Gretchen Mol Embraces Lace

A More Forceful Take

A lush skirt lavished with rosettes, plus a matching chain bag (Prada), epitomizes fashion's new, more forceful take on lace (here it's the heavy-duty embroidered variety known as guipure). The weighty, ropelike effect and deep, rich color make these pieces eminently compatible with casual clothes like knits (sweater, Christopher Fischer, $220). "I'd love to dress like this every day," Mol says. "It's so bold and chic." But for now that dream is purely aspirational: "I'm more interested in a uniform I don't have to think about—something I can get baby food on." 

Earrings, C. Greene. Ring, Jill Jacobson. Shoes, Miu Miu