The Eyelet Edit: How to Wear Summer’s Favorite Fabric

Eyelet is one of those summer textures I never tire of: feminine, timeless, and just a little bit nostalgic in the best way. Whether it’s a breezy caftan tossed over a swimsuit, a polished midi dress for lunch by the water, or a romantic blouse tucked into white denim, eyelet has a way of making even the simplest summer outfit feel special. I’ve been gravitating toward broderie anglaise, scalloped hems, pretty cutouts, and cotton pieces that feel as practical as they are beautiful, and this season’s selection is especially good. One note: with a fabric this romantic, I often lean towards clean silhouettes without a lot of ruffles. Combining the delicate eyelet with to many other feminine details (bows, ruffles, pouf sleeves) can read childish instead of elegant. So! From crisp white dresses to unexpected shades of navy, coral, chocolate brown, and sea glass, these are the eyelet finds I’d wear everywhere from backyard dinners to coastal getaways.

One note on eyelet: because the fabric itself is so romantic, I usually gravitate toward cleaner silhouettes and more restrained details. A scalloped hem or pretty cutout can feel elegant and timeless, but when eyelet is layered with too many bows, ruffles, or pouf sleeves, it can quickly tip from feminine to childish. (Plus, eyelet ruffles can be tricky to iron after washing.) The best pieces strike a balance: delicate enough to feel special, but simple enough to wear beautifully for years. Also, consider keeping accessories streamlined. Embellishments and hardware on your bag or shoes can catch in the eyelet holes and tear the delicate fabric.

• Since visiting the Julia Amory Store in Palm Beach two months ago the brand is slowly taking over my wardrobe. The eyelet caftan above is a perfect example of the brand's appeal. A timeless silhouette that's feminine yet very practical. I loved wearing it for an afternoon by the pool with a white bikini peeking through, but it comes with a soft cotton slip for days when you want to enjoy it as a dress. Either way, just add a big straw tote and simple T-strap sandals for whatever your summer holds.
• That red is irresistible on this broderie anglaise cotton top with gathered ruffles and balloon sleeves. Wear it with the matching red shorts or tucked into white jeans for a bold summer look.
• The first time I mentioned this navy eyelet midi dress it sold out so fast. Well, it's back in stock in almost all sizes so this is your second chance. The fit-and-flare silhouette is so flattering, and I love that it has pockets. I own a denim version from last summer that I lived in. It just always feels right for every occasion.
• Blue and white stripes meet broderie anglaise in this cotton maxi dress, and the combination is perfection. Throw it on with flat sandals and a basket bag for an easy, polished summer outfit.
• A gauzy eyelet midi skirt is as comfortable as a pair of sweatpants but 1,000 times more chic. Whether you opt for one that's white (timeless) or navy (pretty but practical) just add a simple tank (my favorite) and straw hat and you're out the door.
• For something unexpected, this black eyelet knit maxi dress is absolutely striking. The intricate cutout detailing along the hem feels dramatic and romantic. It's perfect for a summer evening with heeled sandals.
• Faithfull's broderie anglaise midi is the quintessential summer white dress, fitted through the bodice with a beautifully voluminous skirt.
• I just ordered this eyelet dress and can already tell it's going to be on repeat. The smocked bodice and feminine silhouette make it incredibly flattering. The kind of easy barefoot-in-the-backyard dinner dress you'll reach for all summer long.
• This brown broderie anglaise midi dress is the essence of vacation dressing. The warm tones feel fresh and unexpected for eyelet. Perfect with leather sandals and a woven tote for exploring coastal towns.
• Whether you are grabbing a lobster roll or looking for a beach coverup this bright red swing dress is just the ticket.
• At 85% off, this light blue pussy-bow blouse from Valentino is an absolute steal. Balance the feminine details with clean, tailored trousers or a pencil skirt.
• These eyelet cover-up pants are the chicest thing to throw on after a swim. The wide-leg wrap silhouette creates gorgeous movement, and they look just as good over a bikini as they do with an easy tank top (20% off with "MDW20").
• If you love a classic shirtdress silhouette, this white eyelet mini dress is a winner. The stand collar and three-quarter sleeves make it polished enough for a luncheon, and the A-line fit is universally flattering.
• This boho-chic eyelet jacket from Veronica Beard is the kind of layering piece I'll reach for all summer. The two-tone embroidery and scalloped hem are stunning. Throw it over a white tee and denim or pair with the matching shorts.
• The scalloped ruffles and embroidery on this off-white eyelet skirt are pure magic. Grab the matching top and it reads like a dress, or wear it on its own with a fitted tank and gold jewelry.
• A romantic black eyelet cotton dress with a deep V-neck and ruffled trim feels effortlessly chic for warm evenings. Style with gold huggie hoops and strappy sandals for dinner al fresco.
• So pretty for warm days, this white eyelet top has the sweetest feminine details. Layer it over a swimsuit at the beach or pair with matching high-waisted shorts for exploring a new town.
• An ivory eyelet maxi dress with scalloped trim and a simple square neck is the definition of easy summer elegance. Just add sandals and a straw bag for farmers' markets, vacation strolls, or a relaxed outdoor gathering.
• Zimmermann never disappoints, and this denim midi dress with its scalloped broderie anglaise hem is stunning. Style with woven slides and a straw bag for farmers' market Saturdays or seaside dinners.
• This sweet linen eyelet top has the prettiest scalloped edges and is under $100. I'd wear it untucked with the matching eyelet shorts on the weekend.
• Bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, summer soirée: this strapless embroidered lace midi dress is the answer. The scalloped edges and A-line silhouette are absolutely breathtaking.
• Coral is having a moment, and this smocked eyelet midi dress with floral details is such a cheerful pick for vacation dinners or weekend brunch with statement earrings.
• Etro's boxy broderie anglaise poplin blouse with puffed sleeves is effortlessly chic. Wear it with the matching skirt for a full look or with high-waisted denim for something more relaxed.
• Such a pretty shade of sea glass on this tie-neck top with subtle eyelet details. It transitions beautifully from the office with trousers to weekends with cutoffs and sneakers.
• Staud's eyelet cotton button-down is the elevated white shirt your closet is missing. Wear it buttoned up with the matching trousers, open over a tank, or knotted at the waist with the matching pants.
• The broderie lace trim on this cotton voile shirt gives it such a beautiful texture. Tuck it into tailored trousers for the office or wear untucked with white jeans on the weekend.
• Talk about a statement piece. This denim skirt with intricate porcelain flower cutouts elevates casual denim into something truly artful. Pair with a simple silk tee and let the skirt do the talking.
• The gold nautical knot buttons on this halter dress are such a beautiful detail. The scalloped hem, tonal anchor motif, and stand collar give it a dressed-up feel that works for summer events at the club and coastal evenings out. I sized up because the halter neck was a little tight on my usual size.

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