From The Straits Times    |

I’ve always been a fan of lace. It’s a sensual material often associated with the sexier side of dressing, from underwear to sheer evening outfits. However with the catwalks dominated by an edgier woman for Autumn Winter 2015, there are now a multitude of options to indulge in lacy concoctions for office-appropriate outfits. Here are a few ways you can wear the trend at every budget in fresh, fashion-forward pieces: 

Image: Showbit

 

#1 The formal shorts

Some offices may require corporate attire, but for those of you who work in more relaxed environments, take advantage of the opportunity to wear these lace-edged shorts. If styled with a bootie and a masculine shirt, you can easily toe the office-appropriate line and they can double up perfectly for weekend wear. 

Viscose and silk shorts, $630 by Daniel Silverstain from Gnossem

 

#2 The lace top

Navy is the new black. I’ve always been a navy fan (I love every shade of blue), but now the fashion set has fully embraced the hue and many a staple comes in this versatile colour. This Spanish lace top by Adam Lippes is stunningly simple and comes in a cut that will work with everything from pencil skirts to tailored peg trousers. The best part for Singapore’s office ladies has to be the translucent sleeves, breathable and light for hot weather! 

Silk-lined lace top, $1288 by Adam Lippes from Net-a-Porter

 

#3 The work-perfect dress

We love dresses for the office, easy to slip on and no need think about matching separates in the morning! This ASOS number is full-skirted and below the knee, so formal in length but sleevless to keep you cool when rushing between meetings, or to pop a cardigan or sweater over in freezing office air con. 

Polyester mesh dress, $209.44 (free shipping) from ASOS

 

#4 The statement sleeveless jacket

This is for the more daring dressers among you. I love this piece if you’re trying to make a statement. Keep the rest of the look simple, classic heeled sandals and a black pencil skirt or shift dress will work best for the office, then slip this on over the top for a clean statement that means business. 

Handmade lace waistcoat, $592 by Ritesh Kumar on Gnossem 

 

#5 The classic blouse

No One does lace better than Italian masters Dolce & Gabbana, and this white lace blouse is perfect for working in Singapore as it’s airy and still tailored. 

Ivory lace shirt, $1227 by Dolce & Gabbana from Net-a-Porter

 

#6 The shift dress

Sky blue lace is a novelty! The colour updates a classic shift dress and accentuates the beautiful detail of the lace. The modern styling of pairing it with black boots gives it an edge, or pair with your courts for a more timeless look. 

Polyester dress, $139 from Zara 

 

#7 The reinvented skinny scarf

The skinny black scarf has been all over our Instagram feeds of late, wrapped nonchalantly around the necks of street style stars around the globe as a glam rock update to any look. Personally I love this lace version for a chic and unexpected twist on a trending item, it’s always good to be a little different. 

Polyamide skinny scarf, $450 from Saint Laurent 
 

See how to make any outfit look expensive no matter your budget here.