Wearing lace can be tricking. Just a little bit of lace trim or embellishment might be one of the easiest ways to make an ensemble more feminine or ladylike. Lace can also let you show a hint of skin while still covering what you want to cover. And of course, lace or its close cousin, crochet, can add some texture and visual interest to a basic piece or outfit. We found some of the best ways to wear lace for spring if you’re over 40.
Best Lace for Spring 2022
However, not all lace has the same effect and it can look overly girlish (think the dreaded phrase “mutton dressed as lamb”) or cheap if not done well. Here’s how to rock lace right now if you are over 40 (or not) and like the lacy look:
YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
Lacy Sleeves
Lace or crochet sleeves are the perfect way to cover your arms but still keep cool during the spring and summer months. The Clemente Top from Free People is a great casual option, or if you’re looking for something a little dressier this Adrianna Papell bubble sleeve blouse is a good choice.
Eyelash Lace
Eyelash lace is delicate, feathery, and sophisticated looking. We think nearly every woman can use a beautiful camisole or two, and this one by Open Edit at Nordstrom is beautiful and available at an excellent price. It would make a perfect layering piece under a chunky sweater in the winter, and a sheer knit or lightweight blazer in the spring.
Neon Lace
Embrace the day-glo trend in a unique way by doing it in lace. This bold orange H&M lace top is definitely a stand-out piece that could seriously liven up your spring 2022 wardrobe. This top is not only right on-trend, it provides a sneaky hint of skin while still offering plenty of coverage.
Lace Inset Kimonos or Cardigans
A kimono or draped open cardigan almost always works as a topper of sorts in warm weather, and we like adding a little more breeziness and style with a lace inset, like this version from Anthropologie or this one from Black Tape at Macy’s.
Lace-Trimmed Scarves
A low cost, low commitment way to rock lace is a simple scarf, like these from Cindy and Wendy via Amazon. They come in a range of colors and would be easy to throw over a tee and denim or joggers for a quick hit of springtime style.
Lace Dresses
On the other hand, you could go all out with lace and make it the star of the ensemble. A lacy dress can be a natural choice for a spring or summer wedding or similar occasion, of course, and this Kensie scalloped lace dress is an excellent choice if you’re confident showing some leg. If you want some sparkle, this tea length number from SL Fashions might be a perfect pick. Or go a bit more avant-garde with this amazing multi-layered lace frock from ASOS or this midi dress from Francesca’s!
Shop Lace For Spring
Adrianna Papell Lace Bubble Sleeve Blouse, now $27.97
Open Edit Eyelash Lace Trim Satin Camisole, $23.80
H&M Lace Top, $49.99
Anthropologie Floral Lace Inset Kimono, $98
Black Tape Lace-Inset Ribbed Cardigan, $79
Cindy and Wendy Lightweight Soft Leaf Lace Fringes Scarf, $11.99
Kensie Scalloped Short Sleeve Lace Dress, $41.22
SL Fashions Tea Length Sequin Lace Dress, now $72.97
ASOS DESIGN Floral Lace Mini Dress with Contrast Lace Detail and Pep Hem In Blue, $135
Francesa’s Rhea Lace Midi Dress, now $48
What do you think about lace?
Do you use lace as a fun textural element in your outfits, or a way to add a bit of femininity? Do you like bolder lace, bright colors, or do you stick to classic neutrals and more subtle lacy touches? Are you like us and tend to wear more lace in the spring and summer, or do you wear it all year round? Is lace only for more formal occasions or do you wear it casually too?
Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group!
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion styling posts like Chic and Practical Athletic Wear Pieces For Women over 40 and Cabin-Core, Cottage-Core, Study-Core, Oh My! Deciphering The New Trends.
This post contains affiliate links which may give us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here. You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. We also started a Facebook Group called Growing Younger for women to discuss everything good and bad about being over 40. Additionally Lauren now hosts a podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! and a weekly Instagram Live series called “Growing Younger Gabfest with Lauren.”
Image layout: Fountain Of 30
Please pin!
I like the “hint” or bit of lace. I recently purged most of my lace tops because the struggle was real… constantly tangled in something