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How to style lace-up detail

The criss-cross string design is so versatile, it can be found on anything from leggings to dresses

1. Short-sleeved graphic T-shirt (Andy Warhol) 2. Lace-up leggings 3.Bomber jacket 4.IGC x NOTA leather sneakers PHOTOS: ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH, BIMBA Y LOLA, DOROTHY PERKINS, H&M, IN GOOD COMPANY, MANGO AND ZALORA, PULL AND BEAR, TOPSHOP, TUI, UNIQLO, ZARA
1. Corset sweatshirt 2.Embroidered straight crop jeans3. Brushed hoop earrings 4. Farah Arrows Gold sandals PHOTOS: ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH, BIMBA Y LOLA, DOROTHY PERKINS, H&M, IN GOOD COMPANY, MANGO AND ZALORA, PULL AND BEAR, TOPSHOP, TUI, UNIQLO, ZARA
1.Only black lace-up dress, 2. Handle braided bag and 3. Contrast fabric high-heeled sandals PHOTOS: ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH, BIMBA Y LOLA, DOROTHY PERKINS, H&M, IN GOOD COMPANY, MANGO AND ZALORA, PULL AND BEAR, TOPSHOP, TUI, UNIQLO, ZARA

How do I style lace-up pieces?

Lace-up detail, or the use of string to create criss-crosses across fabric, have been all the rage recently, borrowing from an amalgamation of hippie and boho styles of the 1970s.

It is extremely versatile - it can function to show off a cheeky peek of skin or as a statement detail on a piece of clothing.

Because of its versatility, such detail can be used to adorn anything from lingerie to flowy bohemian tops.

So how does one incorporate lace-up pieces into one's daily wardrobe without looking overtly raunchy?

For a fashionable weekend look, add a touch of edge with leggings or trousers that have lace-up details down the side.

For those who seek comfort and a more dressed-down ensemble, an oversized sweater with lace-ups is always a winning option.

STREET VIBE

For an edgy look that oozes street-style cool, pair leggings with mesh and lace-up panels at the sides, with a retro tee and a satin bomber jacket for the ultimate athleisure look.

1. Short-sleeved graphic T-shirt (Andy Warhol), $19.90, from Uniqlo

2. Lace-up leggings, $76.90, from Topshop

3. Bomber jacket, $55.90, from H&M

4. IGC x NOTA leather sneakers, $239, from In Good Company


CHIC AND COMFORTABLE

Comfort need not be achieved at the expense of style. Throw on an oversized sweater with corset-style lace-up around the waist. Avoid looking sloppy by styling it with embellished jeans and metallic sandals.

1. Corset sweatshirt, $55.90, from Pull and Bear

2. Embroidered straight crop jeans, $89.90, from Mango from Zalora

3. Brushed hoop earrings, $34, from Abercrombie and Fitch

4. Farah Arrows Gold sandals, $225, from The Tui Collection 2017


SEXY NIGHT OUT

Elevate a girls' night out look by sporting a little black dress that laces up at the front. Balance out flirty femininity with an edgy statement clutch and eye-catching strappy heels.

1. Only black lace-up dress, $63.90, from Dorothy Perkins

2. Handle braided bag, $175, from Bimba Y Lola

3. Contrast fabric high-heeled sandals, $119, from Zara

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 16, 2017, with the headline How to style lace-up detail. Subscribe