Lace Trim Tops: How to Layer and Wear Them Now

A lace trim top is a plain top, in jersey, silk, satin and cashmere, finished with a band of lace at the neckline, the cuffs and the straps. It is the opposite of an all-lace blouse: the lace is a detail, so the top works by day, layers under knitwear and only hints at lingerie. For Autumn Winter 2026 the idea has moved to layering, with lace collars and cuffs designed to be left showing above a jumper and below a sleeve.

This guide explains the main kinds of lace trim top, how to layer them, how to keep lace looking grown-up, how to care for it, and the ME+EM lace pieces on Coveti, including the new Lace Cuff Layering Top.

Kinds of lace trim top

New in: the Lace Cuff Layering Top

The Lace Cuff Layering Top in Light Cream ($340) is slim, high-necked and long-sleeved, made from stretch viscose jersey (95% viscose, 5% elastane) with lace at the collar and at the flared cuffs. ME+EM designed it to sit under its knitwear, with the lace frill showing at the neck and the cuffs falling out of the sleeves, a texture clash of soft jersey, knit and lace. The hem is level, so it tucks cleanly.

Two close relations: the Layering Top in Soft White ($320), a sleeveless jersey vest with a detailed lace shirt collar and half-button placket, and the Sheer Sleeve Layering Top in Cream ($320), a slim jersey tee with short balloon sleeves in sheer tulle and lace, designed to show under a knitted vest.

How to layer a lace trim top

Under a crew-neck jumper. The simplest look. Pull the lace collar up over the neckline and let the cuffs show below the knit. Choose a jumper with a slightly wide sleeve so the lace can fall out; a relaxed fit works better than a slim one. A dark knit such as chocolate, navy and charcoal shows the lace best.

Under a knitted vest. A sleeveless knit over a long-sleeved lace top shows the whole sleeve. ME+EM designs its layering tees for exactly this.

Under a blazer. A lace trim cami under tailoring is the classic evening move. The Lace Trim Cami Top in Dark Chocolate/Black ($430) is satin-backed crepe with black lace at the V-neck and straps; wear it under a black blazer with the jacket open.

Over a shirt. Reverse it: a lace-trimmed knit over a poplin shirt. The Lace Trim Slim Knit Vest in Black ($390) is brushed cashmere with lace along the V-neck, and it matches ME+EM’s brushed cashmere Straight Cardigan.

Alone. A high-neck lace layering top tucked into a tailored trouser is a polished outfit by itself. Add a belt and a long coat.

The ME+EM lace trim blouses

• Lace Trim Blouse in Light Cream ($660): fluid midweight silk with lace trims, faux pearl buttons, deep flared cuffs and a separate matching cami for coverage. Also in Black ($660), where the cuffs are elasticated so you can set the sleeve length.
• Lace Straight Blouse in Black ($620): pure silk satin with contrast lace panels and cap sleeves; ME+EM calls it its ultimate AM-PM piece.
• Straight Blouse in Black/Light Cream ($470): fluid matte crepe with a contrasting embroidered collar, long balloon sleeves and buttons in groups of three.
• Collar Straight Blouse in Light Cream ($530): viscose and silk jacquard with lace trims and an optional tie.
• Lace Trim Maxi Skirt in Dark Chocolate/Black ($570): not a top, but it matches the lace trim cami for a full evening look.

How to keep lace grown-up

• One lace detail at a time. A lace collar with a plain knit, not a lace collar with a lace skirt, unless it is a matching set for evening.
• Contrast textures. Lace looks most modern against something sturdy: wool tailoring, chunky knit, denim and leather.
• Tonal colour. Cream lace on cream jersey, black on black. Contrast lace, like black on chocolate, is more evening.
• Cover the straps. A lace cami under a blazer reads as evening; worn alone by day it reads as lingerie.

How to care for lace trim

Check the care tab first, because the body fabric decides the care: jersey layering tops usually hand wash cool, silk blouses are often dry clean only. Wash lace inside out, in a mesh bag if machine washing is allowed, and never wring it. Dry flat and reshape the lace while damp. Do not tumble dry: heat shrinks lace faster than the jersey it is sewn to, which puckers the seam. Iron on low through a cloth, from the back.

Sizing

Layering tops should be slim, so they sit smoothly under a knit; ME+EM cuts its jersey layering tops slim and true to size on a UK 4 to 18 ladder. Blouses are cut straight and slightly loose. Coveti lists the model’s height and size and a centimetre measurement table on every product page; see our ME+EM size guide. For more blouses, see ME+EM blouses and tops and tie neck blouses, and shop designer lace tops.

Frequently asked questions

How do you wear a lace trim top?

Layer it under a crew-neck jumper with the lace collar and cuffs showing, wear a lace cami under an open blazer, and tuck a high-neck lace top into tailored trousers.

Are lace trim tops in style in 2026?

Yes. Lace collars and cuffs designed to show under knitwear are a key Autumn Winter 2026 layering idea at ME+EM, alongside lace trim camis and knit vests.

Can you wear a lace trim cami to work?

Yes, under a blazer and a cardigan that covers the straps. Worn alone, a lace cami is better for evening.

How do you wash a lace trim top?

Follow the care label. Wash cool and inside out, in a mesh bag if machine washing is allowed, dry flat and never tumble dry.

What do you wear over a lace collar top?

A crew-neck jumper, a knitted vest and an open blazer all show the collar. Dark colours make cream lace stand out.

How much is the ME+EM Lace Cuff Layering Top?

The ME+EM Lace Cuff Layering Top in Light Cream costs $340 on Coveti.