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Home • Fashion

Lace it Up

by Alexandra Phanor-Faury No longer relegated to the boudoir, lace has proven itself to be a front runner in the race for the most wanted trends this winter and spring 2010. The seemingly demure, patterned fabric has been popping up on everything from dresses, shoes and even nails! Once considered saccharine, and dare we say old, lace is undergoing an edgy, sexy makeover in unexpected shapes. To flawlessly master this trend stay clear of using the 80s' as inspiration (please), instead think dark, sultry lace a la Film Noir vixen. We're just crazy about how our favorite, fashion forward beauties on the red carpet are adopting this devastatingly, chic look.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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Rihanna

Fashion devotee, Rihanna, hits the trend right on the its head. Her risque one-piece hot-shorts with ample Victorian references, from the full-on lace to the girly velvet bow, is the perfect marriage of sexy and sweet.

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02
Venus Williams

So sexy! The bustier on this dress has just the right amount of lace to keep this dress from passing for Venus’s unmentionables.

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03
Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd’s ladylike lace dress is toughened up by the decorative leather detail.

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04
Jessica Lucus

With bare legs this could have been a don’t, but luckily the juxtaposition of the ebony tights with the iridescent, royal blue, lace strapless dress is instantly femme fatale.

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05
Joy Bryant

These sexy, pointy toe stilettos are the ideal shoe to tone down the romantic statement of Joy Bryant’s lace overlay halter dress.

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Katerina Graham

Katerina Graham’s leggings are a great way to work lace into any outfit. You many not have the moxy to pair these with a floral dress, so try keeping the rest of your look monochromatic for an easy pairing. We recommend stocking up on these fast!

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Selita Ebanks

Selita Ebanks is a knockout in this second skin Balmain mini-dress swathed in all the rocker chic embellishments every It-girl dreams of: lace, zippers and lots of bling.

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Rihanna

It’s all about the accessories here. We love how seductive and high-fashion Rihanna’s long, fingerless, lace gloves are-especially next to her pile of pearls and fire red pout.

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Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton arrives at Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in a lace dress and cape by Chanel. The theme of the night was superheroes, so we’ll let the matronly cape pass. If you ask us, the dress makes more of an impact solo.

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Chanel Iman

Model Chanel Iman walks down the runway during the Ermanno Scervino show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on September 25, 2009 in Milan, Italy.

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Sessilee Lopez

Sessilee Lopez on the runway for Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2010 Ready To Wear show in Milan.

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Alicia Keys

A collage of textures come together to make up Alicia Key’s dress, but the eyes are automatically drawn to the deep, plunging lace halter.

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Halle Berry

The touches of lace at the bust give Halle Berry’s otherwise conservative, grey sheath a subtle hint of sex appeal.

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Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah reminds us just why she is a red-carpet fashion star in this breathtaking black, lace gown.

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