Frill seekers

Embrace your feminine side with all things sheer and beautiful, by Laia Farran Graves

Being a romantic at heart, I was delighted to see the autumn/winter 2008 catwalks awash with lace. From Balenciaga and Chanel to Stella McCartney and Prada, it was clear designers were staging a lace renaissance. Thankfully, not a grandmother's curtain or bridal one – although fashionista brides are sure to be looking at alteration options already. No froth; it’s a much sharper, more dramatic and elegant take on lace. And whether your closet’s conservative or cutting edge, you can adapt the trend to suit.

Prada easily had the strongest lace presence this season, with exquisite, quintessentially Italian tailoring and more than a hint of Forties Mafia elegance. Shapes are tailored and strong, yet feminine while Miuccia teamed collared shirts with pencil skirts and featured below-the-knee dresses in black, blue, brown and orange.

For a softly, softly approach – and a more romantic twist – go for deconstructed, delicate blouses or floaty dresses. Cream lace works really well here too, as the lighter tone adds warmth and can be easily dressed up (i.e. worn with black for a classic, monochrome look) or down (team with neutral tones or your favourite pair of jeans). There are some great lace-trimmed tops on the high street that can be worn with a black skirt to the office, or elegantly clash one with a lace-trimmed scarf. Try Oasis for a gorgeous lace and satin dress (£50, 28 Broadway, W5 2NP; 020 8566 4380).

If it’s high-impact drama you’re after, channel a little Gothic romance. Dark hues dominate – black, charcoal grey and petrol blue – with the occasional metallic accents. Leather gloves can make this look, as well as a chunky or plate necklace. Check out Topshop’s chain wrapped pearl necklace for a feminine-yet-femme-fatale look, (£30, 17-19 Broadway, W5 2NH; 020 8567 0446).

Handbags and tights are also easy ways to create this illusion of drama. Layering is also key; wear a fab fitted jacket worn over your favourite LBD or with a pair of dark, skinny jeans. And for the finishing touches, arm yourself with plenty of dark kohl liners and eye shadow, navy and dark-green nail varnishes and porcelain-coloured powder to create that oh-so-delicate, flawless complexion.
A word of advice: play it down come Halloween…


3 of the best: Boots

1. Faithsolo by Olivia Morris, Maretta knee high patent boots, £160 by Faith; www.faith.co.uk  
2. Platform black lace up leather boots, £79.99 by River Island, 39-40 Kings Mall, W6 0QB; 0844 826 9801; www.riverisland.com  
3. Lilly black leather boots, £139 by Gant, 24 George Street, TW9 1HY; 020 8439 9390; www.gant.com