I remember standing in my closet last January, staring at a beautiful, silk bias-cut slip dress with delicate Chantilly lace trim. It felt so glamorous, so summer evening. The problem was, the snow was piling up outside, and the idea of wearing anything so delicate felt completely impractical—or worse, freezing. I nearly tucked it away until spring.
But that’s where the magic of modern winter layering comes in. In 2026, the lines between luxurious lingerie and everyday comfort have completely blurred, making the lace-trim piece an unexpected cornerstone of casual winter dressing. It’s all about the art of contrast: pairing softness and structure, delicacy and bulk, to create an outfit that whispers ‘chic’ rather than screaming ‘formal.’
I’ve spent the last few seasons perfecting how to integrate these beautiful, feminine details into cozy, practical winter looks. If you’ve ever wondered how to wear your favorite lace-trimmed cami without feeling exposed or overdressed, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into the cozy revolution of lace.
1. Mastering the Layered Slip Dress Look
The silk slip dress—especially the mid-length one with a subtle lace hemline—is often thought of as an evening piece. But for Winter 2026, it becomes a versatile base layer. The key to making this casual and winter-appropriate is insulation, both underneath and over the top.
Start with the under-layer. Instead of bare skin, I recommend a thin, thermal base layer. Look for something truly invisible underneath the silk, but effective. For those extremely cold days, I swear by a high-quality Merino Wool Thermal Slip. It adds zero bulk but serious warmth, ensuring the lace peeking out at the bottom doesn’t feel seasonally inappropriate.
The outer layer needs to be cozy and structured to counterbalance the flowiness of the silk. Think oversized, textured pieces:
- Layer a heavy, slightly cropped Cashmere Crewneck Sweater right over the top. The lace peekaboo at the hem and the neckline creates an instantly elevated silhouette.
- For footwear, skip the heels. Tall leather riding boots or chunky Chelsea boots keep the look grounded and practical for slushy sidewalks.
This pairing achieves the perfect balance: the warmth of the knit, the luxurious feel of the silk, and the feminine touch of the lace.
2. The Lace Cami Under the Turtleneck Rule
This is my secret weapon for adding an immediate touch of sophistication to even the most basic knitwear. Lace trim camisoles are no longer meant purely for sleeping; they are the texture contrast required under structured pieces. When you wear a lace cami, you’re not just wearing an outfit; you’re setting a mood.
The trick is visibility. You don’t want the cami to be fully visible, but rather have the top edge of the lace—often a beautiful V-neck or scoop—just barely showing above the neckline of your main sweater or top.
My favorite winter pairing is a high-necked, fine-gauge turtleneck (perhaps in a winter neutral tone, which pairs beautifully with the soft aesthetic—you can see my current obsessions in my guide to Winter Neutral Nails Perfect for January Manicures). Let the lace trim of a deep emerald or charcoal Silk Blend Lace Cami peek out just above the collarbone. It’s an intimate detail that makes the whole look feel incredibly rich.
Why this works for casual wear: The heavy coverage and warmth of the turtleneck neutralize the sexiness of the lace, turning it into a textural accessory rather than a focal point. This outfit looks fantastic paired with relaxed wide-leg wool trousers and tailored coat.
3. Elevating Cozy Knitwear with Lace Skirts
If you think a lace-trimmed skirt is too delicate for winter, think again. The tension between heavy knits and sheer materials is exactly what makes this look feel so fresh and casual for 2026. The goal is to make the skirt feel less cocktail-party and more weekend-brunch.
The secret here lies in the proportion of your top layer. The knitwear needs to be deliberately voluminous. I often recommend an oversized, cropped hoodie or, even better, a Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan worn buttoned up like a sweater. This heavy texture grounds the lightness of the skirt.
When selecting the lace skirt, opt for one in a heavier silk or satin blend to minimize cling. Pair the whole look with thick tights or fleece-lined leggings underneath for practical warmth. The lace hemline floating above the substantial boots or loafers is a sophisticated detail.
This style embodies the ‘cozy glam’ aesthetic that’s everywhere this winter. It’s perfect for bridging the gap between comfort and polished style, much like opting for low-maintenance, yet chic nails this time of year (I often match the mood of my outfit to my manicure—check out some ideas in Cozy January Nail Designs Inspired by Winter Textures).
4. Unexpected Accessories: The Lace Scarf or Shawl
Sometimes, we don’t need a whole new garment; we just need a touch of lace to accessorize. If you aren’t ready to commit to a full garment, try incorporating a delicate, lace-edged scarf or shawl.
Wrap a wide, thin black lace-trim scarf over the lapel of a heavy wool coat. It adds an instant injection of texture and a bohemian yet casual elegance. This works especially well if your coat is a stiff, masculine cut, as the lace immediately softens the silhouette.
Alternatively, use a square lace-trim scarf as a head covering or tied loosely around the neck like a bandana. It’s a small detail that shows intentionality without sacrificing warmth or comfort.
Lace trim in winter 2026 is less about formality and more about intentional texture mixing. By focusing on grounding the delicate lace with heavy, warm materials—wool, cashmere, thick leather—you transform pieces typically relegated to the bedroom or a summer wedding into practical, yet inherently stylish, components of your everyday wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color contrasts; black lace against camel or grey is always a winning combination.
Ready to try these looks? Pin this guide now so you always have fresh ideas for styling your favorite lace pieces!
FAQs: Keeping Lace Trim Casual and Warm
Q1: Can I wash lace trim items at home, or do I need to dry clean?
A: Most modern lace-trim items made with blends (like silk-modal or polyester satin) can be gently washed at home. Always check the label! If it’s pure silk or delicate vintage lace, hand-washing in cool water with a mild detergent is safest. Never put delicate lace in the dryer; air dry flat or hang carefully to maintain the integrity of the trim.
Q2: How do I prevent my chunky knits from snagging the delicate lace?
A: Snagging is a real concern! To prevent this, ensure the inner layer (the lace cami or slip) is smooth and high quality. When layering, make sure the lace trim is tucked neatly under the heavier garment (like under the hem of a sweater) so it only peeks out where intended and isn’t rubbing against rough textures unnecessarily. For heavy-duty cardigans, consider wearing a smooth, long-sleeve tee between the knit and the lace piece.
Q3: What colors of lace are best for a casual winter look?
A: For casual wear, stick to classic neutrals or muted jewel tones. Black lace is the most versatile and easiest to ground, especially when paired with grey, navy, or white wool. Muted tones like dusty rose, deep burgundy, or forest green also work beautifully, as they harmonize well with the traditional winter palette without feeling too bright or summery.