NAYA trend report
Lace is having its biggest moment in years — searches for lace tops hit an all-time high this year, with lace midi skirts at a ten-year peak. The jewelry rule that makes it work: lace brings the texture, so your metal stays clean and lets earrings lead.
Shop earringsThe trend
Lace went from occasion-wear to everyday.
Google's spring 2026 trend data put lace tops at an all-time search high, alongside ballet flats and polka dots in this year's softer, more romantic direction. Lace is now showing up at the office and on weekends — not just at weddings.
The red carpet made it official: Zoë Kravitz co-chaired the 2026 Met Gala in a sheer black lace Saint Laurent gown — styled, notably, with green stone drop earrings as the only color (as covered by WWD). Sydney Sweeney, Florence Pugh, and Jenna Ortega have all made lace a red-carpet signature this year.
The data
"Lace tops" reached an all-time search high in 2026, per Google's spring fashion trends report. Read the trend data
The logic
Lace fills the neckline — so earrings do the talking.
Most lace tops carry detail right up to the collar, which leaves little room for a necklace to sit cleanly. Earrings work in open space, so they carry the look instead.
- Pearl drops echo lace's romantic mood without competing with it.
- Light catch matters: small movement reads elegant against a busy fabric.
- Keep them light — heavy chunky pieces overwhelm delicate lace.
The pairing rule
Busy fabric, clean metal.
Lace is already the most detailed thing in the outfit. The jewelry that flatters it keeps its lines simple — smooth gold, one clear shape, no competing texture.
Think of it as a volume dial: the more intricate the lace, the simpler the earring.
Shop the look
The texture does the work — lace needs little else. Photo: Pexels
Three lace looks
Matched to the lace you're wearing.
Romantic white lace
Pearl details lean into the softness — the classic pairing for cream and white lace.
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Lace at the office
A clean geometric pair keeps a lace blouse polished for daytime and video calls.
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Black lace, after dark
Black lace can take more attitude — a bolder acrylic pair matches its edge.
Shop the lookThe necklace question
When to skip the necklace entirely.
- High lace neckline: skip it. The lace is the necklace.
- Lace with an open neckline: one thin chain, worn short, nothing hanging into the fabric.
- Lace skirt with a plain top: normal rules apply — the lace is far from your neckline, so layer freely.
When in doubt, put the budget on your ears — warm gold pieces photograph beautifully against lace.
Black lace carries more edge — and can take bolder gold. Photo: Pexels
FAQ
Lace and jewelry questions
What jewelry should I wear with a lace dress?
Keep it light and simple: pearl drops, small hoops, or clean studs. Lace is the most detailed element in the outfit, so jewelry that competes with it makes both look busy.
What earrings go with a black lace dress?
Black lace can handle more boldness than white — a sculptural drop or a darker acrylic pair matches its edge, while gold tones add warmth against the black.
Should I wear a necklace with a lace top?
Only if the neckline is open. If lace covers the collarbone, skip the necklace and let earrings lead — a chain sitting on top of lace tangles visually and physically.