Jessica Howard Lace Cocktail Dress
Our lace cocktail dress brings refined elegance to every occasion. We've crafted this style with intricate floral lace overlays that catch the light beautifully, paired with a universally flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that moves with you through cocktail hour and beyond.
We source our floral lace from specialty mills that create patterns with dimensional texture, not flat printed fabric. The lace features raised floral motifs with open-work details between each bloom, creating depth that changes as light hits from different angles.
Silhouette & Sizing Guidance
The fit-and-flare cut works across a range of body types because the fitted bodice provides structure while the A-line skirt balances proportions. We’ve designed the waist seam to sit at your natural waist, not above or below, which creates the most flattering definition.
Size Selection
Our sizing runs true to standard US dress sizes. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up when bust or hip measurements are at the top of a size range, since the lace overlay has minimal stretch. The jersey lining offers some give through the torso, but the lace itself is woven, not knit, so it won’t expand beyond its original dimensions.
Styling for Different Occasions
This jessica howard lace dress transitions seamlessly from daytime weddings to evening celebrations with simple accessory changes. For afternoon events, pair it with nude pumps and delicate jewelry to let the lace take center stage. The floral pattern reads as soft and romantic in natural light.
Evening styling calls for metallic accessories and a structured clutch. We’ve seen customers style it with gold strappy heels and statement earrings for galas, or with black patent pumps and a sleek updo for formal dinners. The 3/4 sleeves eliminate the need for a shawl or jacket in climate-controlled venues, though the dress also layers beautifully under a tailored blazer for office holiday parties.
Lace & Fit Details
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Jessica Howard Lace Dress Questions
The dress comes fully lined from the bodice through mid-thigh with soft jersey knit fabric that provides complete coverage. You won’t need to wear a slip underneath. The lace overlay sits on top of this lining, creating the decorative pattern without any transparency. The only sheer element is the lace itself as a design feature, but your skin won’t show through at any point.
We recommend measuring your bust, waist, and hips and comparing them to our size chart rather than ordering your usual numeric size, since sizing varies between brands. If your measurements fall between two sizes, size up when your bust or hip measurement is at the top end of a range, since the lace has minimal stretch. The jersey lining offers some give, but the lace overlay is woven fabric that won’t expand significantly.
Yes, the hem can be shortened or lengthened by a professional tailor. The scalloped lace edge at the hem is part of the fabric’s original selvage, so if you shorten the dress, the tailor will need to create a new hem finish. We recommend showing your tailor the original scalloped edge so they can replicate the look. Most customers find that hemming up to two inches doesn’t affect the dress’s overall proportions, but larger adjustments may change where the waist seam hits your natural waist.
We suggest a smooth, seamless strapless bra or a low-back adhesive bra depending on your support needs. The round neckline sits at the collarbone, so traditional bra straps can be visible. Many customers wear shapewear that extends from bust to mid-thigh for a smooth line under the fitted bodice, but the jersey lining is forgiving enough that shapewear isn’t required. Avoid anything with thick elastic bands that might create visible lines under the lace.
The lace is soft to the touch and won’t irritate your skin, even where it sits directly against your neck and arms. We use a floral lace with smooth edges rather than a stiff Chantilly or guipure that can feel rough. Customers with sensitive skin have reported wearing this dress comfortably for six-plus hours without any chafing or irritation at the neckline or sleeve cuffs.
We strongly recommend hand washing in cool water to preserve the lace’s shape and prevent snagging. Machine washing, even on a delicate cycle, can cause the lace to catch on the agitator or other items in the load, potentially creating pulls or tears. If you absolutely must use a machine, place the dress inside a mesh lingerie bag, use the gentlest cycle available, and choose cold water only. Hand washing takes just a few minutes and significantly extends the dress’s lifespan.
This fit-and-flare style has a fitted bodice that releases into a full A-line skirt at the waist, creating volume and movement through the hem. The sheath version follows your body’s natural line from shoulder to hem without any flare, offering a more streamlined column silhouette. The fit-and-flare is generally more forgiving through the hips and creates an hourglass shape, while the sheath emphasizes a straighter, more tailored look. Both use the same quality lace overlay and construction methods.