Trending: The Eyelet
The classic eyelet made a strong comeback in 2020. You see this trend EVERYWHERE especially during this time of the year. It usually comes in white since this color looks fresh and would keep us cool and in a cotton material since it’s lightweight and breathable-- perfect for hot temperatures!
What exactly is the “Eyelet” and its history?
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
The eyelet, also known as “broderie anglaise” (which translates to “English embroidery”), is defined by Britannica as a “form of whitework embroidery in which round or oval holes are pierced in the material (such as cotton), and the cut edges then overcast; these holes, or eyelets, are grouped in a pattern that is further delineated by simple embroidery stitches on the surrounding material.”
The eyelet’s origin dates all the way back to the 16th century in Europe and wasn’t only in England, despite the name. In the 19th century, the eyelet was commonly found on nightwear and underclothing.
Nowadays, the eyelet can be found on all different types of clothing as we’ve featured below (dresses, tops, and even swimwear!), in different materials and colors, and is primarily done by machine and less so by hand. Numerous designers have featured and continue to feature the eyelet, including the late Alexander McQueen and, one of my personal favorites, Zimmermann.
Eyelet Dresses
Amazon- BerryGo- Women's Embroidery Pearl Button Down Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress- $42.99
I really like this dress because it’s sweet and sexy at the same time featuring a V-neckline as well as a front slit. The pearl buttons also add a touch of class and detail. It comes in different colors besides the classic white including blue, green, peach, and yellow-- I personally prefer the green one!
Source: Amazon- BerryGo- Women's Embroidery Pearl Button Down Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress
Amazon- Conmoto- Women's Sexy Long Sleeve Lace Ruffle Mini Dress Hollow Out Summer Dress- $39.99
If you prefer a shorter dress, this is for you! Love the longer sleeves and tied top that creates a little peek-a-boo effect. You’d easily be able to transition this dress from day to night simply by changing into dressier heels or sandals and adding your favorite piece of jewelry or statement bag.
Source: Amazon- ConMoto dress
BCBGMAXAZRIA- Eyelet Ruffle Midi Dress- $328
This is a classic eyelet dress with a few added details-- flutter sleeves, a belt that cinches you at the waist, and tassel drawcords at the neckline, making it look even daintier.
Nordstrom- Adelyn Rae- May Embroidered Midi Sundress- $177.50
I’m including this option since I really enjoy the contrast of the black and the placements which break up the solid and continuous white. Upon closer inspection, this actually has subtle polka dots throughout the dress which adds a bit of fun! Love the delicate bows on the shoulders and the two tiers of the bottom half.
Eyelet Tops
Amazon- CANIKAT- Women's V Neck Lace Crochet Flowy Bell Sleeve Button Down Casual T Shirts Blouses Tops- $24.99
This blouse screams chic and most importantly, it looks SO comfy!!! The eyelets are confined only on the slightly longer sleeves and the V-neckline is always flattering on everyone. You can wear this tucked or untucked, dress it up or down-- depending on how you’re feeling. It’s a very versatile piece.
Source: CANIKAT- Women's V Neck Lace Crochet Flowy Bell Sleeve Button Down Casual T Shirts Blouses Tops
Amazon- ROMWE- Women's Sleeveless Ruffle Stand Collar Embroidery Button Slim Cotton Blouse Top- $21.99 (*need link)
If you prefer shorter sleeves and a more classic eyelet look, then this is the perfect option for you! It also comes in black and orange.
Source: Amazon- ROMWE- Women's Sleeveless Ruffle Stand Collar Embroidery Button Slim Cotton Blouse Top
Bloomingdale’s- 1.STATE- Cotton Eyelet Flutter-Sleeve Top- $89.00
The silhouette on this is actually very similar to the ROMWE top above! It has a pleated flutter detail at the neckline as well as by the armholes. This also comes in a light lilac color.
Neiman Marcus- FRAME- Eyelet Long-Sleeve Party Top- $324
If you prefer longer sleeves, you might really enjoy this option. I also think this has more of a polished look so you’d definitely even be able to wear this to work. Like the cutouts by the neckline on the front and back of this top, its stand-up collar and banded waist, and especially the buttoned cuffs.
Eyelet Swimsuits
Amazon- Avec Les Filles- Avec Les Filles Women's Eyelet Plunge One Piece Swimsuit- $52.02+
For swimsuits, I personally find it difficult to pull off white! It’s a bit unforgiving and the lining needs to be done properly otherwise definitely risking “wardrobe malfunctions”. I like this swimsuit in yellow for the pop of color. It has a deep V-cut bordered by the eyelets that run all the way to the back on the straps. It’s sweet and flirty at the same time. It also comes in white (currently unavailable) and black.
Farfetch- Zimmermann- Kirra laser-cut bikini set- $185
If you prefer white and a bikini instead of a one-piece, here’s an option for you! The eyelets are only featured on the top. Love the gold details on the ends of the ties which make this swimsuit a bit more elegant.
J. Crew- Scalloped V-neck bikini top in laser-cut eyelet- $62
J. Crew- Scalloped high-waisted bikini bottom in laser-cut eyelet- $48
J. Crew- Scalloped hipster bikini bottom in laser-cut eyelet- $48
If you prefer some color with your bikini, I think this is a really good piece. I’m including two options for the bottoms depending which style or coverage you prefer-- high-waisted or hipster. Navy’s a common color for swimsuits (and a slightly cooler alternative to black), like the scalloped edges on these, and they’re fully lined so you can feel completely at ease!
Sources: J. Crew- Scalloped V-neck bikini top in laser-cut eyelet, J. Crew- Scalloped high-waisted bikini bottom in laser-cut eyelet, J. Crew- Scalloped hipster bikini bottom in laser-cut eyelet
We hope that you found this article about the Eyelet informative and saw a piece or two (or more) that you really liked! Tell us which ones are your favorites and if there’s any specific trend that you’d like to know more about. Enjoy the rest of your summer and continue to stay safe, light, and breezy!