WHEN Kate Middleton walked down the aisle a year ago, her now iconic wedding dress brought lace to the fashion mainstream.

And when the spotlight shone for her 30th birthday, the Duchess of Cambridge turned to lace again - a black Temperley gown that her Madame Tussauds waxwork has recently been dressed in.

It's official, lace is this year's reigning fabric.

But while lace is traditionally dark and moody for winter, it's undergone a fresh makeover for spring in brights, whites and pastels. From vintage-looking pieces to elaborate three-dimensional decoupage cut-outs, there are endless ways to look lovely in lace.

Time to play peekaboo chic.

:: PUMP PERFECTION

Take the appliqued look to your footwear and step out in Topshop's Marais lace perspex points, £30 (0845 121 4519/www.topshop.com).

:: PEPLUM PARADE

Exaggerate your curves with a peplum top. Warehouse's classic white lace is a waistline wonder, £35 (0845 122 2251/www.warehouse.co.uk).

:: LOVE LULU

Dive into the blue with Coast's beyond pretty embroidered Lulu dress, £250, available end of April (www.coast-stores.com).

GET THE LOOK

Paris Hilton showed her wild side in this season's animal print trend. Go on the prowl for F&F at Tesco's leopard chiffon maxi, £20 (0800 505555/www.clothingattesco.com).