Lace Is Back Again—Here’s How Cool Girls Are Styling It in 2025

In case you missed it, romance is in the air when it comes to this season’s top fashion trends. From delicate ruffles to the return of millennial pink, summer’s ethereal motifs are offering a dreamy contrast to the minimalist, sporty, and office siren aesthetics of late. But forget the not-so-groundbreaking florals. Currently, the spotlight is on the unexpected revival of one of the most romantic fabrics of all time: lace.

Once reserved for bridal looks and hauntingly chic Victorian ghosts, the latest wave of lace is edgy, feminine, and effortlessly sensual. It started on the spring 2025 runways and quickly evolved into the takeover of the lace-trimmed slip skirt across street style and Instagram. Whether you prefer a more boho approach like Jane Birkin or want to go a witchier, Stevie Nicks-inspired route, keep reading for everything you need to know about the lace fashion trend, how to wear it now, and the best lace pieces to add to your wardrobe this season.

The History of Lace in Fashion

Lace dates back to 16th-century Europe, when it was a symbol of luxury and status in fashion. Because it was originally handmade, it was expensive and rare, reflecting the time and skill that went into its production, which made it a favorite among royalty and aristocrats. Along with Queen Elizabeth I, who was known for her love of elaborately luxe, French-style lace, the decorative fabric was popular among men and women, typically on collars, cuffs, and gowns.

By the Victorian era, lace had evolved to become more mainstream, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. Machine-made lace allowed the fabric (and its air of elegance and luxury) to become more prevalent in everyday fashion, across everything from full-skirted wedding gowns to blouses and undergarments. For those drawn to the darker and moodier side of the lace trend (hi, it’s me), this period also sparked the rise of black lace, laying the groundwork for the gothic, vampiric, and witchy lace aesthetics that still resonate today. 

Fast-forward to the 20th century, and lace once again got a complete makeover in more boundary-pushing ways. The 1970s punk scene paved the way for a more rebellious take on black lace, pairing it with leather and studs for an unexpected twist on the once-aristocratic material. Shortly after, the gothic subculture emerging out of Britain in the ’80s—propelled by the likes of Vivienne Westwood and The Cure—pushed lace into even darker, more theatrical territory.

Meanwhile, Madonna’s iconic “Like a Virgin” look flipped the script with white lace gloves and lingerie-inspired dresses, channeling a rebellious kind of innocence. By the ’90s, lace entered its most stripped-down era yet, showing up as barely there trim on slip dresses and minimalist silhouettes. With every decade and trend cycle, lace has consistently reinvented itself.

The Modern Lace Trend

Lace is officially back—again—but this time, the trend has impressive range. Dominating both the spring and fall 2025 runways, today’s lace moves easily between airy, boho-inspired whites and dark, subversive blacks that channel a moodier romance. At Chloé, the return of boho reigned supreme with ruffled lace blouses and ethereal dresses. Meanwhile, McQueen and Versace offered an early 2000s take, showcasing asymmetrical lace skirts that delivered big “shipwrecked, but make it chic” vibes. At Michael Kors, lace took a subtler turn as part of black skirts designed to blend seamlessly into any cool-girl wardrobe.

Off the runway, celebrities are leaning into the more sensual side of lace, proving it’s the ultimate choice for a bold going-out look. Zoë Kravitz showcased the party potential of a sheer black lace LBD at the Saint Laurent show, while Kendall Jenner went full gothic glamour in a floor-length, bell-sleeved lace gown at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

Not ready to wear lace from head to toe? Don’t worry, the trend is arguably at its chicest—and most versatile—as a delicate trim on slip skirts and dresses. You’ve likely seen the fashion set, from supermodels to influencers, embracing lace-trimmed styles all over your feed. Whether it’s a flash of lace at the hem or a tiny peek at the neckline, it’s the easiest way to tap into lace’s inherently luxe, effortless allure without feeling too over-the-top.

Boho vs. Gothic Lace

The best part about lace this season? You can choose your fighter: boho or gothic—or even better, land somewhere in between to tailor the trend to your personal style. 

Boho

Boho lace draws heavily from the laidback, free-spirited styles of the 1960s and ’70s, when fashion icons like Jane Birkin and Stevie Nicks made breezy takes on the fabric a signature of their effortless, romantic looks. Think light, airy colors—especially ivory and soft neutrals—and easy silhouettes that float off the body. On the spring 2025 runways, this vibe showed up at Chloé in the form of flowing ruffled dresses, crochet-style lace separates, and ethereal maxi skirts.

Ideal for spring and summer, boho lace shines in sundresses, sheer blouses, and delicate layering pieces that pair just as well with vintage denim as they do with knee-high leather boots. Today, brands like Ulla Johnson and Zimmermann continue to reinvent boho lace with modern, wearable updates that still honor its free-spirited roots.

Gothic

Gothic lace, by contrast, leans into a much darker, moodier aesthetic. Almost always done in black (or occasionally deep jewel tones like burgundy), gothic lace draws from Victorian mourning dress, the Edwardian era’s love of intricate black fabrics, and the punk-infused gothic revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Gothic lace typically pairs best with black or neutral tones and plays beautifully with texture—think satin, leather, and velvet—for a rich, multidimensional look. Whether you’re channeling vampire energy à la ’90s Winona Ryder or tapping into modern takes like Simone Rocha’s dark romance or Rick Owens’s architectural goth, black lace is your ultimate weapon for drama.

How to Style Lace in 2025

The key takeaway from fashion’s coolest insiders when it comes to styling lace in 2025: It’s all about balance. Contrast an ethereal white lace maxi skirt or dress by pairing it with black leather for a little bit of edge. This territory is perfect for those who want to linger somewhere between the boho and gothic lace aesthetics, giving you the best of both worlds. For something even simpler, a sleek contrast can come in the form of a great white tee and a black lace pencil skirt.

You could also opt into the trend in the most understated and effortlessly cool way with a lace-trim slip skirt. J.Crew’s Gwyneth lace-trim skirt has quickly become a favorite among the fashion crowd this season: It’s so easy to style and will undoubtedly become a staple in your wardrobe. Wear it with a button-down and blazer or sweater at the office, and then with a matching silky camisole for a night out. For those who want to veer out of black and white, a butter yellow silk slip dress or skirt with lace trim is just one popular example that embraces this season’s texture and color trends at the same time.

If you’re still obsessed with the vampire aesthetic that dominated last winter, good news: lace is the perfect fabric to channel that darker mood. Whether you’re leaning witchy, gothic, or full-on Victorian, the key is all in the styling. Layer black lace pieces into an all-black look, mixing different textures and silhouettes to create depth and drama without feeling costume-y. Bonus points if you add some equally tough black combat boots.

The Best Modern Lace Fashion Pieces to Shop

Ready to take this year’s lace fashion trend for a spin? Spanning the ethereal, moody, and everything in between, the selection of standout pieces below will help you work the fabric into your looks, no matter your personal style and desired aesthetic.