Holiday lace tops and lace dresses for lunches, dinners and evening parties, from soft blouses to satin midis and sequined lace gowns. Shop the holiday lace edit here.
My photo of the river in London sets the city-outfit mood for this edit. I would wear a lace top with simple trousers for dinner and let the texture do the work.
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Holiday lace tops and lace dresses, by invitation
A lace top makes trousers feel dressed for dinner. A lace dress is the whole outfit. I would choose the invitation first, then the amount of lace: a soft blouse for lunch, metallic detail for a party, or a longer dress for a genuinely formal evening.
Ivory ruffled lace top: Boden Erica
Boden: ivory lace top with a ruffled neckline. The Erica is the romantic blouse for a holiday lunch. Ruffles around the neck and floaty sleeves bring the detail; straight trousers or dark denim keep it from feeling too precious. Shop here
Antique-gold metallic lace top: DÔEN Elane
DÔEN: gold lace top with ruffled straps. The Elane is the top I would pair with black trousers when a whole lace dress feels like too much. Its easy popover shape and scalloped hem keep the look soft; the metallic lace brings the evening detail. Keep the rest simple so the ruffled straps have room. Shop here
White cotton lace shirt: SIMKHAI
SIMKHAI: short-sleeve white lace shirt. The point collar and concealed buttons make this an easy choice for a holiday lunch or a dinner that does not call for a dress. The cotton lace gives a familiar shirt shape more texture. I would wear it with dark trousers and leave the jewelry quiet. Shop here
Salt lace square-neck top: DÔEN Frances
DÔEN: square-neck lace top with puff sleeves. The Frances has the easy shape for lunch at home or a dinner with friends. A light cotton-viscose blend, a square yoke and small sleeve ruffles soften the lace. Wear it loose with trousers, or tuck it into high-waisted denim. Shop here
Lace for a dinner reservation
Black lace blouse: FRAME The Lace Salon Top (Similar)
FRAME: black mock-neck lace blouse (Similar). The mock neck, scalloped trim and three-quarter sleeves put the lace front and center. Wear this button-front blouse with tailored trousers for dinner or let the scalloped hem sit over a simple skirt. Shop here
Washed-black off-shoulder lace top: GUESS
GUESS: washed-black off-shoulder lace top. The off-shoulder neckline and hand-faded finish take lace in a less formal direction. I would pair it with plain black trousers and keep the neckline free of a necklace. Shop here
Black long-sleeve lace blouse: Rabanne
Rabanne: black lace blouse with a V-neck and scalloped hem. The floral lace and long sleeves make this the dinner top to pair with plain trousers. The V-neck keeps the neckline open, while solid panels balance the sheer lace. I would keep jewelry quiet and let the texture do the work. Shop here
Burgundy lace-trimmed satin midi: RIXO Maeva
RIXO: burgundy satin midi with lace trim. The Maeva is for a dinner where a gown would feel too much. Short cap sleeves and a lace edge soften the satin, while the deeper red reads as evening without sequins. A coat and simple shoes are enough. Shop here
Cream ruffled lace top: Zimmermann Mahon
Zimmermann: cream ruffled lace top with shoulder straps. The Mahon is the soft, dressier top for a holiday evening with trousers. The layered ruffle keeps the detail near the neckline, so I would leave off a necklace and choose simple earrings instead. Shop here
Lace dresses for a more dressed-up evening
Blue linen-blend lace midi dress: Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet: blue linen-blend lace midi dress. For a lighter invitation, I would choose this sleeveless midi rather than a darker evening dress. The floral lace at the skirt is the detail to keep in view, with simple shoes and a light layer. Shop here
Black cordonetto lace dress: Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana: black cordonetto lace dress. The cup-cut neckline and scalloped lace give this fitted dress its evening shape. I would wear it for a dressed-up dinner with a simple heel, rather than add more texture around the neckline. Shop here
Brown sequined lace gown: Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait: brown sequined lace gown with long sleeves. This is the more formal lace option, with a long line and enough texture to carry the outfit. The cinched waist keeps the shape defined. I would choose quiet shoes and a small bag rather than compete with the sequins and lace. Shop here
Photo credit: RIXO
Photo credit: Self-Portrait
Photo credit: Madewell
Easy lace tops for smaller gatherings
White embroidered lace-insert top: Madewell
Madewell: white embroidered lace-insert top. Cotton with lace inserts and trim makes this the quieter option for a small gathering. I would wear it with dark jeans and a cardigan, rather than build a formal evening outfit around it. Shop here
Ivory cropped lace blouse: L’AGENCE
L’AGENCE: ivory cropped lace blouse. The pointed collar keeps the floral lace from feeling too sweet. I would wear the cropped shape with high-rise trousers or jeans. It is unlined, so plan the layer underneath before choosing it for an invitation. Shop here
Black scalloped-hem lace shirt: White House Black Market
White House Black Market: black lace shirt with a scalloped hem. A button-front shirt gives lace a more tailored shape. I would wear this black version with straight jeans for dinner or tuck it into plain trousers. The scalloped hem is worth leaving visible when the rest of the outfit is simple. Shop here
Midnight-blue lace top: Boden
Boden: dark-blue lace top with puff sleeves. Midnight blue gives you a darker option without another black blouse. A scalloped collar and puff sleeves add enough detail for a dinner reservation; plain trousers keep the shape clear. Shop here
For a casual version, a cream button-down lace top with long sleeves works with simple trousers or jeans. Shop here.
How to choose holiday lace tops and lace dresses
Which lace top works with tailored trousers?
A black lace blouse with a scalloped hem makes a simple pair of trousers feel ready for dinner. For a softer neckline, try the ivory lace top with ruffle detail. Keep the trousers plain and let the blouse carry the outfit.
Which lace dress works for an evening party?
Choose a black cordonetto lace dress when you want a fitted evening shape. A long brown sequined lace gown is the more formal direction. A small bag and quiet shoes keep both shapes clear.
How do I wear lace with jeans?
A black lace shirt with a scalloped hem gives denim an evening detail. For a different neckline, try a washed-black off-shoulder lace top with straight-leg jeans and simple shoes. One lace piece is enough.
Which lace top works under a blazer?
The ivory cropped lace blouse leaves the wrists clear beneath a jacket. A dark-blue lace top gives a darker outfit another color without changing its simple shape.
More holiday style
For more invitations, see the holiday party dresses guide and the DÔEN white and black collection.
Shop the full collection: buy it here.
Shop the Post
- Boden Erica ivory lace top: Shop here
- DÔEN Frances Salt Lace top: Shop here
- L’AGENCE Anita Lace Blouse in Ivory: Shop here
- White House Black Market Lace Shirt with Scalloped Hem in Black: Shop here
- Boden Midnight Ocean lace-detail top: Shop here
- DÔEN Elane Antique Gold metallic lace top: Shop here
- SIMKHAI white cotton lace shirt: Shop here
- Mint Velvet Blue Linen Blend Lace Midi Dress: Shop here
- Dolce & Gabbana Cordonetto Lace Dress in Black: Shop here
- Rabanne black long-sleeve lace blouse: Shop here
- Self-Portrait brown sequined lace gown: Shop here
- RIXO Maeva burgundy satin midi: Shop here
- FRAME The Lace Salon Top Black (Similar): Shop here
- Zimmermann Mahon cream ruffled lace top: Shop here
- GUESS Usa Off-The-Shoulder Lace Top in Washed Out Black Multi: Shop here
- Cream button-down lace top: Shop here
- Madewell Embroidered Lace-Insert Top in White: Shop here
More Style Guides
- 16 Best Holiday Party Dresses: Velvet, Satin and Sequins
- Black Lace Camisoles
- The DÔEN White and Black Collection: Dresses and Tops to Shop Now
