Fall Trend: Lace & How to wear it without looking like a granny 

or Madonna in the 80's.

Lace has been seen on the runway for several seasons and is still trending on the Fall 2012 runway and well into Spring 2013. Who is responsible for reviving this once stuffy and potentially tacky trend? I think we can blame the wonderful costume designers of BBC's Downton Abbey for a more formal and feminine look. The Downton influence is giving us gloves, lovely hats, beading, twenties inspired shoes, intricate jewelry, and lots of lace. This trend is especially delightful for someone like me who always loved parading around in large picture hats, gloves, and long dresses when I was a little girl.  There is a way to embrace the lace without looking like you are playing dress-up, are a dowager countess, or a western saloon girl.

Lace can be found at our favorite stores in the form of jackets, scarves, gloves, peplum tops, and dresses. The trick to wearing this  trend is to pick one of these lace items and add it to our basics. The photo at the left is an outfit from my own closet. I have taken the basic black pencil skirt (the workhorse of any wardrobe) and added a cotton lace peplum top with a belt and statement necklace (one of my own designs). The peplum top that has been revived from the 1940's and then again from the 80's is going to be your best friend. It is a more relaxed peplum and when paired with a skinny pant or pencil skirt, gives us a tiny waist and feminine silhouette. This lace peplum top that was a dress from the clearance rack at TJ maxx has been shortened and is now my favorite new fall item. On cooler days, I will add a simple leather jacket or a cardigan. 

Try this lace peplum tank from Anthropologie $88

Other ways to add lace to your basics? Touches of lace can be seen at left and are all great examples of items that are available now at every price point. A lace pencil skirt (2) may be paired with a sweater set and pearls, the lace pump (3) will add sass to any stuffy suit, a lace dress (5) may be paired with a lovely solid wrap for an evening look, and the lace pants (9) would pair well with a blouse, blazer and slingback for a twist on the traditional menswear inspired look. One thing to remember for our age group, the lace should be a neutral shade such as black, cream, or navy. Avoid any lace item that is a bright color (4), tightly fitting (6), or low cut. Lace can go very cheap very quickly and have you looking like something that stepped out of the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Stay neutral and only choose silhouettes that are modest and paired with a neat and simple partner. One lace piece per outfit is plenty! 

You should now be able to successfully master the trend of lace and use it to show your feminine side as an elegant and confident woman! See below for more items. Next lesson: mixing prints

Julie Borshak (julieborshak@me.com)