Gretchen Mol Embraces Lace

A Wow Belt

This lace-embellished leather cincher (Melamed)—is a smart buy, given the popularity of waist-conscious, vintage-inspired styles. The wholesome-looking dress in a lacy print (Mischen, $625) reminds Mol of "a '50s lady humming at the sink." A touch of demure, pretty mom dressing is fun, she says; even better are roles that draw on motherhood's emotional content, like her character in The Memory Keeper's Daughter. "I read it while I was pregnant and suspected they'd make it into a movie. And right after Ptolemy was born—when I was wondering if I'd ever work again—I got the call." 

Earrings, Rachel Reinhardt. Ring, Martine Wester. Bag, Elaine Turner