Dresses with openwork embroidery – the most beautiful Broderie Anglaise trends
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Time to read 2 min
Once the height of luxury, today pure romance against the skin—openwork embroidery, also known as *Broderie Anglaise*, is an artful embroidery technique in which delicate openwork patterns are incorporated into the fabric.
The technique originated in the 16th century and reached its peak in the 19th century. It was frequently used in French and English fashion (hence the name!) and gave garments a romantic flair. At the same time, it signaled that one belonged to the upper class, since only the wealthy could afford the intricately hand-embroidered and hand-hemmed dresses.
Today, eyelet embroidery is no longer painstakingly done by hand but by machines, which makes the dresses much more affordable. Yet that touch of elegance and romance remains—dresses with eyelet embroidery are currently making a spectacular comeback and fit perfectly with the cottage core trend.
Broderie Anglaise as a two-piece set: delicate openwork embroidery, a black bow for contrast—romantic meets graphic @KI-Illustration
What is Broderie Anglaise, and what makes it unique?
The defining characteristics of eyelet embroidery are the sometimes very delicate eyelet patterns, which can be designed in various shapes such as flowers, vines, or geometric motifs. Cotton or linen fabrics are particularly well-suited for this embroidery technique due to their lightness, which enhances the natural look of the dresses. The process requires a great deal of precision, as the holes must be carefully pierced and then outlined with fine embroidery threads. Cotton dresses with openwork patterns are especially popular during the warmer months—thanks to the air circulation they provide!
Discover dresses with Broderie Anglaise
The romantic charm of openwork embroidery adds a touch of nostalgia to any outfit—the delicate patterns create a sense of lightness and give the dresses a playful flair that really stands out in summer outfits. The combination of nostalgic flair and timeless elegance is what makes openwork dresses a sought-after trend in the fashion world to this day.
How to Style Dresses with Embroidery
Keep accessories understated: Simple sandals, a straw hat, or a small bag really let the eyelet embroidery shine.
Pair with denim: Denim jackets or denim shirts add a relaxed touch to the look.
Opt for natural materials: Raffia bags, leather belts, and linen pieces pair perfectly with eyelet embroidery.
Pair with oversized blazers: A loose-fitting blazer creates an interesting contrast to the delicate details.
Adding a sporty touch: Sneakers and crossbody bags lend this romantic fabric a modern, casual vibe.
Look for interesting textures: Leather, denim, or linen create interesting contrasts in texture.
Christine Schmitz
My love for fashion and communication led me to Ana Alcazar—having cut my teeth as a copywriter and concept developer in traditional advertising, I’ve been writing for our Munich-based designer label for over 10 years. On the editorial team, I’m responsible for all corporate topics, and I also focus on current trends and my passion: gender equality.
Between Image and History
Sometimes a story needs more than a photo can convey. That’s why some of the images in this article were created using artificial intelligence (AI)—curated, inspiring, and always in the spirit of “Wear your Story.” The AI-generated images are clearly labeled next to each photo.
