Lace

Look what happenswhen lace leaves the Victorian era behind. Applied to a tankvest instead of a high-collar blouse, or ashirtwaist instead of a boned-bodicegown, the ultimate girlie fabric takes ona modern twist. Suddenly lace doesn?t justfeel cool. It is cool.

HOW TO WEAR IT
While a diaphanousChantilly gown is still as lush as satin sheets, keep theseductiveness in check. A drapey T, tablecloth mini, or peekaboo ballet flatsgive day wear a fresh, graceful edge. Avoidcolor. Black, white or nude looks richer andmore alluring. Whether natural or brushedon, the only color to grace your faceshould be a faint blush.

Photos: (left to right) Alberta Ferretti, Donna Karan, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta

Lace and metal clutch, Expressions NYC, $65; expressionsnyc.com.

Nylon lace shirt, loft, $60; loft.com.

Lace and faux-leather wedges, Nina, $110; ninashoes.com.

Lace skirt, BCBG Max Azria skirt, $138; bcbg.com.

Silk lace dress, CH Carolina Herrera, $990; 212-744-2076.

Lace and Leather flats, Ivanka Trump, $130; macys.com.

Cotton lace tank, Guess, $79; guess.com.