Lace will always play a prominent role in womenswear for its delicate, come hither attraction. Covering everything from gowns to cocktail dresses, handbags, shoes and jewelry, the fabric takes center stage this summer as the more elegant alternative to traditional summer fabrics like linen or chiffon. Adding a lace accessory to your ensemble instantly ups the ante, leaving you

looking elegant and ready for whatever comes your way.

1. Louis Vuitton

Louis VuittonEventailChinoiserie, $2,510; available at Louis Vuitton, 8500 Beverly Blvd, Suite 774, Los Angeles, 310-360-1506; and 233 Geary Street, San Francisco, 860-521-0403

2. Brioni

Black lace belted dress from the spring/summer runway collection, price upon request; at Brioni, 337 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-271-1300

3. Dolce &Gabbana

White lace top handle bag with chain strap and white lace and gold pendant earrings, price upon request; at Dolce &Gabbana, 147 South Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, 310-247-1571

4. Chanel

Black lace gloves from the fall runway presentation, price upon request; available at Chanel, 400 N Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-278-5500; and 135 Maiden Lane, San Francisco, 415-981-1550

5. Valentino

Lace t-strap pump in mauve with green piping, $1,295; available at Valentino, 360 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-247-0103

6. Silvia Tcherassi

White lace shorts, $220; available at Silvia Tcherassi, Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, 305-529-0200.

www.silviatcherassi.com