Got a special holiday party on your calendar this season and nothing to wear? Start looking now for a lot of lace. Much has been made of Miuccia Prada's fall 2008 collection with its runway overflowing with lace, lace and more lace.

As the Italian designer, who so often starts the style trends rolling, unfurled a modern take on the old-fashioned elegant look of lace, other designers and retailers followed. Don't even think about that old prom dress or wedding gown from days of yore. Put it out of your mind and gain a new lease on lace.

Lace has taken the lead lately, coming out of its Victorian mourning period and into a new century of haute couture — demure is not the word used to describe its new incarnation of bold pieces showing up in stores. We're not talking a little lingerie either. From dresses to suits, from handbags to necklaces, wearing lace is a new way to slink into the holiday season.

Here are some ways to get a little lacy (and racy) this fall:

— Keep it simple: Start with one piece — a dress, a skirt, a jacket — and keep your accessories simple. The newest lace fabrics are meant to stand on their own, since they are more elaborate and heavy than their wispy predecessors.

— Toughen it up: Yes, lace has traditionally had a delicate reputation, but now designers are giving it a more updated twist. Think heavy boots with lace-encrusted skirts; leather biker jackets over lacy blouses; jeans and a tuxedo jacket with a lace-covered clutch.

— Be inspired by vintage: Nothing in the cycles of fashion trends ever remains quite the same. But if you do spot an exquisite antique lace item at your favorite vintage store, consider wearing it in more of an eclectic way by mixing it into your wardrobe of modern pieces.

— Go for shine: While the black "gothic" look of lace does indeed lead the way in many designer collections, the metallic shine of bronze, silver and gold also makes a glowing statement. When black may not fit the festive holiday mood, try a touch of instant luxury.

— Add accessories: Let's face it, many of us just can't do the lace sheath dress; however, we can pull off the strappy pair of lace-covered sandals or the handbag that's wrapped in electric blue lace. We may even wiggle into a lacy pair of tights. Only one of these special extras may be all we need to get our lace fix.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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