I like to work out like the rest of you, and I don’t mind wearing my yoga wear on my days off, but as a boutique owner that focuses on career wear, the 24/7 workout trend never much appealed to me.  What I can embrace, however, is this season’s infatuation with lace. I laughed out loud when I read Cindy Weber Cleary’s comment regarding this trend in January’s edition of In Style Magazine: “In the age of athleisure and the 24/7 workout clothes, it should come as no surprise that many designers are now proposing you go about your business in what appears to be PJs and lingerie” (99).  Her teasingly sarcastic poke at designers fits for there are some rather risque lingerie looks out there this season.  For the rest of us, however, we can embrace this trend with grace and class.

The lace jacket pictured at the top is by Adore and is a great example of how really beautiful and feminine lace can be when it is not over done.  I toned this all over lace jacket down by adding a solid cement grey tank underneath and some neutral but bold jewelry from Treska. Because the jewelry has some weight, it contrasts the airiness of the lace and gives it some added dimension.  As with any trend, keep it classy by not overdoing it.  If you have a lace skirt, don’t have a lace top and vice versa.  This jacket would pair beautifully with a slick grey slack and solid heels for a work look or night out.

You will also see lace as an accent this season on shoes, on sleeves, and on purses.  While it doesn’t show up as well in the picture, the sleeves of this jacket (also from Adore) are lace.  It gives the jacket some extra oomph, transforming it from just another classic jean style.  Pairing it with a grey lace skirt would contrast elements of all over lace with a more casual jacket.  This creates dimension and interest in your outfit.

I will definitely be adding some lace to my summer wardrobe this year.  How about you?