When it comes to elegance, lace is without doubt an emblematic material. This summer designers have proposed, transformed and introduced lace, not only in classic cocktail dresses, but also in casual, everyday pieces. Tops in bold colors, inserts in dresses, even pants, will all be key pieces making for a lacy summer.

SUMMER NIGHTS

You can easily rely on lace for a fun night on the town. If you choose a dress, be sure to pick something that doesn't appear to be too formal. The fool-proof way to avoid this: choose a dress in a strong vibrant shade or one with bold accents. The lace lips and heart detailing on this dress by Stella McCartney balance perfectly with a casual clutch, ballet flats and a loose hairstyle.

DATE NIGHT

Surprise your date with something a bit different, and avoid exposing your cleavage and legs. Trust us, it works!! A transparent shirt worn with a pencil skirt leaves more to the imagination, and offers much more sex appeal. We are loving the romance behind this doily-print skirt by Altuzarra.

BLACK TIE AFFAIR

Swap out your go-to little black dress for an unexpected pair of lace pants for your next black tie affair!! In a classic black and white combo, you will add just the right touch of flair to an otherwise monotonous event.

MOVIE NIGHT

You can even wear lace in a casual context. The key lies in how you pair it. The otherwise elegant feel of this Chantilly lace top by Chloe relaxes when worn with a light sweater, gray distressed jeans and a carry-all tote.

ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

An easy top or jacket with lace detailing is an essential element for your summer wardrobe. The lace abstract pattern on this top by Christopher Kane makes it our top pick for its versatility. Wear it with jeans for an everyday look, or with heels and a skirt for an office party.

We anxiously await our 3 day weekend to relish in some good fun in the sun, but it often requires a Tuesday morning pick me up. To recover from your holiday weekend, here are some tunes to wake you up on your morning commute and get you energized for the workweek ahead. From the hip hop pop beats of Iggy Azalea to the Calvin Harris’s electric “Summer” serenade, these tunes all made the Pick-Me-Up-Playlist.

Find out who else is gettin' us in the music mood here>>

Milla Jovovich has earned her title as the "reigning queen of kick-butt," both in the world of showbiz as well as on the fashion scene. Although she may not be your typical blonde bombshell, she's definitely an impeccable style icon all her own with her signature brand of edgy sensuality. Get the details on why this epitome of confidence made our pick for BEST DRESSED at the most recent Cannes Film Festival. >>

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I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, and that this issue of Mel Boteri's BEST DRESSED was just the right dose of motivation for the week ahead. My mission is to inspire the discovery of your personal style so that you can express the best dressed version of YOU with confidence.

If one of our issues has inspired you to try a new style, I would love to know!! Questions, feedback, submissions or just a friendly hello are always welcome by emailing me directly at melanie@melboteri.com