Versatile Black Lace
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White dresses with black lace come in so many different styles, you can find one for almost any occasion. They can be elegant and classy, perfect for a work event, or give a peek-a-boo vibe you can wear on fun nights out. In some cases, the lace acts as an accent and adds contrast. In other cases, you'll see black lace overlays that cover all or most of the white dress. These styles are generally a breeze to accessorize because of the versatility of black and white.
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The Lace-up Shift Dress by Xhilaration is available at Target for around $30.00. This one can be dressed up or down with flats or pumps and delicate or chunky jewelry. Some styles with a lace overlay on top of white, nude, or tan can look a little risqué at first glance, but this one doesn't. Get it in women's sizes in XS to XXL.
This Women's Lace Scuba Dress by 3Hearts is reminiscent of a tuxedo with its black skirt and black lace running up either side of a white bodice. The slight high-low hem and cutout in the lace back keep it fun and flirty. Expect to pay just over $30.00. It's available in junior's sizing in XS to XL.
Rhinestone jewelry and a pair of black pumps will be the perfect finishing touches.
The Soutache Lace Midi Dress by JS Collections (about $350.00 at Nordstrom) features ivory and black appliqué scrolls over the black lace, which lies on top of an ivory foundation. The overall look has a loosely striped effect, with the black section in the middle and the ivory above and below. Its jewel neck and modest length keep the look conservative.
This dress is best worn in a semi-formal setting with heels and simple jewelry. Get it in sizes 2 through 16.
This option, the JAX Sequined Lace Illusion Sheath Dress, expertly combines sexiness with class. It's available at Macy's for just under $200.00 and pairs well with black heels and a clutch, which you may already have in your closet. The black lace lies over a bright base for most of the length, but the mesh near the neckline and the lace on its own at the hem simultaneously provide more coverage and sensuality. Though it may not be the best choice for work functions, this dress is still fairly versatile.
Want to make a grand entrance in a floor-length maxi and a neckline that will show off your décolletage? (Hint: wear a highlighting powder on your collarbones for the maximum effect.) The Xscape Lace Slipdress (under $300.00) could be the dress you've been looking for, with its stunning length, allover lace, V-neck, low V-back with mesh detail, and spaghetti straps.
This dress is great for special events, will accentuate your curves, and demands attention. Because there's so much going on aesthetically, keep jewelry and other accessories to a minimum. Get it in sizes 0 to 12.
If you feel like you were born in the wrong era and like to mix the modern with the styles of yesteryear, this Choies dress (under $50.00) may be the one for you. Though it has a trendy high-low hem and the combination of black lace and a light base, the shape and style of the dress still give off a vintage feel when combined. Ladies who like to show off their waistline will love the black sash. Wear it to prom, homecoming, a wedding, or a cocktail party. It's available in Small through X-Large sizes.
The Fancy Jessica Simpson Women's Bonded Lace Dress (under $100.00) is one of the more casual options, though it could still be dressed up for a semi-formal event. It features scalloped lace all over and has a modest cut. It's easy to wear with a cardigan, blazer, or shawl if it's cool, but it can also stand alone with minimal jewelry and simple shoes.
If you want a dress you can wear to a special event now and then work events or social gatherings later, this would be a good choice. It comes in sizes 2 through 14.
The Sangria Women's Cap Sleeve Color Block Sheath with Bow Detail (about $120.00 or less) will play up an hourglass figure thanks to the color blocking technique with white on the front and back and black sections on the sides that curve in at the middle. It's fairly conservative overall, but the black lace detailing at the top gives it a boost of sex appeal. This is another style that's casual enough to be worn again and again, but dressy enough for a special event.
Wear it with black or white pumps or sandals, or branch out and choose your favorite color to make your shoes the focal point of your outfit.
At first glance, this Vera Wang Women's Sleeveless Lace Gown almost has a bohemian feel about it. Its sleeveless style and long, full skirt make it look like a dress that's ready to go anywhere (and it probably could!), but it's also elegant. The design makes it easy to disguise the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs -- whatever your trouble areas, if you have any -- and would be flattering on any body type.
It could be worn with heels or flats. A simple pair of earrings, thin bracelet, and a ring or two would be all you'd need to accessorize. Get it in sizes 2 through 14 for just under $400.00.
Something about the Lela Rose Seamed A-Line Dress (about $1600.00) suggests vintage inspiration. There are several beautiful details to admire here, from the black grosgrain ribbon to the tiered floral lace that has each petal outlined in black. The sleeves are sheer, which keeps it from looking dated, and the hem falls to the knees.
Wear it with strappy black sandals as the model does here to really play up the black detail. If you need another layer, a fitted black peacoat could be perfect. You won't need a lot, if any, jewelry. It's available in size 4 to 16.
The Dorothy Perkins Lace Pencil Dress (under $100.00) is another versatile style, though it may not be ideal for more casual settings. Wear it to a wedding, dance, or evening work event. The foundation is a white strapless dress, but the lace overlay extends up near the jewel neckline and into sheer, short sleeves. There's a triangle cutout at the upper back, which is also covered in the sheer black lace. Get it in sizes 4 through 16.
Black and white lace dresses can work for a wide range of occasions and there are so many styles on the market, there's something for every body type. You just have to take the length, neckline, and how much of the dress is actually sheer into account before deciding whether to wear one to an event. Keep in mind that for work events, lace detail may be more acceptable than a full lace overlay with sheer sections.