Lace beyond lingerie—the boudoir-to-boulevard trend everyone’s wearing

For decades, lace was reserved for behind closed doors—a fabric meant for the boudoir rather than the boulevard. But in 2025, lace is having its most daring transformation yet. From Paris to Mumbai, runways and red carpets are proving that what was once lingerie is now legitimate streetwear. The lace takeover is unapologetic, romantic, and a little rebellious—and no one seems to be complaining.

A history of intimate glamour

Lace’s journey from intimate to iconic is centuries in the making. The original “slip dress,” known as the chemise, began as an undergarment before being scandalously popularised by Marie Antoinette in the 18th century. By the time Hollywood’s golden age arrived, lace had already taken on a new life—think Jean Harlow lounging in feathered robes, Marilyn Monroe’s famous peek of lace in The Seven Year Itch, or Elizabeth Taylor’s sultry slip moment in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Fast-forward to today, and lace is once again the season’s most talked-about fabric. Designers like Rodarte and Khaite are giving it a gothic edge, while Chanel and Stella McCartney focus on craftsmanship and texture. From Diotima’s crochet-inspired lace to Isabel Marant’s dark romanticism, the message is clear—lace isn’t delicate, it’s defiant.

This revival also reflects fashion’s wider movement toward emotional dressing—clothes that convey mood, memory, and identity. Lace, with its intricate weaves and open spaces, feels almost symbolic of this transparency. It allows for vulnerability without losing composure, inviting wearers to reveal rather than conceal, to dress with intention rather than inhibition.

What makes this resurgence especially modern is its versatility. Lace is no longer limited to black or white; it appears in butter-yellow blouses, icy-blue corsets, and even structured bodysuits. It can be styled in countless ways—lace dresses with boots, sheer tops paired with denim cut-offs, or corsets layered over flowing skirts. The look is equal parts bold and feminine, striking the perfect balance between softness and strength.

Celebrity endorsements and cultural impact

Celebrities have embraced the trend with gusto. Priyanka Chopra’s lace bodysuits, Zoë Kravitz’s sheer lace gowns, and Dua Lipa’s tour looks have all championed the fabric’s newfound freedom. Lace is no longer about seduction alone—it’s about confidence, personality, and power.

Beyond aesthetics, the resurgence of lace also taps into sustainability and heritage. Many designers are revisiting archival lace patterns or reworking vintage fabrics, giving old-world craftsmanship a modern relevance. It’s a rare intersection of past and present—where nostalgia meets reinvention, and artistry once hidden in corsetry is now centre stage.

Here are some of our top lace picks. 

Zimmermann Lace bodysuit, ₹39,392 approx.

L'agence Priya Lace Cami, ₹30,670

H&M Lace-trimmed satin skirt, ₹1,799

Cider Lace High Neck Lace Long Sleeve Top, ₹1,899

Self-Portrait Floral Lace Midi Skirt, ₹27,442

Zara Asymmetric Lace Dress ZW Collection, ₹5,950

Superdown Cely Baby Tee, ₹7,693 

Lace has evolved from a whisper of intimacy to a shout of self-expression. No longer confined to lingerie drawers, it’s stepping into the spotlight—layered, styled, and worn with confidence. Whether soft and romantic or dark and daring, lace in 2025 proves one thing for certain: sensuality isn’t hidden anymore, it’s walking right out the door.

Lead Image: Getty Images

Inside Images: The brands 

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