Lace never goes out of style. This delicate, romantic fabric instantly dresses up any garment and adds a touch of timeless beauty. If you love the feminine look of lace, consider incorporating it into your wardrobe with an A-line dress silhouette. The flattering A-line cut flatters a variety of figures, while strategic lace accents create an elegant, polished look.
In this post, I’ll share my picks for the top 5 A-line dresses with gorgeous lace details that deserve a spot in your closet. I’ll also provide tips on how to select the best lace A-line dress for your body type and personal style. Let’s take a look at some chic and modern lace dress options!
Dress 1: Alex Evenings Lace A-Line Dress
This stunning Alex Evenings dress comes in a rich navy blue color that allows the lovely floral lace accents to truly pop. The lace cascades down the sleeves and creates a v-neck illusion neckline on the front and back. The poly-spandex fabric drapes beautifully while providing enough stretch for comfort and movement.
Fit and flare details flatter the figure by accentuating the waist and subtlety hugging the hips. This versatile lace dress can easily transition from day to night with a simple switch of shoes and accessories. Dress it up with sparkling jewelry and heels or add a denim jacket and booties for a more casual look. At around $179, it’s worth investing in for many wears. Find this flattering lace A-line dress on Nordstrom’s website or in stores.
Dress 2: Tadashi Shoji Lace Sheath Dress
For a more contemporary spin on lace, Tadashi Shoji’s sheath dress is a chic stand-out. The midi-length hemline and slimmer sheath silhouette create a sleek, modern shape while still nodding to lace’s vintage roots. Luxe ribbon lace details adorn the illusion neckline, sleeves, and hemline in an intricate floral pattern.
The shaping seams and panels ensure an ultra-flattering fit that hugs curves in all the right places. The stretch jersey fabric comprises 95% polyester and 5% spandex for contouring stretch and a crease-resistant finish. Elegant on its own or paired with a jacket, this Tadashi Shoji dress offers versatility at $328. Find it on the designer’s official website.
Dress 3: Adrianna Papell Beaded Lace Dress
For an A-line lace dress that’s perfect for cocktail attire, Adrianna Papell’s beaded beauty is a showstopper. Intricate beadwork and sequins embellish the floral Chantilly lace fabric, creating eye-catching sparkle and dimension.
The sheer 3/4 sleeves add a touch of coverage while maintaining the light, elegant look of lace. With a surplice V-neckline and figure-flattering ruching on the bodice, the fit is both shapely and comfortable. The a-line skirt includes sheer lace godet insets for a dreamy, flowy shape. At $220, it’s worth feeling like royalty for a night. Find this dazzling beaded lace dress at Macy’s, Nordstrom, and other major retailers.
Dress 4: Calvin Klein Lace Sheath Dress
For a lace dress that seamlessly goes from office to dinner, Calvin Klein’s sheath dress is perfect. The illusion crew neckline and elbow-length sleeves provide sufficient coverage for conservative workplaces. Meanwhile, the sheer back yoke and V-back design add allure for evening wear.
This dress falls at a versatile midi length and the figure-hugging sheath cut is ultra-flattering. Calvin Klein utilizes a double-layer design, with solid lining visible beneath the ornate Alencon lace overlay. The resulting look is sophisticated yet alluring. Crafted from polyester and nylon, this sheath dress offers comfort, quality, and easy care. Typically $168, keep an eye out for sales on this Calvin Klein lace dress at retailers like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
Dress 5: Closet London Midi Dress with Lace Detail
Last but not least, this Closet London midi provides a chic, minimalist take on lace. Strategic crochet lace panels draw the eye to the waistline and shoulders, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. The cap sleeves offer some coverage while showing just enough skin.
This knit dress comprises a polyester and elastane blend that contours the body while allowing stretch and movement. The midi length gives it versatility for both casual and dressier occasions. Add some edge with ankle boots or dress it up with bold heels. Often found on sale for under $100, this Closet London lace accent dress is a budget-friendly wardrobe staple. Shop it online at Asos, Revolve and other favorite fashion sites.
Now that I’ve covered some of my favorite lace A-line dress picks, let’s discuss how to select the perfect lace dress to flatter your unique shape and style. Keep these tips in mind while shopping:
Consider Your Body Type
Focus on lace styles and silhouettes that enhance your best assets. Hourglass figures can highlight their shape with fitted dresses like sheaths. Choose v-necklines and wrap styles to show off your curves. Rectangular or straight figures look great in A-line dresses, fit and flares, and other structured styles with defined waists. These shapes add balance to your silhouette.
If you are more pear shaped, opt for lace dresses with detailing on the top half to draw eyes upward and balance out the hips. Empire waists also help define your narrower midsection. Inverted triangle body types suit slimmer sheath dresses with off-the-shoulder or v-necklines to highlight the shoulders and bust. Tailored, dramatic A-lines work well too.
Pay Attention to Lace Type and Embellishments
Delicate Chantilly, geometric Alencon, and ornate brocade lace all create distinct looks. Are you hoping to achieve a sexy, sheer style or prefer more coverage from guipure and crochet lace? Do you want intricate patterns or floral motifs? Look for lace styles that align with the vibe you want. If you dislike how lace looks up close, choose styles with backing like a lining or contrast fabric.
Consider any other embellishments too. Does beading or sequins enhance the lace effect you want, or does it feel too flashy? Pick adornments that jibe with your personal taste.
Evaluate Fabric Quality
While you want pretty lace, the rest of the dress fabric matters too. Seek out high-quality fabrics like polyester blends that offer stretch, shape retention, and durability. Many lace A-line dresses use jersey, ponte, scuba knits, chiffon, and lightweight polyester linings.
Touch and feel materials – cheap, flimsy lace frays and snags quickly. Check the lace’s edge to ensure it isn’t already fraying. Quality lace requires no finishing edge to prevent unraveling. Run a fingernail over embellishments to confirm they are securely attached.
Choose Styles that Flatter Your Shape
No matter how exquisite the lace, an ill-fitting dress won’t be flattering. Look for styles with seam placements, necklines, waistlines, and lengths made to enhance your figure. An empire waist A-line creates an hourglass effect on shorter frames, while a midi-length sheath can lengthen petite silhouettes.
Strategically placed ruching, color blocking, and lace panels also help sculpt and proportion your shape. Ensure the dress flatters both your problem areas and best assets. Try different silhouettes to determine which is most pleasing to your eye.
Consider Versatility
Think about when, where, and how often you will wear your new lace dress. While an ornate floor-length gown suits a black-tie wedding, a sleek cocktail dress offers more mileage. Look for versatile lengths and silhouettes. A midi sheath dress and knee-length A-line work for both daytime and evening affairs.
Subtle lace dresses with good fabric pair well with casual layers like jean jackets and sneakers too. If you’ll wear it often, neutral hues like navy, black, and beige give you more styling possibilities than bold prints or colors.
Evaluate Lining
Many lace dresses come with partial or full solid lining. An unlined lace dress has an ethereal, sexy vibe but may showcase your undergarments. Opt for a lined style if you desire more coverage and comfort.
Partially lined dresses reveal skin strategically, like an open back with a front lining. Try different lining options to find your ideal balance of allure and coverage. You can always add a slip under sheer unlined lace for more opacity.
Sleeve Length and Style
Sleeves impact both the look and function of your lace dress. Sleeveless styles work in warmer weather while providing room to showcase jewelry. Long sleeves offer more coverage and pull together a dressier ensemble.
Cap sleeves, flutter sleeves, and illusion sleeves give a touch of cute flair. For workplaces or events with dress codes, keep sleeve lengths in mind – you may need at least cap sleeves.
Seasonality
When will you be wearing your new lace dress most often? If you need it primarily for summer weddings or tropical getaways, avoid long sleeves. Strapless, sleeveless, and spaghetti strap styles suit hotter climates and seasons best.
For special occasions in spring and fall or indoor events, 3/4 length or long sleeves provide some insulation against chillier temps. If winters are cold where you live, look for dresses with sleeves and higher necklines to stay cozy yet chic.
Extra Details
Small extras add functionality that makes your lace dress more wearable. For instance, pockets allow you to go hands-free while keeping necessities close. Removable straps or sashes let you modify necklines and silhouettes.
A dress with a low open back balanced with a higher front neckline allows you to choose your level of allure. Subtle pattern mixing, an exposed back zipper, or contrast piping give your lace dress a modern, edgy twist. Seek fun details that speak to your personal style.
Lace Coverage
Some dresses spotlight lace as the star of the show with allover coverage. Others use it sparingly as delicate trim. Decide the look you prefer – a fully beaded champagne A-line makes quite a different statement than a solid black sheath with lace illusion sleeves.
More coverage looks more overtly formal and traditional, while strategic lace placements feel youthful and modern. Fuller lace skirts also add volume and drama for eveningwear. Choose the lace concentration that suits your events and desired aesthetic.
Floral vs. Geometric
Traditional lace often features floral designs, however modern geometric and abstract lace patterns also abound. Floral lace has an inherently feminine, romantic vibe perfect for garden parties and weddings.
Geometric shapes like zigzags, diagonal lines, and symmetrical patterns give lace an edgy update. If you dislike florals or find them dated, look for deco, art deco or abstract lace styles instead.
Color Palette
While manygravitate toward classic white, champagne, and ivory lace, don’t limit yourself. Black lace makes a striking statement for cocktails or date nights. Deep jewel tones like ruby red and midnight blue lend richness for winter soirees.
Blush pink, sky blue, and muted metallics like pewter or silver suit spring and summer occasions. Avoid bold neons and prints unless that suits your personality – you want the lace to shine. Consider your complexion and choose hues that flatter your skin tone.
Brand and Budget
Big differences in quality, construction and design exist between low-, mid- and high-end lace dress brands. If investing in a designer piece, inspect the fabric, embellishments and construction. More affordable brands like Asos, Reformation and Topshop offer trendy lace dress options around $100.
Popular mid-range choices like Adrianna Papell, Tadashi Shoji and Alex Evenings sell gorgeous styles from $150 to $350. For budget-friendly options under $50, check stores like Shein, Lulus and ASOS for cute lace finds.
To sum up my tips for finding your dream lace A-line dress:
- See what silhouettes flatter your body type best
- Select lace styles and embellishments you adore
- Feel fabric quality – it should be comfortable with good recovery
- Ensure the overall cut and seams flatter your shape
- Look for versatile lengths, necklines and style details
- Consider lining, sleeves, and coverage preferences
- Pick floral or geometric lace patterns that appeal to your personal taste
- Choose colors suited to your skin tone and occasions
- Compare brands and prices to find good quality in your budget
By keeping these guidelines in mind as you shop, you’re sure to discover an elegant lace A-line dress that makes you look and feel beautiful!
Now, here are answers some frequently asked questions about lace A-line dresses:
Q: Are lace A-line dresses only suitable for formal events?
A: Definitely not! While ornate floor-length lace gowns suit black tie affairs, many shorter, more casual lace A-line styles work for daytime wear too. Minimalist lace details with versatile fabrics like jersey and scuba knits pair well with denim jackets, booties or sneakers for everyday wear. Opt for unembellished, solid colored lace in silhouettes like fit and flares to dress down this romantic fabric.
Q: What lingerie and shapewear should I wear under lace?
A: Smooth seamless underwear and bras prevent lines from showing through lace. Nude tones disappearance under light colors. Shapewear like lightweight slips, body shapers or spanx give you a smoothed silhouette under form-fitting lace styles. Strapless shapewear lets you wear strapless and spaghetti strap dresses seamlessly.
Q: How should I clean and care for delicate lace?
A: Hand or machine washing lace on the gentle cycle in cold water prevents damage. Use a laundry bag for extra protection. To dry, lay flat or line dry instead of the rough tumble dryer. Steam your lace dress after washing to revive the fibers. Take delicately embellished lace dresses to the dry cleaner, and have beading or sequins re-secured if needed over time. Avoid overexposure to sunlight to prevent fading.
Q: What shoes, jewelry and accessories complement lace dresses?
A: Statement shoes like sparkling heels, strappy sandals, or metallic pumps pair well with lace’s elegance. For jewelry, consider vintage-inspired pearls, crystals, and marcasite pieces. Pull back your hair to showcase earrings. Bold cuffs and cocktail rings add flair. Metallic clutches act as aNeutral bag and shoe colors allow the lace to shine.
Q: Aren’t lace dresses outdated and matronly?
A: Lace designs have come a long way from the frumpy frocks of decades past! Contemporary lace fabrics in colors beyond just ivory or cream feel fresh. Details like illusion fabrics, exposed trim and mini lengths give lace modern edge. Strategically placed lace panels beat all-over lace for a youthful look. Styling lace with relaxed waves, sexy shoes and confidence beats the matronly vibes.
To wrap up, I hope you feel inspired to try one of the gorgeous lace A-line dresses I featured today. This timeless fabric merits a spot in every feminine wardrobe when cut in a flattering A-line silhouette. Keep fabric quality, seam placements, lining and versatility in mind as you shop. Choosing a lace dress tailored to your shape and style preferences ensures you look utterly elegant and chic!