Luxe or Less: Blue Lace Baby

Jessica Stam behind the scenes of Flare's cover shoot. Source: Flare tumblr. Photo by Gabriel Steele.

Two of the biggest trends this fall are lace and all things blue, so it should come as no surprise that at least one designer decided to combine the two. Lacy, long-sleeved dresses in a deep rich blue showed up on the September 2011 cover of Flare magazine as worn by Jessica Stam, and on Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, during her tour of Canada. Their frocks were by Vionnet and Erdem, respectively.

Kate Middleton in Erdem. Source: Globe and Mail.

Those of us who aren't supermodels or duchesses will have to look elsewhere (read: fast fashion chains) for our blue lace fix. As it turns out, blue lace that looks elegant is hard to find at a mass retailer level. Lace tunics and racerback tanks and tees in boxy cuts--all intended to be layered over camisoles--abound. Chic ivory and black lace items are commonplace. But you have to look a bit harder for sophisticated blue lace pieces.

This was why I was lucky to have found this dark blue lace top at H&M for a scant $29.95. The luxe look of the lace belies the small price tag, and the pretty 3/4 sleeves with the scalloped edges mimic the demure appeal of the dresses pictured above.

For those who prefer their blue lace in skirt form, consider the ASOS pencil skirt (£30.00).

Finally, for tall girls who want something more adventurous than navy, there's this royal blue lace dress with a sweetheart neckline, courtesy of Topshop (£40.00).

Will you be wearing blue lace this fall?