The appeal of white lace is timeless, which is surely why so many designers bring the frilly fabric to the runway each spring, this season included. As fresh and feminine as it is, however, lace can also veer into fussy territory if worn incorrectly. Here's how to rock it like a seasoned pro.
1. The last thing you want to hear are the immortal words of Troy Dyer, the slacker anti-hero played by Ethan Hawke in the nineties movie Reality Bites: "You look like a doily." To avoid such a label, tone down the preciousness by adding tough leather pieces like a jacket and heels in a dark neutral tone.
2. You may be married to your job, but that doesn't mean you have to swath yourself in frothy bride-like frills head to toe. Instead, pair one lacy piece (such as a skirt) with a toned-down, also-white bohemian top, as seen at Dolce & Gabbana (above left).
3. Make sure that skirt isn't too short and therefore tweeny. You have legs for days? That's great, but the cubicle isn't the place to flaunt them.