Gretchen Mol Embraces Lace

Dressing Down

Lace gets a dressing-down with—you guessed it—jeans (Fidelity Denim, $188). They give a whiff of hipness to an ethereal blouse with flouncy sleeves and a cinched waist (Robert Rodriguez, $319). An edgy metal, jet bead, and crystal necklace (Erickson Beamon) only increases the cool factor: "The chains and denim make the lace feel very strong," says Mol. On the subject of underpinnings: The fabric's complex patterns form a sort of screen, so sometimes you can get away with just a bra, but more modest coverage, like a nude slip or camisole, is always an option. 

Earrings, Rachel Reinhardt. Ring, De Beers