The beauty of broderie is its range. Go full romantic in a tiered maxi and you've got an outfit in one. Add a simple French-girl broderie blouse to straight-leg denim and dark loafers, and you've got that effortless, off-duty look nailed. White on white embroidery is the summer classic, but this season we’ve seen contrast embroidery and ice-cream hue pastels for a fresh take. Below, the edit of pieces worth the money, whatever the budget.
The Eyelet Effect: Why Broderie Anglaise Is This Summer's Best Investment
Forget the prim, dressing-table-doily connotations of broderie anglaise past – this season's version is fluid, French and a world away from anything twee.
This season’s Broderie Anglaise rebrand saw Jacquemus turning humble cotton into something covetable for Le Paysan and Chloé applying proper craftsmanship to the simplest of fabrics. It's since trickled down the fashion layers brilliantly, from a £23 high-street crop top to the kind of investment dress that earns its keep all summer long.
The beauty of broderie is its range. Go full romantic in a tiered maxi and you've got an outfit in one. Add a simple French-girl broderie blouse to straight-leg denim and dark loafers, and you've got that effortless, off-duty look nailed. White on white embroidery is the summer classic, but this season we’ve seen contrast embroidery and ice-cream hue pastels for a fresh take. Below, the edit of pieces worth the money, whatever the budget.
The beauty of broderie is its range. Go full romantic in a tiered maxi and you've got an outfit in one. Add a simple French-girl broderie blouse to straight-leg denim and dark loafers, and you've got that effortless, off-duty look nailed. White on white embroidery is the summer classic, but this season we’ve seen contrast embroidery and ice-cream hue pastels for a fresh take. Below, the edit of pieces worth the money, whatever the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is broderie anglaise?
Broderie anglaise is a style of embroidery characterised by cutwork patterns finished with whip-stitching, traditionally worked in white cotton. It originated in 19th-century England (despite the French name) and has long been associated with christening gowns and lingerie — though this season's iteration is far more grown-up.
Is broderie anglaise in trend for summer 2026?
Yes. Broderie anglaise is one of the defining fabric trends for summer 2026, driven by Jacquemus's Le Paysan collection and Chloé's craftsmanship-led pieces. The look has moved from niche runway detail to high-street staple, with pieces now available from £23 to £450.
How do you style broderie anglaise without it looking twee?
Pair a broderie blouse with straight-leg denim and dark loafers for an off-duty, French-girl look, or go full romantic with a tiered broderie maxi dress as a one-and-done outfit. Avoiding head-to-toe lace trims and opting for clean, structured silhouettes keeps it modern rather than dressing-table-doily.
What's the difference between white-on-white and contrast broderie anglaise?
White-on-white is the classic, timeless take on broderie anglaise, while contrast embroidery and ice-cream pastel hues are this season's fresher update. Both are considered current for 2026, with contrast versions offering a more directional alternative.
What is the best affordable broderie anglaise piece this season?
H&M's Cropped Broderie Top at £23 and Nobody's Child's White Broderie Top at £30 (sale) are among the best-value entry points, while Marks and Spencer's Pure Cotton Broderie Mini Shift Dress at £36 offers a wearable, investment-adjacent shape for the price.
What is the best investment broderie anglaise piece?
Beulah London's Aster Mocha Embroidered Dress (£475) and Zimmermann's Broderie Anglaise Denim Shorts (£450) represent the higher end of the trend, offering proper craftsmanship that justifies repeat summer wear.
Can broderie anglaise be worn for both daytime and evening?
Yes. Broderie anglaise spans both registers depending on styling: a simple blouse or skirt reads as daytime and off-duty, while a tiered maxi dress, like Nobody's Child's Wrena Broderie Dress, can be dressed up for evening with heeled sandals and gold jewellery.
What fabric is broderie anglaise typically made from?
Broderie anglaise is most commonly worked in cotton or linen, both of which suit summer dressing well thanks to their breathability. Pieces in this edit range from pure cotton (Marks and Spencer) to linen-blend (Farm Rio, H&M).
Is broderie anglaise flattering on all body shapes?
The cutwork detailing in broderie anglaise tends to work well across body shapes because it's typically applied as trim or placement detail rather than all-over fabric, meaning the cutwork doesn't dictate fit. Tiered maxi styles add volume and movement, while fitted shirt dresses, like Boden's Ruffle Bodice Shirt Dress, offer a more structured silhouette.
How do you transition broderie anglaise into early autumn?
Broderie anglaise pieces in deeper or contrast tones, such as Hush's Renna Broderie Placement Trousers in dark brown, extend the trend beyond peak summer. Layering a broderie blouse under a knit or blazer also allows the trend to carry into the cooler months.
By
Lydia Mansi
·
Published July 2026
Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.
