When you think of macrame, you probably think of childhood arts and crafts or your grandmother’s homemade potholders. Think again! This vintage style can be sweet, but lately it’s been playing the sex kitten. Long used by sailors to decorate various knick-knacks on their ships, the knotting technique has real pull in fashion now, lending itself to the creation of small embellishments or full-on lace dresses.

RED Valentino Macrame Jersey Dress: This Valentino takes the less is more approach with macrame, paneling it subtly and seductively across the top. At Neiman Marcus for $550.

Antonio Berardi Macrame Top: This shirt may have trendy panels, but the gorgeous ivory embroidery is what will have you tied up in knots. Love the way the petals frame the collar! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,145.

Space Macrame Lace and Techno Jersey Dress: A sexy ‘60s dress underlined with colorful jersey, but not so much that we can’t see the floral lace design blooming at the edges. On Luisa via Roma for $479.

RED Valentino Long Sleeve Sweater with Macrame Collar: A pale pink sweater collared in macrame and ruched at the shoulders. What could be more precious?? On ShopBop for $450.