How to Wear a Lace Skirt: Tops, Shoes and What Goes Under
How to Wear a Lace Skirt: Tops, Shoes and What Goes Under
To wear a lace skirt, pair it with a plain, close fitting top in a solid colour, wear a slip underneath when the lace is unlined, and choose shoes that match the mood: flats and sneakers by day, slim heeled sandals at night. The lace is the statement, so let everything around it stay smooth and simple. The Zimmermann Resort 2027 collection is full of examples across its designer midi skirts.
The anchor piece here is the Zimmermann Clash Lace Midi Skirt in peach, a layered lace ruffle skirt that is fully lined. If you also want an evening shoe to wear with it, our guide on how to style red heels shows how a bold sandal works against soft pastel lace.
Key facts
- The Clash Lace Midi Skirt is 60% polyamide and 40% cotton lace, fully lined, with an invisible centre back zip.
- It sits mid rise, is fitted at the waist and hips, and the lace has no stretch; it fits true to size.
- Lined lace needs nothing underneath; unlined lace needs a slip in a skin tone shade.
- Smooth tops balance lace: think silk, fine knit, organza and crisp cotton.
- Coveti lists UK sizes 6 to 16, matching Zimmermann sizes 0P to 4.
What do you wear under a lace skirt?
Under a lined lace skirt you need only seamless underwear; under an unlined one, wear a slip in a shade close to your skin tone.
Check the product details before you buy. The Clash Lace Midi Skirt is fully lined, so the layered ruffles sit over a solid base and nothing shows through. With unlined lace, a nude slip reads as invisible, while a contrasting slip, such as black under cream lace, turns the lining into part of the design. Either works, as long as it looks intentional. Smooth, seamless underwear is the best choice in both cases because lace tends to cling lightly at the hip.
What kind of top goes with a lace skirt?
The best tops for a lace skirt are smooth and simple: a fitted knit, a silk shirt, a crisp tuxedo jacket and a sheer organza layer all work.
Texture contrast is the rule. Lace is busy, so a top with a clean surface lets the skirt breathe. Tuck the top in, partly at least, so the waistband and the start of the ruffles stay visible; that keeps your proportions balanced on a midi length.
Sheer on sheer: the organza shirt
Layering sheer over lace sounds risky, but it works when both pieces share a tone. The Clash Organza Shirt in olive is 100% silk organza with full length sleeves, elongated cuffs and partial side splits, and it comes with a separate lace trimmed slip. Wear the slip tucked into the peach lace skirt and the organza loose over the top for a soft, layered look with real depth. For more on this, see our guide to sheer dresses.
Tailoring: the tuxedo jacket
A sharp jacket is the quickest way to make a lace skirt work at the office. The Clash Lace Tuxedo Jacket in dusty pink is a wool blend, single breasted blazer with padded shoulders, satin lapels, satin covered buttons and a subtly tapered waist, softened with delicate lace trim. Worn over a fine knit with the peach lace skirt, it makes a tonal pastel suit. Our guide to tuxedo suits for women has more on tailoring.
What shoes to wear with a lace skirt?
Ballet flats and clean sneakers suit a lace skirt by day; slim strappy heels and mules suit it at night.
The rule of thumb is to match the shoe to the refinement of the lace, unless you want deliberate sporty contrast. Chunky boots can work with a short lace skirt, but they tend to overwhelm a midi.
| Occasion | Top | Shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend | White tee, denim jacket | Clean white sneakers |
| Office | Fine knit, tuxedo jacket | Black ballet flat |
| Lunch | Organza shirt with slip | Gold flat, low mule |
| Wedding guest | Silk blouse | Red heeled sandal |
| Evening | Fitted bodysuit, cami | Strappy heel |
For daytime, the Carousel Ballerina in black is a strong partner. It is made in Italy in nappa leather with woven leather detailing, a rounded toe and an oversized knotted bow, and Zimmermann says it fits true to size. Black at the foot grounds pale lace and makes it look modern. In the evening, switch to the Belara Sandal 85 in red, with its hand crafted leather flower, fine cage straps and 85mm heel; red against peach is warm rather than loud. More shoes sit in our designer flats category, and our Zimmermann shoes guide explains each style.
How do you wear a lace skirt during the day?
For daytime, dress lace down with cotton, denim and flat shoes so it looks relaxed rather than formal.
- Choose a simple top: a white tee, a striped shirt and a fine knit all work.
- Add a casual layer such as a denim jacket; our double denim outfits guide has more ideas.
- Keep the shoe flat: ballet flats, loafers and white sneakers.
- Carry a tote, not a clutch.
- Keep jewellery small, one pair of studs and a slim bracelet.
How do you wear a lace skirt for evening?
For evening, match the lace with silk, satin and metallics, and add one strong accessory such as a heel, a cuff and a statement earring.
A fitted bodysuit in a colour from the lace gives the cleanest line, especially with a full ruffle skirt. If you want something more dramatic, a long lace skirt with a fitted top and a sculptural earring is a good alternative to a gown. Zimmermann offers several lace options beyond the peach midi, including the Clash Lace Drape Maxi Skirt, the Clash Satin Lace Skirt and the Echo Lace Midi Skirt. For a darker, more classic option, the Lace Pencil Midi Skirt offers a slimmer shape.
Are lace skirts still in style in 2026?
Lace skirts are firmly in style in 2026, and Zimmermann’s Resort 2027 collection includes lace in midi, maxi and pencil shapes.
The brand describes its own handwriting as sophisticated femininity, clever colour combinations and delicate original prints, and lace sits naturally within that idea. The Clash capsule pairs lace with pastel tailoring, while the Echo capsule leans into softer midi shapes. If you love the fabric in dress form, our Zimmermann lace dresses guide covers those too.
How should a lace skirt fit?
A lace skirt should sit flat at the waist without pulling across the hips, because non stretch lace shows strain quickly.
The Clash Lace Midi Skirt is fitted at the waist and hips in a non stretch lace and fits true to size. Zimmermann sizes 0P, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 convert to UK 6P, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16, and Coveti lists UK sizes. If you are between sizes, take the larger one, since lace has no give. Ruffles and tiers create volume lower down, which is flattering if you prefer a little room through the stomach: the fitted waistband defines you, and the movement starts below. The Zimmermann size guide lists body measurements in centimetres.
How do you care for a lace skirt?
Treat lace gently: follow the care label, store it flat and keep it away from jewellery that can snag.
Lace catches easily on rings, bracelets and bag hardware, so put the skirt on before your jewellery. Hang lined skirts by the waistband using clip hangers with soft pads, and fold delicate lace in tissue for travel. Our Zimmermann care guide has more on looking after delicate fabrics.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear under a lace skirt?
Under a lined lace skirt, such as the Zimmermann Clash Lace Midi Skirt, you need only seamless underwear. Under unlined lace, wear a slip close to your skin tone.
What kind of top to wear with a lace skirt?
Choose a smooth, simple top: a fitted knit, a silk shirt, an organza layer and a tuxedo jacket all work. Tuck it in so the waistband stays visible.
What shoes to wear with a lace skirt?
Wear ballet flats and clean sneakers by day, and slim strappy heels by night. A black ballet flat grounds pale lace, and a red heel warms it up.
Are lace skirts still in style in 2026?
Yes. Zimmermann’s Resort 2027 collection includes lace skirts in midi, maxi and pencil shapes, including the Clash Lace Midi Skirt.
What skirts flatter a belly pooch?
Skirts with a fitted waistband and volume that starts lower down, such as layered ruffle midis, are the most flattering. Avoid clingy fabrics that sit tight across the stomach.
Can you wear a lace skirt to the office?
Yes, if the skirt is lined and midi length. Pair it with a tailored jacket and a fine knit, and finish with flats.
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