The lace trend appears to be getting brighter, bigger and better after a 2012 during which the openwork fabric ruled the runways, the streets and the red carpet alike. Whether used as a feminine accent, or sported as an overall look, lace is ready to lend your wardrobe with some of its undisputed elegance this season. From tops, to skirts and sophisticated gowns everything points to a regained sensibility.

Alongside its timeless quality, the spring 2013 fashion trends bet on lace’s enriched versatility, having designers in pursuit of an exciting color palette that’s spread across a long line of refined silhouettes and cuts. Envisioned for a smooth transition between day and night, the lace garments became even more of an attraction point for spring. Learn how the trend progressed and how to make it work for you after the break.

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Lace clothing for spring 2013

This spring brought along a series of updates on the lace trend and while some elements remained unaltered from previous seasons, others evolved towards achieving a higher state of perfection. Sweet or plain sexy, black or white, subtle inserts or a lace odyssey, find out what’s going to define your style.

A touch of lace at Giambattista Valli S/S ’13

Ladylike lace: defining colors

• Classic renditions of black lace and white lace, alongside various juxtapositions of the two continued to dominate the runways, proving themselves equally relevant this season

Lace garments on the runway at Oscar de la Renta S/S ’13, Lela Rose S/S ’13 and BCBG Max Azria S/S ’13

•  Following along the lines of the neutrals the nude, tan or sand lace added even more profusion to the trend, as sported in light and ultra feminine combinations

Lace garments on the runway at J.Mendel S/S ’13, Blugirl S/S ’13 and Tadashi Shoji S/S ’13

• The novelty of the season hides beneath the many bold shades that were used in accenting lace’s power of seduction. We’re talking red, pink, blue, yellow, green and orange lace

Lace garments on the runway at Giambattista Valli S/S ’13, Roberto Cavalli S/S ’13 and Jason Wu S/S ’13

Layers of sheerness

Going hand in hand with the sheer clothing trend, the lace garments are also envisioned to appear either thick and subtle, or rather transparent thus more revealing. Built upon different numbers of layers, lace can be used to tease or to allure this season. Follow the lines of your silhouette when choosing how sheer to go for spring and choose according to the occasion. If you are planning to wear lace during the day opt for the thicker version, while at night flaunt your figure by sporting lightweight sheers.

Lace garments on the runway at Chadwick Bell S/S ’13 and Dolce & Gabbana S/S ’13

How to wear lace for spring 2013

Lace staples

If you’re looking to invest in new lace garments this spring, some items can prove themselves more versatile, while others are easier to style. Think in terms of your existing wardrobe and what would immediately fit in. Are you looking for an all-day kind of lace staple, or something more on the luxurious side? Once you decide that, here are some of this season’s lace staples to take into consideration:

• White button-down shirts and colorful tops, to wear with with short skirts and leather pants

Lace garments on the runway at Balenciaga S/S ’13 and Jason Wu S/S ’13

•  Asymmetrical and sheer skirts, to style with crop tops, oversized blazers, button-downs

Lace garments on the runway at Carven S/S ’13 and Just Cavalli S/S ’13

• Short shorts, slim trousers and feminine jumpsuits to team with delicate, sheer blouses

Lace garments on the runway at J.Mendel S/S ’13, Roberto Cavalli and Giambattista Valli S/S ’13

• Power-suits, femininely vampish black lace dresses and sophisticated trench coats

Lace garments on the runway at Oscar de la Renta S/S ’13, Valentino and Burberry Prosum S/S ’13

Lace accents

If some women think of lace as the ultimate expression of femininity, others prefer to avoid it instead. While it remains a matter of personal taste and style, choosing lace doesn’t necessarily translate to a head-to-toe look. For a subtle take on the trend, pick garments featuring delicate lace accents, either side panels, a lace cleavage, lace sleeves or a lace hemline. If that doesn’t work either, try styling your looks with the right lace-inspired accessories. Everything works as long as you feel comfortable.

Lace accents on the runway at Ports 1961

Types of lace

There are many different types of lace, and various methods for producing it – so many that we won’t go into them here. The long and short of it is this: the trend continues to be less about stretch lace, and more about antique-style lace. Fabrics that look like a more traditional needle or bobbin lace (even if they’re machine made). Generally, go for a wider net, a more unique pattern, a sturdier fabric – rather than a thin stretch lace, and remember that quality is key.

Left: wear less. Right: wear more.

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