The textured look is on-trend this season, and includes not only lace, but also crochet and broderie anglaise, so get your girly on and opt for some delicate, textured fabrics this season!
The advantages of lace-like fabrics is they provide a touch of warmth, yet are super breathable due to their open weave. They also grab attention with their intricate stitching, adding a feminine touch to outfits. You can throw a crochet cardigan over a maxi dress, or wear a lace top with a pair of jeans, and look graceful in an instant.
Let’s talk first about crochet. A textile made using a crochet hook that interlocks loops of thread or yarn, crochet’s name comes from the French word accrocher, meaning ‘to hook’. Known as a simpler version of lace, it has a delicate, lace-like appearance.
The great thing about crochet is the stitches can be tight, creating a mesh-like fabric, or loose, creating a wide open stitch. Sometimes, both stitches appear in the same garment.
Becoming popular during the ‘40s-’60s, when it was used as a craft stitch for making doilies, baby hats and blankets (the ultimate in grandma chic), crochet came into its own in the ‘70s, when it was picked up by fashion designers, and became synonymous with ‘70s retro style. Dresses, trousers—even bikinis—were crocheted!
Broderie anglaise offers a similar look to crochet, without the hippy connotations. The stitch is also a little less tight than lace stitching, though looks similar. Broderie anglaise is characterised by numerous eyelets cut into fabric and bound with buttonhole stitches. Often featuring patterns like flowers, teardrops, leaves and circles, broderie anglais is ultra feminine, yet a little more practical for everyday wear than lace.
See this gorgeous sheer embroidered broderie anglaise top with ¾ length sleeves. With crochet detailing on the hem and sleeves, it would look stylish with a pair of jeans and strappy sandals.
Or consider this broderie anglaise top, which would be suitable for work or weekends. For the office, wear it with a camisole and slim fitting pants. For play, ditch the camisole and enjoy the breathability through the small eyelets in the fabric.
Then there are broderie anglaise dresses, which are perfect for weekend outings with friends. Femme’s broderie anglais dresses include this gorgeous white broderie anglais midi dress and this broderie anglais strap midi dress. Either would work well with ankle boots, canvas sneakers or strappy heels or sandals. Add a broad brim sun hat and a tote bag, and you have a cool summer look for those brunches and garden parties.
Now to lace. Lacemaking has a history dating back to the 1600s. Known for the intricate and time-consuming work involved in its production, lace has always been a bit of a specialty fabric for garments, and even after hundreds of years, it retains a distinct elegance, and elevates garments to a whole other level. Bring on the lace!
This lace trim high low midi dress is also gorgeous with its lace trim cuffs and hem, tiered frill hem and embroidered dobby print detail. Wear it in jade to an evening event, coral for a hen’s party, and white to your wedding!
We hope you enjoy some lace, crochet and broderie anglaise this warm season! Femme Connection has embroidered lace tops, broderie anglaise dresses and tops, and lace-trim dresses, skirts and jumpsuits, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get your fix of feminine textures today.
