Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Lace Dresses
I have a theory that most fashion trends can be traced back to about 8 or 10 super-influential designers. One of them, of course, is Miuccia Prada, and her fall 2008 collection was no exception. Sexy (for Prada, at least), gorgeously done and nearly all black, the line was heavy on a rare, expensive type of lace called guipure. Prada's dresses, while gorgeous, are somewhat heavy looking and cost thousands of dollars. My picks are a little more practical, and some, I bet, you can even get away with wearing during the day.

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This Stella McCartney dress is voile, so it's light enough to wear at least three seasons out of the year. It's understated for day, but can probably be dressed up for night as well.


This Burberry dress is the stuff dreams are made of: perfectly cut, made of fine Italian lace, and an investment for years to come (which, considering it costs nearly $3,000, is a fortunate thing).


I've been thinking that I'm kind of over babydoll dresses, but this Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress at least makes me reconsider. There's something very wearable about the silhouette, and I am always a sucker for dramatic detail, like the pleated sleeves.


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Even with several pairs of Spanx, I don't have the body to pull off this Only Hearts lace dress. But if you do, I recommend going for it--it's incredibly sexy, but in a demure French kind of way.


This lace dress from Max Studio doesn't look like much in the photo, but the type of lace is the closest approximation of Prada's that I've seen. It's also wool, which means that despite all of the open-work detail, it will keep you at least somewhat warm in the winter.


One of my favorite dresses here is this cutout style from BCBG. It's silk, and the lace at the neckline and sleeves is more geometric than lacy, so it has a much more modern look. It's definitely appropriate for day, but could work for night too, and I am always a fan of the swingy A-line shape.


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The negative reviews of this Kimchi & Blue dress from Urban Outfitters make me think twice about it, but at first look, this jersey style looks very wearable and comfortable (one reviewer noted the lace is cheap and scratchy, however). It's now sold out in black, too, and when it comes to lace, spending a little more money might be worth it.


This Max Studio dress is cheating a bit, since it's on sale and because it's technically crocheted, not lace. But you get the idea of the trend, and the shape is flattering. And, hey, it's on sale!


But while we're cheating, you might as well aim for the stars: An Anna Sui dress for $148 is a very good bargain; I have one that I bought six or seven years ago, and I still get compliments whenever I wear it. It's a summer style, yes, but add tights and a cardigan to make it fall-friendly.