Straight lace look that's goth the lot

Published on Thursday 30 October 2008 08:49

FROM lashings of lace in everything from dainty doily style to dramatic cobweb knits, and black on black to maxi lengths and high necks, soft goth has most definitely made a resurgence in fashion.

Prada, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen all helped put lace firmly on the fashion agenda this winter as luxurious blackness reigns supreme. Thanks to the versatility bestowed by all things black, lace is a look that can be worn in many different ways – rock goth, glamour goth, Victoriana goth or full-on Morticia goth.

You don't have to look like an extra from the Addams Family to work the gothic trend, though. Givenchy paired lace with leather trousers and Alexander McQueen teamed black lace dresses with cosy woolly snoods to give lace a casual edge.

"There's a big misconception that lace and the gothic look should be kept for evening wear," says Edinburgh stylist Laura Wilton. "Layering will dilute the look. Opt for shirts underneath lacy dresses, or team with leather. Also, adding pops of colour will bring it bang on-trend."

Primark, Matalan, Oasis, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop and Warehouse work this day-look the best.

If you really want to pull out all the glamour stops, there are two LBDs to invest in this season – the little black dress and the long black dress. Marios Schwab and Giles both paraded top-to-toe black lacy long-length ensembles down the catwalks which put the goth factor into evening wear, but knee-length or thigh-skimming lace dresses are just as dramatic.

"This can be a difficult one to pull off," admits Laura. "The key is to keep things modern and fresh."

Exposed zips and pocket patches add detail and interest, while layering creates impact. Jewellery is all about minimalism to balance the fussy lace detailing, and don't be afraid to add some killer heels. Try French Connection, Debenhams, George at Asda, Freemans, Wallis and Monsoon.

Lacy extras can also vamp up your inner goth. On the A/W catwalks, Rodarte gave black ensembles a spooky twist with cobweb-style tights teamed with red fetish heels. Lace tights can work a similar effect on LBDs, giving them a dramatic twist for day or night. Lace shoes, corsages and bags give simple outfits a touch of intricate detailing too.

New Look, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, River Island, Karen Millen and Jenners have some of the best lace accessories around.