Styles of Lace Dresses

There's a lace dress out there for anyone who wants to wear one. Choose from vintage-inspired, romantic, bohemian, conservative, edgy, body-con, and classic styles in all types of silhouettes that will fit both your body and your personality. Some are great for casual events, while others will be saved for special events and dates. Click on any of the following images to find out more about the dress pictured there.

The VEIIASR sleeveless cocktail party dress is an elegant choice that comes in a range of colors: blue, white, pink, black, and red wine. A fit-and-flare shape is universally flattering, so regardless of body type, it could be worth a try. Despite its sophisticated style, you can expect to pay less than $50.00 for it.

You could pair nude pumps with the lighter colors and black with the darker ones. However, mixing it up with an unexpected shoe color (especially for the black dress) could also be fun for certain occasions. Strappy metallic sandals would also work well with any of them.

This Jessica Simpson Tiered Lace Dress will look especially flattering on ladies with the rectangle (sometimes called "ruler") body type. Ectomorphs may love the extra volume this shift dress provides all over due to the subtle tiers. This dress is available in blush, navy, or navy/black for just under $100.00.

This sleeveless ruffle and lace maxi is a more casual option and it will look wonderful on most body types, especially apples and pears. The empire waistline keeps trouble areas covered and the long, flowing skirt won't overpower most frames. This is a flattering choice for women with large busts, as the top is fitted and the skirt's volume will add balance between the top and bottom halves of the body.

It's not all lace, so it's a better choice than some other lace dresses for everyday wear, but there are hints of lace for feminine flair. Flat, strappy leather sandals would go well with this. Expect to pay less than $50.00.

This crocheted lace body-con dress from ASTR the Label is a great pick for the most confident ladies, regardless of body type. If you love your shape and want to show it off, this is the dress for you. It's cinched in at the middle, so it's great for almost any type.

Because it really highlights the shoulders and décolletage without adding any features that would make them appear broader, athletic types may especially like this choice. Ladies with larger busts may not feel that there is enough support from the ties that meet at the back of the neck. You can get this one for under $100.00.

This lacy Lauren Ralph Lauren V-neck dress (just under $200.00) is available in blue, black, and venetian rose. It will look especially wonderful on hourglass and ruler types. A pair of black stiletto heels will complement any of the dress colors. A black or silver clutch would make a nice addition, as well, if you need to carry a purse. Wear this dress on a date to a nice restaurant or save it for another special event.

This off-the-shoulder style is perfect for spring and summer events. It's classy, feminine, and a little sensual. It's lace all over and could be dressed down with a floppy hat and ankle wrap sandals, or dressed up with heels. It's available in tea rose, marine navy, blue ice, and field green. The unstructured fit of this dress may not do much for the curvier ladies, but those with straighter figures are likely to love it. Expect to pay just over $50.00.

There's no denying the sex appeal of this Gia Lace Pencil Dress by Bardot (under $200.00). Black lace draped over a nude lining that flashes a little leg between the knee and upper thigh, paired with a plunging neckline and spaghetti straps makes this dress a little less conservative than the other options, but it's worth having in your closet if you like making heads turn. This dress also comes in mauve, which is equally beautiful. Hourglass types will love this one.

The UPLOTER Vintage Embroidered Floral Lace Crochet Mini Dress is a little different from the others, as it's totally sheer and designed to have another dress, bikini, or shorts and top worn underneath. It's airy and feminine, exposing the shoulders and not clinging too tightly to the skin anywhere. This will work for any body type. It's a great choice for casual settings (beach bonfires or backyard summer parties with other laid-back friends, for example) and it's not too rough on the budget at less than $20.00.

The Adrianna Papelle Giselle Lace Fit and Flare Dress (under $100.00) is only available in white. It's innocent and conservative, with a high scooped neckline and modest (though still on the short side) length. A pair of barely-there nude sandals make this look a cool, crisp summer staple for anyone who has to dress up for garden parties. This style will look great on any body type.

For those who like comparing the classics with unusual details, there's the Free People Like Honey Asymmetrical Lace Dress, available in black, ivory, and red. The asymmetrical hemline is the standout feature of this dress, though the allover lace, open back, and high neckline with cutouts also help to make this an edgy choice with a hint of traditional, romantic styling. Expect to pay less than $150.00.

Pear shapes will love this style because it's perfect for ladies who are smaller on top while disguising trouble areas on the lower half. It is, however, worth trying on regardless of body type if you love styles that combine classic fabrics with modern details.

If you want one of the most ladylike styles on the market that is also a throwback to yesteryear, this vintage floral design with a boat neck and long sleeves is the way to go. The best part? It's under $40.00. Choose from this rich red, black, or navy blue, and then pair it up with a pair of pumps and minimal accessories. This design is perfect for a special occasion or event. It's modest, feminine, and elegant, and it will flatter most shapes because of the A-line skirt. It keeps a lot of the typical trouble areas for women under wraps, too, thanks to the length and fullness of the skirt and the sleeves that add a little coverage for the upper arms.

Dresses that feature lace, either from top to bottom or just in certain spots, can be appropriate for almost any occasion. Just find the one that makes you feel beautiful without sacrificing too much comfort.