Lace dresses are back for fall but with a 2023 twist—here's how to wear the chic look with edge (2024)

Just when we thought that perhaps sheer dresses would be on the out (what with fall on the horizon and all), we've spotted yet another 'see-thru' trend making the rounds, in the form of lace dresses.

Now, we don't mean dresses complete with a lace overlay or embellishments like back in the day, no—we mean a literal dress made of lace, paired over underwear to accomplish that whole 'exposed thong' look, which is also very popular for 2023.

We've spotted this classical, mesh-like material being worn by everyone from the likes of influencer Matilda Djerf and Maya Jama to Kim K and even Hailey Bieber—all in the last month alone. So, here's how to go about incorporating this latest, minimal coverage vibe into your capsule wardrobe...

MIL's picks of lace dress

H&M Lace Dress

RRP: $34.99

ZARA Ruffled Lace Midi Skirt

RRP: $35.90

Co-ordinating top also available at ZARA

Anthropologie Hemant & Nandita Sheer Lace Midi Dress

RRP: $397

Free People Lady Lux Maxi Slip

RRP: $88

UO Lioness Rendezvous Sheer Lace Midi Dress

RRP: $89

Mango Guipure Short Dress

RRP: $49.99

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Liliana Lace Midi Dress

RRP: $89 (Now $59.99!)

ZARA Combination Crochet Knit Dress

RRP: $169

Reformation Declan Knit Dress

RRP: $178

Materials like mesh, tulle and gauze are so very on trend right now and so, apparently, is lace—especially 'Cottagecore'-like white lace. It's very much giving table cloth chic, especially when the dresses are midi or maxi-length, which seems to be the preferred look and we must admit, we're here for it.

You could also think of this trend as an evolution of the crochet dress we've also seen gain traction this summer season, but as we edge into fall it seems lace, is the new must-have sheer option. Exhibit A...

We've also seen the likes of Laura Harrier and Kim K sporting lace tops, co ords and and jumpsuits...

So, now we have the visual inspo, how can we go about styling this delicate, woven pieces?

How to style lace dresses for the summer-to-fall

Like with the sheer dress trend, the easiest way to style a lace dress or co-ord—and the one that is proving to be most popular right now—is over a bodysuit or underwear set. We've then spied fashion lovers, pairing the 'see-thru' look with oversized coats, like bomber jackets or Hailey Bieber's leather jackets for instance, along with loafers, boots and statement accessories.

You can, of course, opt to style your lace number over a slip dress, or leotard for a slightly less daring look.

For more of a casual, street style vibe, we'd recommend pairing a white or black lace maxi dress with a pair of Adidas Samba sneakers.

Alternatively, you can keep your lace dress as a bikini coverup, if you've still got a sunny vacation booked, or are manifesting a last-minute heatwave before the fall rolls in.