An eyelet dress is a dress made from eyelet fabric, usually cotton, with small embroidered holes stitched in floral or scalloped patterns. It is light, breathable and pretty without being fussy, which is why it is a warm-weather favorite. And yes, you can wear eyelet in the fall: choose a darker or neutral shade, a longer length and layer it with a jacket, knit and boots.
Below we explain what eyelet is, how it differs from lace, and how to style an eyelet dress for every season and occasion, with pieces from our white eyelet dresses.
What Is an Eyelet Dress?
Eyelet (sometimes called broderie anglaise) is a woven fabric, most often cotton or a cotton blend, decorated with small cut-out holes whose edges are finished with embroidery. The holes are arranged into flowers, leaves, dots or scallops, so the fabric has texture and a soft, see-through pattern while the base stays opaque.
An eyelet dress can be fully made of the fabric or simply trimmed with it at the hem, sleeves or neckline. Most styles are lined so the cutwork shows without being sheer.
What Does "Eyelet" Mean?
The word refers to the small reinforced hole itself. In clothing, an eyelet dress means the fabric is covered in these decorative embroidered holes. It has nothing to do with metal grommets used for laces, although those are also called eyelets.
Eyelet vs. Lace
Lace is an open, web-like fabric made entirely of thread. Eyelet starts as a solid woven fabric with holes cut and embroidered into it, so it is sturdier, more casual and more breathable. Lace reads dressier and more bridal; eyelet reads fresh and daytime.
Is Eyelet in Style?
Yes. Eyelet is a classic that returns every spring and summer, and it fits current interest in romantic, cottage and coastal looks. White eyelet midis, eyelet trim and tiered skirts remain popular for brunches, showers, graduations and vacations, and darker eyelet is a modern way to wear it into cooler months.
Can You Wear Eyelet in the Fall?
You can wear eyelet in the fall, as long as you adjust the color, length and layers. Eyelet is associated with summer because it is light and breathable, but the texture looks just as good under a jacket.
- Choose a deeper color. Black, brown, navy, olive or cream eyelet feels more seasonal than bright white.
- Go longer. Midi and maxi lengths pair naturally with boots and tights.
- Layer on top. A denim jacket, leather moto, cropped cardigan or tailored blazer turns a summer dress into a fall outfit.
- Change the shoes. Swap sandals for ankle boots, knee boots or loafers.
- Add warmer accessories. A suede bag, a felt hat or a light scarf finishes the look.
The Eyelet Surplice Cami Tiered Midi Dress comes in Brown as well as Off White, and the brown works beautifully in early fall with a cream knit and boots. For more ideas, see our guide to styling dresses with layering pieces for fall and winter.
Can You Wear Eyelet in Winter?
For winter, eyelet works best indoors or as a layering piece. Wear it over a thin turtleneck or under a long coat with tights and boots, and keep to dark or neutral shades.
How to Style an Eyelet Dress for Every Occasion
Brunch and Lunch
Pair a white or floral eyelet midi with wedge sandals, a straw bag and layered gold necklaces. The Michaela Dress, an embroidered eyelet lace midi over a floral print, is a polished choice for a long lunch or garden party.
Bridal Showers and Graduations
White eyelet is a classic for bridal events and graduation ceremonies. The White Eyelet Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress has a romantic, feminine shape, and it pairs well with nude heels and pearl earrings. Guests should check our guide on what to wear to a bridal shower before choosing white.
Vacation and Beach Trips
Breathable cotton eyelet is ideal for travel. Wear it with flat leather sandals, a raffia tote and a wide-brim hat. The White Collared Button Front Eyelet Hem Midi Dress is a crisp, easy option for coastal dinners and sightseeing.
Casual Weekends
Dress eyelet down with white sneakers, a denim jacket and a crossbody bag. A short style such as the Off White Embroidered V-Neck Circle Skirt Mini Dress is perfect for errands and coffee dates.
Date Nights and Parties
For evening, choose black eyelet or a fitted cut and add strappy heels, statement earrings and a small clutch. A white midi with a scalloped neckline, like the White Scalloped Neck Side Cutout Midi Dress, offers a similar textured, feminine look for a summer party.
What Shoes and Accessories Go With Eyelet?
- Shoes: espadrilles, wedges, flat sandals and white sneakers for daytime; block heels or strappy heels for events; ankle boots in fall.
- Bags: straw, raffia or woven bags in summer; leather or suede in fall.
- Jewelry: keep it light, such as gold hoops, pearls or a delicate pendant, so the embroidery stays the focus.
- Layers: denim jackets, cropped cardigans and linen blazers all complement eyelet's texture.
Eyelet vs. Linen for a Beach Vacation
Both are breathable. Linen is cooler and more relaxed but wrinkles easily, while cotton eyelet holds its shape better and looks a little dressier in photos. Pack linen for daytime and eyelet for dinners and events.
How to Care for Eyelet Dresses
Follow the care label first. Most cotton eyelet can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water inside a mesh bag. Lay flat or hang to dry, and press with a warm iron on the reverse side to protect the embroidery.
FAQ
What is an eyelet dress?
It is a dress made from eyelet fabric, a woven cotton or cotton blend with small embroidered holes arranged in decorative patterns.
Can you wear eyelet in the fall?
Yes. Choose a darker or neutral eyelet in a midi or maxi length and layer it with a jacket or knit, boots and warmer accessories.
Is eyelet in style?
Yes. Eyelet is a timeless warm-weather fabric that continues to appear in romantic and coastal collections each season.
Is an eyelet dress see-through?
Most eyelet dresses are lined so the holes show texture without being sheer. If a style is unlined, wear a slip in a skin-tone shade.
What is the difference between eyelet and lace?
Eyelet is a solid woven fabric with embroidered holes, while lace is an open fabric made entirely of thread. Eyelet is sturdier and more casual.
Shop Eyelet Dresses at Lady Black Tie
Now that you know what an eyelet dress is and how to wear one from summer into fall, browse our white eyelet dresses, white sundresses and breathable cotton dresses. Shop online or visit our boutique in Hudson, MA to see the fabrics up close.