Gretchen Mol Embraces Lace

If you thought lace was just for brides, grandmothers, and girly-girls, think again. The latest takes on this captivating fabric—whether cobwebby and delicate or rich and dense—are unmistakably modern. Actress Gretchen Mol, star of the new ABC series Life on Mars, lets herself be seduced.

The Big Easy: Enchanted nights out start with a glorified tank top in bright crocheted lace dazzled with rhinestones (3.1 Phillip Lim, $425). An exposed zipper in back introduces a whimsical "I'm wearing this inside out" effect, while fluttery sleeves allow freedom of movement (and flatter the upper-arm area). For more formal moments, step it up with a grand silk skirt (CH Carolina Herrera, $940)—Mol loved the unexpected clash of orange and red—but this top is so casually glamorous, you could also wear it under a jacket for a swift office-to-evening switch. Earrings, House of Lavande. 

Ring, Jill Jacobson. Shoes, Rene Caovilla