How to Wear Lace Without Looking Too Sweet

Lace has a reputation.

Romantic. Feminine. Delicate. Maybe a little too pretty.

But lace doesn’t have to feel precious—and some of our favorite ways to wear it are when it’s paired with something completely unexpected.

This fall, we’re especially drawn to lace when it feels a little undone, a little darker, and a lot more personal.

Pair Lace With Something Tougher

The easiest way to make lace feel modern? Give it some contrast.

A sheer lace top with relaxed denim. A lace skirt with a worn-in graphic tee. A delicate lace cami with an oversized blazer. A romantic dress with heavy boots.

The tension between soft and tough is what makes the outfit interesting.

Instead of asking what matches your lace piece, try asking what feels like its complete opposite.

Let a Little Lace Peek Through

You don't have to make lace the entire outfit.

Sometimes it's better when you barely see it.

Layer a lace top underneath a tee so only the sleeves show. Let a lace-trimmed cami peek out beneath an oversized button-down. Add a sheer lace layer under a sleeveless dress you've been wearing all summer.

It's one of our favorite tricks for September because it adds texture without requiring actual sweater weather.

Wear It With Denim

If you're not sure where to start, start here.

Lace + denim is almost impossible to overthink.

Faded, distressed or dark-wash denim takes some of the sweetness out of lace while still letting the texture stand out. Add a belt, interesting jewelry and a great bag and suddenly two very familiar pieces feel completely different.

That's the kind of styling we love most.

Black Lace Changes Everything

White and cream lace will always have their place, but black lace has an entirely different energy.

It's romantic without feeling innocent. Sexy without necessarily showing much skin. A little vintage. A little rock-and-roll.

And it works surprisingly well during the day.

Try a black lace top with jeans and flats, layer it under an oversized blazer, or pair a lace skirt with a simple tee. Save the heels and dramatic jewelry for later and you've got a piece that can go from afternoon to after dark.

Mix Your Metals

While we're breaking rules: your jewelry doesn't all need to match.

Gold with silver. Vintage-looking pendants with modern chains. Something delicate next to something substantial.

Lace already brings softness and intricate detail to an outfit, so metal is the perfect counterpoint. It gives the look a little weight—and keeps "romantic" from becoming predictable.

The Wilde Rule: Pretty Needs a Little Trouble

Maybe that's why we keep coming back to lace.

We love beautiful things. We just don't necessarily want to wear them the way we're supposed to.

Give the pretty dress a beat-up boot. Wear the lace with leather. Put the oversized blazer over something sheer. Mix the metals. Mess up your hair.

Personal style gets interesting when things don't quite go together on paper—but somehow feel completely right when you put them on.

This fall, don't be afraid of something pretty.

Just make it a little Wilde.

Stay Wilde.

Wilde
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Nashville, TN 37206
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