One of the key trends of the season is lace, and this is true not just for evening. Much as metallics and sometimes even sequins and bits of sparkly adornment have been incorporated into daywear, lace is being incorporated into daytime and even sporty looks in garments and accessories.

The September 2011 issue of InStyle observes this in a fashion spread entitled “The Lace Accent”:  “Formerly seen outside the bedroom only under cover of darkness, lace has now come into the light, but in a totally different guise. Instead of veiling bare skin, day wear treats it as an accent fabric that spotlights its intricacy rather than its intimacy.”

Although InStyle recommends that its readers “Stick to lingerie colors–black and nude–which add cheekiness to lace’s newly reworked propriety,” further noting that “Colors can take it from chic to cheap),” Vogue takes a different tack in the September 2011 issue, noting:  “Lace breaks out of the black-or-white habit for violet, navy, and shades of berry.” Styles for both day and night wear illustrate this approach.

In the article “How to Wear Lace” in the July 2011 issue of Glamour, that magazine endorses even brighter hues of lace, noting: “With color this crazy, you want the shapes to be simple–and no dainty accessories, please. It’s gutsy all the way.” The silver necklace is from Nicole Miller Collection, and the cuff is from BCBG Max Azria.

The October 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar proclaims that “LOVELY LACE is the fabric of choice this season.” Along with a number of garments that work as daywear, the magazine pictures a choker from Salvatore Ferragamo, a geometric design bracelet from MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza, a watch from Dior, and a ring from Swarovski, all of the pieces adorned with sparkly stones.

The September 2011 issue of Elle presents an assortment of lacy looks with the comment: “Toughen up feminine standbys with severe leathers, chilly hardware, and strong silhouettes.” The wide lace cuff pictured is from Aurelie Bidermann.

In the Fall Shopping Guide in the same issue, Elle presents an assortment of lace dresses along with suggestions for accessories. Modernistic glass-pearl-studded bangles from St. John and an elaborate zircon necklace from Bottega Veneta present dramatically different style options.

Writing in the November 2011 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine, Adam Glassman, O’s creative director, responds to a reader inquiry with his take on lace looks:  “Lace is showing up everywhere right now–including in the office. To keep the look more boardroom than bedroom, choose a lace-detailed top or bottom (dresses have too much of an ‘evening’ vibe) with a conservative cut and toned-down palette–like this bordeaux pencil skirt or navy blouse. You want to balance the fabric’s delicacy: Pair it with a knit turtleneck instead of a silky shell; wide-leg trousers, not tapered; structured totes and chunky jewelry in lieu of daintier accessories.” He also cautions limiting lace to one piece per outfit.

The November 2011 issue of InStyle is in accord with Glassman’s recommendation re one piece of lace per ensemble for daywear: “Because it’s a classic, lace plays quite well with conservative clothes. For best results, limit yourself to one piece per look, and choose lined items (or layer with a slip or cami) to avoid showing too much skin.” InStyle further suggests, “replace your gold chain necklace with metallic lace,” picturing a necklace described as “lace with chain” from Two A Jewelry. 

The November 2011 issue of InStyle also features dresses in ivory and taupe “power lace,” which “boast a bold, youthful modernity” as seen on Anne Hathaway in Alexander McQueen (wearing several bracelets and stud earrings), Carey Mulligan in Valentino (with no visible jewels), Rose Huntington-Whiteley in Dolce & Gabbana (with hoop earrings), and Molly Sims in Temperley London (worn with hoop earrings and a slender bracelet).

An extraordinary lace cape, worn with a silk bodysuit and denim pants from Dolce & Gabbana, are accented with gold earrings from Jennifer Fisher, a gold and diamond bangle from Cartier, a coin charm bracelet from Bulgari, and a yellow gold ring from Roberto Coin in this photo from the November 2011 issue of Elle.

A recent ad for Neiman Marcus showcases a lace day dress from Rebecca Taylor in navy blue, worn with a statement necklace set with enormous stones.

And lace is so important a trend, that the December 2011 issue of Glamour devotes its “Dos & Don’ts” to the subject of “Lace, Lace, Lace!” While the use of lace as an element of daywear requires some level of discretion, when it comes to the accompanying jewelry, to go back to Glamour‘s earlier pronouncement, it’s gutsy all the way.  

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