The right amount of needlework, lace

The right lace dress can be a strong foundation piece of your wardrobe. Its the kind of piece that can transcend eras (soft 60s to hippie 70s to grunge 90s with little change in accessories) and can fit easily between the seasons as well. Chilly nights? Add some opaques. Warm, summer's morning? A wide-brimmed hat and sandals are effortless perfection. For a smarter look, just add heels.

Before you make a purchase also consider two things: the colour, and the quality. The latter is obvious for quality lace lasts longer and sits better. For colour, if you're buying as a staple and not a statement piece, you can't go wrong with versatile colours like white, cream, black or navy.