Lace Midi Dresses: Corded Lace, Broderie and Lace Trims, Explained
Lace Midi Dresses: Corded Lace, Broderie and Lace Trims, Explained
The short answer: a lace midi dress looks expensive when the lace has weight and the shape is structured. For an evening, our first pick is the Beau Midi Dress by Rebecca Vallance, a black embroidered sequin midi with a scallop lace trim, a pencil skirt and fine rouleau straps. For daytime, choose the St Ives Midi Dress, an ivory cotton broderie anglaise midi with a boat neckline. See every style in lace dresses and designer midi dresses. Shop midi dresses and the full luxury designer dresses edit at Coveti.
Lace is a family of fabrics, not one fabric. Corded lace has a raised cord outlining the pattern, so it is heavier and holds a shape. Broderie anglaise is cotton embroidered with small cut work holes, so it reads as fresh and summery. A lace trim, such as a scalloped edge, adds lace as a detail on a plainer dress. Rebecca Vallance uses all three, and 15 of its pieces on Coveti sit in the brand’s own Lace Dresses edit.
Lace midi dresses at a glance
| Lace | Our pick | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Scallop lace trim, sequins | Beau Midi Dress | Evening, cocktail |
| Broderie anglaise | St Ives Midi Dress | Day weddings, garden parties |
| Broderie with applique | Kitsu Short Sleeve Midi Dress | Lunch, christenings |
| Lace trim, shirt dress | Claribelle Long Sleeve Midi Dress | Workwear to evening |
| Diamante, fit and flare | Noemie Midi Dress in Cream | Engagements, cocktail |
Our picks
1. Beau Midi Dress
Black embroidered sequins with a scallop lace trim, fine adjustable rouleau straps and a pencil midi skirt. The most evening dress in the edit.
2. St Ives Midi Dress
Ivory cotton broderie anglaise with a fitted bodice and a boat neckline. Lace for daytime, and a natural choice for a bride at her engagement party.
3. Kitsu Short Sleeve Midi Dress
Lilac cotton broderie anglaise with floral applique and a flower trim along the neckline, cut as a shirt dress.
4. Claribelle Long Sleeve Midi Dress
A black stretch cotton shirt dress with a stand collar and three quarter cocoon sleeves with tucks. The brand lists it in its Lace Dresses edit, and it takes you from the office to dinner.
5. Noemie Midi Dress in Cream
Cream with a fit and flare skirt and diamante at the crew neckline. The brand files it in its own Lace Dresses edit, alongside the Beau and Claribelle.
6. Windsor Maxi Dress
Longer than a midi, but worth including: a black silk slip with lace applique and a V neckline. The best lace evening dress in the range.
7. Nottingham Gown
Blue topaz metallic corded lace with a V neckline and adjustable rouleau straps. Corded lace at full length, for black tie.
8. Nottingham Mini Dress in Blue Topaz
The same metallic corded lace with sheer long sleeves, a crew neckline, a front cut out and black satin bows. For a party.
How to wear a lace midi dress
Choose the lace for the hour. Broderie and cotton lace for daytime, corded and metallic lace for the evening.
Avoid looking bridal. A white lace midi is lovely on the bride to be, but as a wedding guest, black, colour and metallics are safer. Our white dresses guide covers when ivory is right.
Keep jewellery quiet. Lace is already a pattern. A small earring and a plain clutch are enough.
Care for it. Corded lace and sequins are delicate, so keep them away from rough surfaces and bag straps, and follow the care label.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a lace dress to a wedding?
Yes, in black, colour and metallic lace. Avoid white and ivory lace unless you are the bride, since it reads as bridal.
What is the difference between lace and broderie anglaise?
Lace is an openwork fabric made from thread. Broderie anglaise is a solid cotton embroidered with small cut work holes. Broderie is lighter and more casual, lace is dressier.
Is a black lace midi dress appropriate for a cocktail party?
Yes. A black lace midi is a classic cocktail dress. See our cocktail dresses guide for the dress code.
Do Rebecca Vallance lace dresses run small?
No. The brand says its dresses fit true to size, and AU sizes match UK sizes. Our size guide has the chart.
For more, read our Rebecca Vallance lace, sequin and polka dot fabric guide, the floral midi dresses edit and little black dresses.
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