with a denim jacket and dressy shoes because that trusty formula is flop proof.

I tend to think that a knee- or midi-length lace skirt in neutral colours is more timeless and ageless — either flared or fitted. Dress it up or down, and haul it out whenever you feel a little romantic and dramatic. Anyone else feeling lace skirt love? Do you prefer lace over sequins?

Bottoms

61 comments · Add a comment

Sigrid

I can totally see you wear this and look fantastic, Angie! Especially the edgy and the modern looks appeal to me. However, for me and my life style, a lace skirt probably would be to dressy, and even if I styles it to dress it down, I would feel to…visible and noticeable, perhaps? I can still use your styling ideas for other skirts!

May 14, 2012 at 3:38 am

rute

Veteran

I love! I saw one similar to the one of the 3rd photo but in navy that I’m thinking of buying when my syc ends!

May 14, 2012 at 4:02 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

Oh! Thank you for this post! I’m so glad because I have a couple of retro pencil lace skirts inherited from my mother that I’m dying to wear.

May 14, 2012 at 4:13 am

HeleenH

Veteran

I have a lace dress but unfortunately the material was damaged by a tear in my bicycle saddle. This told me to be more carefull when wearing lace. Right now I cannot imagine wearing a lace skirt, but if the right one came along, who knows?

May 14, 2012 at 4:14 am

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I love lace skirts and definitely prefer them to sequins. I don’t think I have one now, but I have a little black lace dress that I sometimes wear a pullover sweater over to give the lace skirt effect.

I admire your organization and self-control with shopping. I’m curious, are you ever shopping and just fall inlove with something (in your budget) and get it even if it’s not on your list?

May 14, 2012 at 4:21 am

Claudia

I love lace skirts, and lace on dresses and tops as well. I prefer lace over sequins. But realistically a lace skirt doesn’t fit into my current lifestyle. Too dressy for work and play, and not enough other occasions for wearing to make adding one practical.

May 14, 2012 at 4:47 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

My heart still belongs to sequins, but lace is a close second. I’ve been looking for a skirt but not found the perfect one yet either. I would wear that 1st look pretty much as is. I have a few lace top items, but nothing for the bottom. I just worry about snagging so it either has to be strong or not too pricey for me. I also am torn between loving the pencil skirt and the flowy but have seen none of the flowy versions in store so thing I must get fixated on that pronto so I can suffer appropriately

May 14, 2012 at 5:10 am

teeandcee

Active Member

I’m not a fan of lace anything, but I think that’s because I’ve seen it done so horribly wrong so much. I have a white flowy cotton skirt that has lace incorporated into it that I love but it doesn’t read as lacey.

I do like that orange skirt.

I know someone here is going to do some amazing things with lace and totally change my mind.

May 14, 2012 at 5:14 am

lyn67

Veteran

I always love a lace dress for formall(thus don’t own at the moment), and looking for so long time for the perfect lace skirt myself, too. I also preffer it to sequins of any kind. Thus I am not really fond of tulle anymore(for my age) but really love a heavyweight bigger patterned and texturred(almost crochetted like) lace. This one
http://www.bonprix.hu/bh/offer.....8;pr=39188
it tickles my fancy, too- but sadly, there is not available in my size.

May 14, 2012 at 5:49 am

Joy

Veteran

I have a black lace skirt very much like the RL one (1st in 3rd row) that I need to get brave enough to wear more casually. I much prefer lace over sequins, especially for a skirt. Thank you for these great guidelines for wearing them. I’m leaning toward the Classic or even Edgy with a leather jacket but the Modern idea sounds like fun. I’d love to see an example of this and hope someone posts it on the Forum.

May 14, 2012 at 5:52 am

patti

(website)

Active Member

Love these! Esp the Reiss – I love a full, swishy skirt. But I adore the red fitted one from ASOS too – except is is just about sold out. Wonderful collection.

May 14, 2012 at 5:58 am

Diana

Veteran

Oooh, pretty! I particularly like that top blue one with the lovely, big, swirly pattern. I would wear lace skirts in either the Alternative or Edgy looks, as I think they tend towards sweet and need some toughening up. I don’t own any lace skirts right now, and one of the reasons is that I think that lace is one of those materials that you have to go high-end for. The lace items in cheaper stores tend to feel really gross, cheap, scratchy, and stiff. Makes sense as lace is traditionally a very high-end, labor-intensive material.

May 14, 2012 at 6:04 am

Kelly

(website)

Active Member

I love lace. Love, love, love, love it.

I have a black lace dress that I got from someone on this forum and I had another black lace skirt that I actually got rid of when I moved. The fit was never quite right. I wouldn’t mind replacing it, though. I have a pinkish lace top as well and a couple of camisoles edged in lace. I also just bought some “bicycle shorts” to wear under skirts for when I bike, and they have lace on them (from WalMart, in case anyone else is interested).

Did I mention I love lace?

May 14, 2012 at 6:12 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love lace! Lace blouses, skirts, dresses…you name it! I love the different vibes you can get from a lace item depending what you pair it with – so thank you for the options above.

May 14, 2012 at 6:16 am

Jamie

Veteran

I love lace! However, I don’t love all lace pieces. I prefer something sleek and streamlined, like the pencil skirts you’ve featured. I have one black lace pencil skirt (guipure over satin), and I wear it for formal occasions. I love your ideas of styling them down and with different vibes. I’ll have to give that a try, or maybe find one in a non-black neutral that would be easier to style for day wear?! Oh, and I’d also like to have a lace sheath dress.

May 14, 2012 at 6:39 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am really picky about lace — I prefer it to be more graphic than sweet — but I could see adding a lace pencil skirt to m wardrobe if I found the right one. I purged a black eyelet A-line skirt because it is now too big, so black lace could be a nice replacement. As long as it seems a sturdy, substantial fabric and not so delicate that I’m afraid to wear it.

I just got a lace top, which I love, and it got rave reviews in the forum, so I think my affection for lace may be growing.

May 14, 2012 at 6:47 am

Jonesy

Veteran

Love, especially when contrasted with something more rugged, edgy, or boyish (e.g., the first one with the leather moto and black booties). If I had to choose, I would go for the patterns that are more grid-like or less flowery, like the orange Asos pencil, but I also like the more traditional lace patterns too, if paired with less sweet stuff.

May 14, 2012 at 6:48 am

Tanya

Veteran

What a timely and useful post Angie! I own a lace skirt and have been thinking that I should try and wear it more often, but needed ideas. It is very similar to the navy one in the third row, but mine is black lace with nude lining. I am also looking for styling ideas on how to really dress it up for cocktail dress code.
I love lace, and also own two dresses and a couple of tops in lace, plus a lot of other items with lace trims. I like sequins too, but barely have them in my wardrobe.

May 14, 2012 at 6:50 am

celia

Veteran

I am a big fan of lace and am very glad that there are a lot of options this year.

May 14, 2012 at 6:57 am

Meredith

Active Member

Oooh! I do love these, and there are so many cute ones!!!!

May 14, 2012 at 7:17 am

Sihaya

Veteran

Love the idea.Wonder how easy they would be to tear – I’m usually standing all day and hard on my clothes. I love the black one from Nordstrom’s and it’s above my budget too!

May 14, 2012 at 7:21 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

I love lace and I prefer it over sequins. I really like the idea of pairing it with something casual and/or tougher like a t-shirt, denim, or leather. I am drawn to both skirts in the second row.

May 14, 2012 at 7:22 am

carrie c

Active Member

I have a long brown over nude lace skirt that I have worn only for dressy events. I can’t picture dressing it down, but maybe there’s a way. After reading this post, I’m ready to try.

May 14, 2012 at 7:23 am

cheryl

Veteran

I am a sequin girl all the way, but i do love that shorter, flouncier skirt you posted. Just lovely!

May 14, 2012 at 7:47 am

esme noir

(website)

Active Member

i don’t think lace is my thing (actually, i imagine my husband would not like it!), but that said, i love the blue junya watanbe skirt!

May 14, 2012 at 7:49 am

Saretta

(website)

Active Member

I hadn’t considered the lace skirt, hmmm. That light blue one, or the yellow, are quite lovely!

May 14, 2012 at 8:02 am

rachylou

Veteran

Don’t know if I’m feeling the love, but I was looking at a grey lace skirt of mine on Saturday…

May 14, 2012 at 8:05 am

Aziraphale

Veteran

I guess I never feel romantic or dramatic, because I’m not feeling the love. I don’t hate them on others, but I’m not attracted to lace in general. Maybe if I was a 20-year-old goth, and the skirt was a black midi-length one. Otherwise lace just reminds me of undergarments.

May 14, 2012 at 8:50 am

Tatilie

Active Member

I own a knee-length A line black lace skirt that I only wear at more formal evening events. I really like the way the skirt fits and falls (it’s lined with a heavy silk fabric so it hangs and drapes nicely) and was just looking at it again yesterday while cleaning my closet. Maybe I will try it with a t-shirt, denim jacket and some low heels and it can start making appearances during the day and get more wear.

May 14, 2012 at 9:09 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer lace to sequins too. I loved the ’80s but was not into lace back then, although it was a huge trend. Odd. I am making up for lost time.

Rute, I hope you get that skirt.

Krishnidoux, I look forward to seeing you sport your vintage lace skirts on the forum.

Diana, I so agree that inexpensive lace can look nasty, which is why I am drawn to the unaffordable styles. There has to be a happy medium!

Tanya, matching your skirt with a silky top or tuxedo jacket with bling and refined footwear will transform your lace skirt to cocktail code.

If I had a lace skirt, I would love to dress it down most of all – with a denim jacket. But matching it with a menswear blue shirt or denim shirt would be next on my list. I REALLY want a black lace skirt, but without the nude lining.

May 14, 2012 at 9:24 am

Beth Ann

Veteran

What a lovely group of skirts! I’d love a long midi version for singing purposes, but my real life would require a style I could dress down. I do have a white eyelet midi I’m planning to re-mix for summer. I’ll use some of these ideas! Thanks, Angie!

May 14, 2012 at 9:56 am

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

My texture-loving self just adores lace, and I could see myself having fun with a lace skirt. It’s not high on my shopping list, though, because a lace top I found late last year is one of my favourite items aeven though it doesn’t come out to play all that often yet. I can’t wait to pair it with a faded denim skirt and leopard pumps for a fun summer look.
That said, it the perfect lace midi skirt came my way (I’m thinking sleak and black), I wouldn’t be likely to refuse it.

May 14, 2012 at 10:06 am

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Beautiful skirts! I love lace – it can look romantic and modern. The navy lace-overlay dress Kate Middleton wore in Quebec last summer is a perfect example!

May 14, 2012 at 10:33 am

Theodora

Active Member

Angie, I love lace! That skirt from Asos is so cool too, with the thicker type of lace, but it is sold out in most small sizes (: Now I am wondering if this is the best idea of what to do with a great black lace dress i have that I never actually wear. It is kind of dressy, and I never go anywhere, and short for my age. Maybe I should have it made in to a skirt?

May 14, 2012 at 10:52 am

christieanne

Veteran

I adore a lace skirt! During my recent closet purges, a black lace pencil skirt similar to the one you posted was the sole survivor item that doesn’t really fit me anymore. I just couldn’t bear to part with it unless I find the perfect taker in person.
When I wore that for work, I would debombshell it – a boxier cashmere sweater for top or make it a little more day time with a simple sweater set.

I think it makes a difference on what fabric the lace is on – I prefer the cotton lace such as the black pencil and orange eyelet pictured over the shinier versions.

You should really have a lace skirt Angie

May 14, 2012 at 11:00 am

Scarlet

Veteran

I do love the idea of a lace skirt (I saw the perfect one 6 years ago, but had no occasion), but I prefer a pencil or slim A-line style. The more voluminous styles are just too romantic for my style.

May 14, 2012 at 11:25 am

Echo

Veteran

I love the idea of a lace skirt, but I would need instruction on how to style it casually and not look like a teen-angst wannbe at my age. I can see wearing it for a nicer occasion, but pairing it with Docs just isn’t a possibility! I need lessons in dressing down.

May 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

san

Veteran

I definately prefer lace over sequins. To me they are so totally different. Lace is very romantic and all of those other ways you described it. The skirts you show here are so gorgeous. I love the drama without the flash, for myself. I do like sequins on others. I can’t wait to see the lace skirt you do find for yourself.

May 14, 2012 at 1:05 pm

ironkurtin

Veteran

Yes! I really, really, really want one – hoping the perfect one shows up SOMEday!

May 14, 2012 at 1:12 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

A year ago I would have said no, but obviously my taste and style preferences keep evolving and I had actually been looking at the Reiss lace skirt (in sea green). I love an elegant lace pencil skirt dressed down with a cheeky denim jacket (your recent outfit formula) and like all the outfit suggestions you are describing here.
I think the right one can be timeless and would make you feel fab, chic and lady-like every time you wear it.
(and yes, I prefer lace over sequins too)

May 14, 2012 at 1:21 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

I don’t have any lace but I do like it better than sequins. The punchy colors are a nice update, too, giving less of a Victorian/Goth feel. I can’t say if I’d wear a lace skirt or not, but never say never.

May 14, 2012 at 1:40 pm

mamark

Active Member

I have this skirt

http://www.amazon.com/Eileen-F.....B007NY9XCC

I need to find more ways to wear it. I sometimes wear it as sort of a petticoat under black skirts I find slightly too short, but I should really branch out. I love the look of it.

May 14, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Debbie

Veteran

I absdlutely adore that REISS skirt. I may have to yeild to temptation!

May 14, 2012 at 2:14 pm

cindy

love the lace look. I like the straight skirt style .. the lace texture camouflages some of hip and tummy chub!

May 14, 2012 at 3:03 pm

fauxpas

Active Member

LOVE lace so have to chime in. It seems it never really goes out of style–whether just a touch or the whole darn thing! I found this great black stretchy lace dress last year and LOVE it. I can dress it up with the expected jewelry and heels but it is so fun with a denim jacket and cowboy boots—it is comfy, hugs in all the right places I’ve made it the perfect foil with a menswear inspired jacket. LOVE lace!

May 14, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I love my lace skirt! I need to pull it out and work on getting some outfits together…maybe you can help me with this! Mine is a-line and quite flattering on me. I prefer this over sequins because I have curvy hips, bottom and thighs, and sequins on the bottom are not in my comfort zone.

May 14, 2012 at 4:48 pm

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Oh, this is exciting, because I have two lace skirts that have been sitting idle and with the infusion of your edgy and modern styling techniques, they may see the light of day again. One is a black lace flared midi and the other is very similar to the Valentino and is a short black-over-taupe skater skirt that I’ve worn with leggings and a black peplum cashmere top buttoned up to the neck. I really love the sleek design and pattern of the red-orange ASOS skirt.

Giving lace a bit of edge with the other pieces is a great idea to give my lace more exposure. Thanks, Angie.

May 14, 2012 at 5:22 pm

Jewell

Veteran

I like almost all of the examples you’ve posted. I love the look of lace, but have a hard time finding flattering pieces. I think the romantic vibe of lace would jibe well with my style persona.

May 14, 2012 at 5:30 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m looking forward to seeing your lace skirt outfits on our forum, Jenava and Vicki.

May 14, 2012 at 5:44 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love the blue one at top, as it is styled with the leather jacket and booties. So cool! All of these are very pretty. I like the straight ones best and think they would be most versatile for me; I could see myself wearing them. I have a piece of lace fabric that is a dusty pink or mauve color, mixed with black, and I’ve been wondering what to do with it for ages. Not sure what possessed me to buy it, but I did pick it up in a dusty-pink phase I was going through. Maybe I should make a skirt.

May 14, 2012 at 8:37 pm

fashionista

Veteran

I love lace. I had a gift from one of my sister-in-law recently. But it was a lace dress in black. But I had trouble wearing it cuz I am not particularly a dress girl. So I took it to the tailor and altered it to make a top. Now I am so much in love with my lace top that I want to buy another something in lace. And you gave me the idea Angie a lace skirt. But I don’t feel comfortable showing my legs so can I wear tights with lace dresses or skirts (shorter ones)?

May 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I don’t have a lace skirt, but I do have a black lace dress (Bailey 44). And I do have a grey suit with black lace trim. I also prefer lace to sequins. I like those skirts, my favorites are the orange and yellow ones!

May 14, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Isn’t it funny that I decided to wear my new teal lace skirt today before reading this post? The thing l like about this lace that it is very unusual: it has lace combined with snake print in teal color with a bit of black. I am in a mind to try all your suggestions with it (or most of them as I don’t have some of the items you mentioned).

May 15, 2012 at 3:21 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I look forward to seeing the incarnations, Sveta.

Fashionista, sure you can wear hosiery with a lace skirt! I’d keep it sheer and pretty, just like the lace.

May 15, 2012 at 6:50 am

Meredith1953

Veteran

I LOVE those fitted lace skirts! The navy one is just spectacular as is the black one and the red one that are in the bottom row!

May 15, 2012 at 12:49 pm

Aida

Veteran

Lots of lace love! The magpie in me much prefers sequins to lace BUT not in skirts. I have also had a black lace skirt on my list for a couple years; came close with a nude-lined black lace sheath last year, but it wasn’t quite right on me. Currently I’m really drawn to pencil shaped lace skirts, such as the navy and black at the bottom left column. That black one is spectacular!

May 15, 2012 at 5:26 pm

mscooks

Active Member

I prefer the texture of lace against your skin, sequins tend to be soo scratchy! Really like the look of the brown skirt in the 2nd row, would like the black one on the 3rd row if it was a bit longer!

May 16, 2012 at 2:21 am

Lisa

Veteran

I would select lace over sequins. I like the softer vibe, especially in a neutral color.

May 16, 2012 at 7:52 am

Kathleen

Active Member

The lace skirt suggestions are so timely! I sew and just made a black, stretch lace pencil skirt that hits just below the knee. But I’m a little self conscious about it and haven’t worn it yet… The denim jacket/casual idea suits my lifestyle best, but this is southern California, and often very warm. Can you suggest any other casual summer pairings that might work (for a 57 year old….)? Angie, your blog consistently informs and inspires real women! Thanks!

May 16, 2012 at 9:29 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist