You can wear a white lace dress in fall and winter by adding warm layers and darker, heavier accessories. Pair it with a long cardigan, a cropped wool jacket or a long coat, add sheer or opaque tights, and switch sandals for ankle boots or closed-toe heels. A fully lined lace dress is the easiest to wear in cold weather because the lining blocks drafts and makes tights look clean underneath.
Shop our bridal shower dresses and winter dresses.
Can you wear white lace after Labor Day?
Yes. "No white after Labor Day" is an old etiquette rule, and white lace looks right in fall and winter when the rest of the outfit is seasonal. Winter white is a classic choice for holiday parties, winter bridal showers, courthouse weddings and family photos. The difference between a summer and a winter lace look is everything around the dress: fabrics, colors and shoes.
What do you wear over a lace dress when it is cold?
| Temperature | Layer | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| 55 to 65°F | Cropped cardigan or denim jacket | Keeps the lace skirt visible |
| 45 to 55°F | Cropped wool or tweed jacket, long cardigan | Adds warmth with texture that contrasts the lace |
| Below 45°F | Long wool coat that covers the hem, or a faux fur stole for events | Covers the whole dress for travel; comes off indoors |
Choose layers in smooth, solid fabrics. Lace is already busy, so a cable knit or a printed jacket can compete with it. Camel, cream, black, burgundy and forest green all pair well with white lace.
Should you wear tights with a white lace dress?
Yes, in cold weather. Sheer nude tights keep the look light and work for weddings and showers. Sheer black tights look polished with a midi. Opaque cream or ivory tights create a soft, all-white winter look. Make sure the dress is lined or wear a slip, so tights do not show through the open parts of the lace.
What shoes go with a lace dress in fall and winter?
- Ankle boots in brown, tan or black for casual events and photos.
- Knee-high boots under a midi hem for outdoor fall events.
- Closed-toe heels or Mary Janes for weddings and holiday parties.
- Velvet flats for a dressier look that is comfortable at a long event.
Which white lace dresses work best for fall and winter?
Thumbelina Dress
The Thumbelina Dress is white lace with a sweetheart neckline, elastic puff sleeves, a ruffle A-line skirt and a back zipper. It is fully lined. Sizes XXS to 6X; consider sizing up for a larger bust. The full lining makes it the easiest of these to wear with tights, and the sleeves look natural under a cropped cardigan.
Harlow Dress
The Harlow Dress is a white floral lace midi with a halter V neckline and hook closure, built-in bust cups, a dropped waist with shirring at the hips, bust seaming and vintage-inspired button details. Sizes 00 to 34. The midi length pairs well with knee-high boots, and a cropped jacket that ends at the natural waist leaves the dropped waist visible.
Lily Petal Dress in White
The Lily Petal Dress is pearly white with lace detailing, cascading floral appliques along the bodice and straps, a notched neckline, a corset bodice, a fitted waistline, a full sweeping skirt, pockets and a back zipper. It is 100% polyester. Sizes 00 to 34; size up if you are between sizes. It suits a winter bridal shower, courthouse wedding or formal holiday event with a faux fur stole or long coat.
Vera Dress
The Vera Dress is a cream crochet-style floor-length maxi with a square neckline that can be worn off the shoulder, a keyhole front, puff short sleeves and an A-line silhouette. It is a stretchy blend of 50% nylon, 40% cotton and 10% spandex. Sizes XXS to 6X. The crochet texture and cream color look warmer than bright white, and the maxi length keeps your legs covered with boots underneath.
Shop more white dresses for bridal events in The Bridal Edit.
How do you make a lace dress look less summery?
- Swap straw bags and sandals for leather, suede or velvet.
- Add a belt in brown or black over a cardigan to define the waist.
- Wear darker lipstick, gold jewelry or a velvet hair bow.
- Choose a cream or ivory lace when you can, since it looks warmer than bright white in winter light.
FAQ
Can I wear a white lace dress to a winter wedding as a guest?
No. Avoid white at any wedding unless the couple asks for it. Save white lace for your own events, showers where you are the bride, holiday parties and photos.
What color cardigan goes with a white lace dress?
Camel, cream, black, burgundy and forest green all work. Pick a smooth knit so it does not compete with the lace.
Do I need a slip under a lace dress?
If the dress is fully lined, like the Thumbelina, you do not. If it is unlined or partly lined, a slip helps tights and undergarments stay hidden.
Is lace warm enough for winter?
Lace alone is not warm. Add a lined dress, tights, a jacket and closed-toe shoes, and plan on a coat for outdoor time.