Lace Blouses

Lace Blouses

What Is Lacework?

Lacework is the general word for decorative openwork fabric, where threads are looped, twisted or knotted into a pattern full of small spaces. A lacework blouse can use it all over or only in a few places, such as a yoke, a sleeve or a panel down the front. Other shapes and names of lace tops are covered on the black lace blouses page.

Some types of lace appear less often but are easy to recognize once you know them. Eyelash lace has fine, loose threads left along the edges of its motifs, like tiny lashes, which gives a soft, feathery look. Venise lace is a heavy needle lace with raised, sculpted motifs and no net background, so it feels firm and looks rich.

Battenberg lace is made by stitching a narrow woven tape into loops and swirls, then joining them with thread bars. It has a homespun, vintage feel and often appears on collars and cuffs. Ribbon lace, also called corded lace, outlines its motifs with a raised cord, which gives a clear, defined pattern.

Most lace today is made by machine, which keeps it affordable and consistent. Handmade lace is rare in everyday clothing, so a lace blouse at an everyday price almost always uses machine lace.

Lace in Soft Colors

White and black are the classic lace colors, but soft shades show off the texture in a gentler way. Pink lace looks romantic and fresh, and a blush tone flatters most complexions near the face; more shades appear among our pink blouses.

Mint and sage green lace feels light and springlike, while dusty blue lace looks calm and suits both office and weekend. Beige and cream lace are the most versatile of the soft colors, as they sit well with navy, brown, denim and pastels alike.

A tone-on-tone look, where the lace matches the fabric around it, is refined and quiet. A contrasting look, such as white lace on a pink blouse, draws more attention to the pattern. With colored lace, a camisole in the same shade underneath deepens the color, while a skin-tone one keeps it light.

Everyday Lace

Lace needs no special occasion. Many everyday blouses use it as a detail on cotton or a soft knit: a lace panel at the yoke, lace stitching along a V neck or a lace hem peeking out below a plain body. These pieces wash more easily than all-over lace and feel relaxed enough for errands and lunches.

With jeans, a blouse with lace patchwork looks casual alongside flat sandals or sneakers and a canvas tote. Rolled sleeves and a half-tucked hem keep it easy. With chinos or cropped trousers, it becomes smart enough for a relaxed office.

Fake two-piece styles, which look like a blouse layered over a lace-edged camisole, give the lace look with no extra layer to manage. They are a practical choice for warm days, and more relaxed pieces sit among our casual blouses.

Dressy Lace Tops for Weddings

A lace top is a lovely choice for a wedding guest, and a dressy lace blouse with a skirt or tailored trousers can feel as special as a dress. The main rule is color: avoid all-over white or ivory, which can look bridal, and choose a soft or deep shade.

For daytime and garden weddings, pastel lace in blush, powder blue or sage looks fresh with a floral or solid midi skirt. For evening weddings, navy, burgundy or emerald lace looks elegant with a satin skirt or wide-leg trousers.

For a ceremony in a place of worship, sleeves are a thoughtful choice; lace sleeves cover the arms while keeping the look light. A small clutch and simple earrings finish the outfit. Our dressy blouses hold more occasion pieces, and white lace blouses suit the celebrations where white is welcome.

Looking After Lace

Lace lasts for years with a little care. Wash it by hand in cool water with a mild detergent, or on a delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, which stops it snagging on zips and hooks. Press water out gently with a towel and skip the wringing.

Dry lace flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct heat. Iron on a low setting through a pressing cloth, from the wrong side, so the raised pattern keeps its depth.

Jewelry deserves a thought too. Rings with claw settings, rough bracelets and brooches can pull threads, so smooth pieces are kinder to lace. Stored folded in tissue or hung loosely, a lace blouse keeps its shape between wears.