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Fashion-wise, there is nothing more synonymous with summer than a delicate eyelet dress—the breathable fabric, enhanced by embroidered holes and creative patterns, is just one of many things to love about warmer temperatures. This time each year, we see eyelet details on just about every piece of clothing, from billowing blouses to shorts, but this style has been in the back pocket of summerwear for centuries. The eyelet, or broderie anglaise, is a technique that originates from 16th-century Europe. Presumed to be from the Czech Republic, its popularity grew during the Victorian era as a trim on dresses and underwear.
As ubiquitous as the LBD is to eveningwear, an eyelet dress steadily holds its place as the summer dress of choice. The same dress can be worn on daytime errands and then easily transition to a sunset-drenched dinner. There really is no summertime occasion when a broderie anglaise dress doesn’t suit—take it from Brigitte Bardot, who wore one on her wedding day.
Depending on how you style it, your look can veer toward preppy, bohemian, or Victoriana. Wear a classic white midi silhouette (see LoveShackFancy and Ganni’s lovely versions below) with heeled espadrilles for garden parties or pair it with flip-flop sandals or Birkenstocks for casual hangs around the city. Or if you’re looking for something in eyelet that’s a bit more eye-catching, consider a brightly colored version—we like options from Zara and Vita Kin. Don’t think you can’t wear prints, either. Zimmermann and PatBo offer options splashed with florals.
You can find these and more of the best eyelet dresses below. But no matter which you choose, make sure to wear it with an Aperol spritz in hand!
The Classic Midi-Length
Eyelet purists will gravitate toward longer, midi-length white dresses, but every summer wardrobe needs one!
The Little White Dress
These LWDs will take you from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and beyond. Slip them on over a bikini or take them out to dinner.
The Bright and Bold
Eyelet isn’t reserved for just white! Shop the rainbow of dresses in the dainty fabric.
The Pretty Pastel
And since you’ve already picked up a white and vibrant-hued eyelet dress, next on your to-shop list should be a version in a faint pastel color.
The Printed Eyelet
Prints get a new dimension when featured on an eyelet fabric. We love the look in florals.
