Black Lace Gowns: French Lace, Corded Applique and Beaded Lace Explained

A black lace gown is the safest formal dress there is, and also the easiest to get wrong, because lace varies more than any other evening fabric. The type of lace decides how sheer the gown is, how heavy it hangs and how it photographs. This guide explains the three laces you will meet in designer evening gowns, then compares five black lace gowns from Costarellos at Coveti, the Athens house that has worked with French lace since 1998.

Quick answer

• French lace is fine and flat; it drapes well and needs a lining.
• Corded lace has a raised cord around each motif; it reads as texture, even in photographs.
• Beaded lace adds weight and shine, so it suits a straighter column cut.
• Five Costarellos black lace gowns at Coveti range from $3,110 to $3,670.

The three laces

French lace (often called Chantilly and Leavers lace) is woven on a fine net with a soft, flat pattern. It is light and fluid, and it is usually laid over a lining. Corded lace has a fine cord stitched around the outline of each flower, which lifts the pattern off the base. It hides seams and reads clearly from a distance. Beaded lace has beads and sequins sewn into the motifs by hand and by machine. It is heavier, holds its shape and catches light.

Five Costarellos black lace gowns

1. Linsa Silk Georgette Lace Applique Gown in Black

$3,730. Silk georgette with corded lace appliqué across the bodice and hips, deep V neck. Fit note: True to size; Fitted waist, relaxed A-line skirt. New for Fall Winter 2026.

2. Andrie French Lace Gown in Black

$3,730. French lace, floor length. Fit note: True to size; Fitted waist. The purest lace gown of the five.

3. Brona Beaded Lace Crepe Gown in Black

$3,670. Beaded lace over crepe, the most embellished of the group. Fit note: True to size.

4. Leona Beaded French Lace Cami Midi Dress in Black

$3,110. Beaded French lace on fine cami straps, at midi length, for cocktail and evening weddings. Fit note: True to size.

5. Aliska Silk Velvet Lace Applique Gown in Electric Blue

$3,730. Not black, but the same idea in electric blue: silk velvet with lace appliqué, for those who want lace with colour. Fit note: True to size.

Black lace gowns compared

Source: Costarellos product pages (Details and Sizing tabs), read 15 November 2026. Prices are Coveti list prices in US dollars.

Which black lace gown for which event

Black tie: the Andrie and the Linsa, both floor length. Evening wedding as a guest: the Linsa, because the georgette skirt keeps it soft; read Costarellos wedding guest dresses. Mother of the bride: the Brona, covered and structured; see Costarellos mother of the bride dresses. Cocktail: the Leona midi. For a lace gown in a colour, the Linsa also comes in red; read Costarellos red gowns.

How to style black lace

Lace is pattern, so keep everything else plain: a smooth satin pump, a plain clutch and one piece of jewellery. Gold warms black lace and suits evening; silver sharpens it. Sheer black tights work under a long lace hem in winter. Avoid a lace shoe and a beaded bag together with a beaded gown.

Caring for a lace gown

All five carry the label dry clean only. Hang lace gowns on a padded hanger inside a breathable bag; store beaded lace flat, because the weight of the beads stretches the net on a hanger. Remove rings before you dress to avoid snags.

Wearing it around the world

United Kingdom and Europe: winter black tie means a long wool coat over the gown and a closed pump; sheer black tights are fine under a long hem. North America: gala season runs from November to February, and a gown with a cover for the shoulders works for both the ceremony and the dinner. Gulf states: evening dress codes often ask for covered shoulders and arms, so pair a sleeveless gown with a long sleeve bolero and a wrap, and choose floor length. Australia: the party season falls in summer, so the lighter georgette gowns suit outdoor evenings better than velvet. Coveti ships Costarellos worldwide.

How Costarellos sizing works

Costarellos cuts in French sizes, FR 34 to FR 46 for most gowns. Subtract 28 for the UK size: FR 36 is a UK 8 and a US 4. Most styles carry the house note “true to size”, and the model on the brand site is 180cm wearing FR 36. Where a style fits differently, the note on the product page says so, and the table above repeats it. For measurements, read the Costarellos size guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a black lace gown appropriate for a wedding?

Yes, for an evening and black tie wedding. Choose a lined, floor length gown, and avoid sheer lace at a daytime ceremony.

What is the difference between French lace and corded lace?

French lace is a fine, flat lace on a net. Corded lace has a raised cord around each motif, so the pattern stands out more clearly.

How much is a Costarellos black lace gown?

At Coveti, Costarellos black lace gowns and dresses run from $3,110 for the Leona midi to $3,670 for the Brona gown.

Is beaded lace heavy?

Heavier than plain lace, yes. The beads add weight, which is why beaded lace suits straight column cuts and is stored flat.

What shoes go with a black lace gown?

A plain satin pump and a fine strappy sandal. Keep the shoe smooth so the lace stays the only pattern.

Read next: Costarellos red gowns, Costarellos embellished gowns, Costarellos feather gowns, Costarellos gowns by silhouette, lace dresses, black dresses.