lace dresses

Lauren Conrad was the epitome of polished perfection in a nude lace minidress, matching Christian Louboutin pumps, and a Chanel bag while celebrating ShoeMint's one-year anniversary in LA. Lauren was surrounded by a slew of Hollywood's hottest, but it was her sweet look that really won us over. As if her monochromatic look wasn't cute enough, Lauren accessorized with a few dainty rings, beach waves, and an adorable ribbon bow belt. Re-create Lauren's feminine ensemble with a nude lace dress, nude pumps, and a coordinated bow belt.

Alexa Chung played with prints rocking a lace overlay dress with a leopard jacket at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in NYC. While we loved seeing the VS angels working their LBDs at the afterparty, what really caught our eye was Alexa's feminine and wild combo, which she topped with a black leather and wool coat. The British trendsetter polished off her chic style with patent leather ankle boots, a chain-strap Chanel bag, and bold red lip. Get inspired by Alexa's dynamic pairing and work a ladylike lace dress with a leopard blazer or cardigan, tough leather panel coat, and patent leather ankle boots.

Eva Mendes was a vision of retro sexiness in her black lace Dolce & Gabbana dress at the 2012 AFI Fest red carpet in LA. We can't stop staring at her entire ensemble, especially her sheer lace sleeves and sweetheart neckline. We also love the demure knee-length hemline of her little black dress, as well as her choice of accessories: black Brian Atwood pumps, an embellished black Sergio Rossi clutch, a cuff bracelet, and oversize drop earrings. To get Eva's nighttime ladylike look, shop one of our favorite black lace dresses below. Remember to pick something fitted, preferably with a longer hemline, to show off your figure and really nail that retro vibe. Also check out other stars in black lace dresses, perfect for the upcoming holiday party season.

Celebrities have long been wearing black lace dresses for evening affairs, but as of late, lace dresses on the red carpet have been unique and inspiring on another level. Model Irina Shayk donned a body-hugging black lace dress for a Samsung event in London; we love the lace panels running down the sides. Odette Yustman stood way out in her black lace-and-leather peplum Zara dress ($159) at a Clos du Bois party in NYC; leather and lace are quite the fabulous duo, no? And Elsa Pataky attended the same event as Irina in a plunging black knee-length lace dress that balances sexy and ladylike. Inspired by these fabulous ladies, we set off on a search for equally spotlight-worthy black lace dresses, so shop your favorites below.

Amy Smart and her husband attended an event in Santa Monica, CA, yesterday, and for the occasion, Amy chose this Alice + Olivia Darcy lace overlay dress ($238, originally $396). While she could have dressed it way up with heels and fancy jewelry, Amy opted to keep her look low-key via tan ankle booties and a Western-style fringe necklace like this cowgirl bolo necklace by Jen's Pirate Booty ($98). What makes Amy's dress a must have, besides the fact that it's on sale, is that you can wear it during the day with flat sandals and a cardigan and at night with black booties and a blazer.

The day of amour is just around the corner, and we know you're already planning your sweet-cum-sexy ensemble. Red and pink are V-Day standards, so why not switch things up a bit by taking a cue from pregnant model Lily Aldridge, who donned a lace Dolce & Gabbana frock to an event in LA? If you love her look as much as we do, shop our nine favorite lace dresses to get you in the mood for a special night, then don't forget a pair of red-hot pumps and a matching pout.

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