What are the rules re: lace dresses?

[CeliaFate]

I always imagine them to be a bit scratchy and uncomfortable and a bit cheap looking. Is that the case?
What colour is best?
Can I get away with it at 41 or will I look like Miss Havisham?
Length? Sleeves? Style?
Thoughts anyone?

Whistles have a beautiful one that is v elegant - no way is 41 too old. unfortunately can't find a link.
It has 3/4 sleeves, a keyhole bit at the back, and a dark slip under with a sweetheart neckline plus 3 tiers on the skirt. Just over the knee - great with opaques.
It's a beauty.
Buy something that is elegant rather than trendy and invest a little and it would look lovely.

Can't really help ya here chuck.. I already posted about wearing a lace dress with boots and nobody responded :(

In my own opinion, they don't have to look cheap, although I guess a certain type could. Mine was definitely cheap but my boobage and tum look great in it so I don't care if it looks cheap.

In case it helps, mine is black, long-sleeved, very fitted on top and flaring out slightly to just above the knee. It has an outer lace layer and an under solid cami-type layer. The outer is not overly low cut, the under is moreso - can't do a link because I have it a while and am not sure where I got it, possibly Oasis.

Hth, good luck :)

This it wildheaven?

No, on second thoughts, it isn't, it hasn't got the keyhole at the back. It's nice, though a little short for me.

The rule is, if you think you can get away with it, wear one! An elegant lace dress would be fab, short red lace not so fab. I don't have the figure for lace (I think you would have to be fairly willowy) so haven't got one, if I did, I would (I am in my early forties).

Ah found a picture of it here
Whistles has 20% off now as well.

www.theoutnet.com/product/217336

I just orderd this lace dress

Rule is to stick to shape that best fits your figure, wear with confidence, and minimal accessories. Do not wear a watch/bracelet unless you intend to restyle your dress! ;-)
Personally I think 3/4 length sleeves, round neck and knee skimming suit most people.
Helltotheno - boots will depend on the length of dress and how far the boots come up. Personally I love big clunky doc Martin style boots with a knee length lace dress - very London and edgy.

Personally I love big clunky doc Martin style boots with a knee length lace dress - very London and edgy.

Yes would love that too but imo can't work it cos my legs are not slim enough. The dress is just above knee. The boots are suede high heels and they can go over my knee but I usually have them just under. They are very slimming boots.

I really like lace dresses.

Saw a nice one in river island yesterday.

I've been thinking about lace dresses but I have quite a big bust- does it matter if you can see the bra straps? I think it looks alright on smaller boobs but have always been worried it would look horrid if I did it. Any thoughts?

I normally can't bear lace, but I really like this slightly felted lace dress from toast. It's still lacy, but not really transparent, and looks softer and less scratchy. And it doesn't have that slightly tacky look that so many lace dresses have

I've got this one from Tesco for £20 in the sale (bargain!), wore it with a skinny belt to a wedding and got lots of compliments...

helltotheno - I love the sound of that combo!

pickle - for a big bust try to go for a V neck or sweetheart cut with a slip under the body part. That way it'll be flattering and you'll hide those straps

Cheers Mccar I'lll be brave and give it a go

Not sure about pairing with suede boots myself - Lace dress is very now but suede boots a bit "noughts" i think. I have a pair myself and do wear sometimes (and they are flattering!) but they are a bit middle of the road and would tone a lace dress down. IMO you would do better with opaques and some platform courts or similar.

"noughties".
Thanks, spellchecker!

but they are a bit middle of the road and would tone a lace dress down. IMO you would do better with opaques and some platform courts or similar.

Not if ya saw my legs!!! Ok maybe they're not as bad as all that but right now, I don't have the right shoes. Thing is, I'm sort of trying to tone the dress down a bit for a smart casual look. Yes the boots are plain but they're v flattering and were v expensive (not that that should matter but they do look classic imo).

Sigh... does nobody else have the leg problem? lucky beeyotches

I have the whistles lace dress and its really lovely. Will wear with opaques and high black patent heels.

Hopefully we are not going to the same party Mrs CB :)

I think the boots will be great for an edgy day look - go for it!