Lace Tops for Summer: Your New Favorite Layering Piece

If you pick up one new piece this summer, let it be a lace, open-work, open-weave, crocheted, guipure, or a lattice top. Not to wear on its own of course (unless you are feeling extra daring or perhaps on vacation), but as a layering piece over tanks or dresses. Lace tops for summer are a really easy way to update your wardrobe. They can also help to add interest and texture without adding any extra weight or heaviness to your ensemble. 

Lace Tops for Summer 2023

After all, nothing says summertime like a lightweight, breezy top (especially in white or a soft pastel, or perhaps a punchy tropical bright), and they can be a great way to show a little skin without actually exposing much at all. 

Here are some of our favorite open-weave, lacy, eyelet, or otherwise detailed tops (and how to wear them).

The Lace Button-Up

If you already love a traditional button-up or button-down, then getting a lacy version for summer makes perfect sense. Layer it over tanks, dresses, tees or even your swimsuit for a fresh take on a classic look. This lace blouse from Anthropologie would be a welcome addition to your summer wardrobe.

Just the Lacy Sleeves, Please

If you aren’t a fan of all-over lace, then a top like this Amazon steal might be perfect. We adore the sheer lace sleeves that give the elbow-length sleeves the feeling of a tank with a little more coverage. 

A Summer-Weight Open Weave Sweater

If you love a good high neck but want it to work for the summer, then look further than an open-weave sweater that’s designed for breezy days. For instance, this Banana Republic cotton sweater tank would look perfect with white linen pants or denim shorts. 

Sheer Lace Toppers

A lacey or sheer topper can be a great way to bring new life to or dress up a sleeveless top or dress. For instance, you could throw this Vince Camuto topper over anything and instantly bring it up a notch. If you prefer a style that’s a little longer, try this one from Romanstii via Amazon.

Romantic Pastel Lace Tops for Summer

Lace and open-work tops don’t necessarily need to be basic black or white; a pale or muted shade can be gorgeous and feminine. For instance, this Endless Rose top has a flattering chevron silhouette done in a soft pink that would be ideal with nearly any neutral, but especially khaki or olive. 

Crocheted Layers

Crochet and open weaves are most definitely trending, and if you love the look it might be smart to splurge a bit on a version that you could throw over anything from a strappy dress to a swimsuit, like this one from Joe’s Jeans. 

Show Stopping Shades

While black lace is sexy and white, cream, or pastel lace is sweet, there’s something about a bold red or other bright shade that just works, especially on the hottest days of the year. This Farm Rio guipure red lace top with oversize sleeves would make a statement anywhere, but we’d love to wear it on vacation. 

What are your favorite lacy or open weave tops? Are you a fan of more feminine and romantic looks, or do you like more contemporary and structured pieces in this style? What colors or materials do you prefer? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group! 

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read Two Easy Pieces for Summer 2023: Chic Matching Sets and So What Is The “Old Money Aesthetic” and Why Should You Care?

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. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! and an Instagram Live series called “Growing Younger Gabfest with Lauren.”

Please pin!