Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Fashion Over 50: A Taste for Lace


Light-weight cotton lace or crochet tops, dresses and even bottoms in neutral colors are all the rage this summer. The photo at the top was taken two weeks ago. The dramatic skirt was off-set by a simple black shell. I’ve seen many over 50 women wearing different lace and crochet styles and looking really great. While some of the designs are a throw-back to the 1970s (2011 fashions have embraced that decade), many others are simple tunic, sweater and dress designs. Here’s a sampling of what’s out there…

TEMPTING TOPS
Lace and crochet tops come in all sleeve lengths, from sleeveless to long. I'll start with a short sleeve Free People Engineered Crochet Tunic ($68.60) at Shopbop.

Free People Engineered Crochet Tunic



And here's another one from Anne Klein...



Anne Klein Lace Tank

Anne Klein Lace Tank
(was $89, now $65.99)


Next, a short sleeve cardigan from Jones New York...

Jones New York Sport Short Sleeve Cardigan

Jones New York Sport Short Sleeve Cardigan
($79)


And you might call this next one a designer 1/2-sleeve top at Shopbop.

Dallin Chase Steward Crocheted Top

Dallin Chase Steward Crocheted Top
($96)



Shopbop also has a couple of peasant-style tops...

BB Dakota Lisa Lace Top

BB Dakota Lisa Lace Top
($49)




Velvet Bayla Lace Blouse

Velvet Bayla Lace Blouse
($121.80)

And, finally, a long-sleeve top from Candy Couture...

Hale Bob Tunic in Black Women

Hale Bob Tunic in Black Women
($164)



SKIRT STATEMENTS
I think the skirt at the top of this post is fabulous. There's nothing "old lace" (or, in that case, old crochet) about it. Below are a couple of short, pencil lace skirts. Again, you might want to pair them with a simple complementary top. The Anne Klein Lace Skirt (was $99.00, now $73.99) below is the matching skirt to the tank top above. Wear them together or separately.

Anne Klein Lace Skirt


Or AK also has this
Anne Klein Gold Foil Lace Skirt
($295). This skirt will take you right into winter. If you're wearing lace next winter, try it with a leather jacket for an edgy, forward-thinking look.

Anne Klein Gold Foil Lace Skirt


YES, EVEN DRESSES
Here are a pair of dresses that are very reasonably priced, considering the workmanship required to assemble a lace or crochet dress.

Anne Klein Lace Shift Dress

Anne Klein Lace Shift Dress
($139)



Tibi Crochet 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Tibi Crochet 3/4 Sleeve Dress
($192.50)