On July 3, 2021, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton got hitched. Weeks later, there’s something that everyone’s still talking about: Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress. (Well, technically wedding dresses, there were two! One for the ceremony, and one for the reception.) Both were custom-made by none other than Vera Wang—a designer known for her unique wedding gowns. And she managed to capture Gwen’s bold personality right to a tee.

If you’re an edgy bride-to-be, you’ve come to the right place. Gwen Stefani’s two wedding outfits are the perfect inspo for your wedding day look. Get your notepad ready, and let’s get started!

❀ Gwen Stefani’s Wedding Dress for the Ceremony

Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress for the ceremony was a custom lily-white silk georgette gown. (Georgette is a type of crêpe fabric typically made from pure silk but can also be made from synthetic fibers like rayon, viscose, and polyester.) It’s sheer, lightweight, and has a dull, matte finish. And let me just say, it drapes beautifully.

The gown featured a fitted bodice with a cut-away back, plunging sweetheart neckline, and a high-low hand tumbled tulle skirt.

Here’s where Gwen Stefani really personalizes her look: her veil.

For the ceremony, she donned a white chapel-length veil, which featured the hand-embroidered names of Stefani, Shelton, and her three sons. Because her hair was under the veil, she kept it simple with a sleek bun.

✨ How can you recreate this look?

• – Sweetheart necklines are all the rage right now. We love this neckline because it’s so effective at elongating the neck. It can be paired with sleeves, straps, or without, but if you want to score Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress look, we recommend going strapless. (Bonus points: exposed shoulders also help create an hourglass figure.)

 

• – A fitted bodice—paired with a free-flowing skirt— is a common silhouette for wedding dresses and super flattering on most body shapes because it cinches the waist. Don’t hesitate to get it tailored so you can get the perfect fit!

 

• – Long veils are available (and customizable)—you just need to ask! For Gwen’s look, rock a veil with some beautiful embroidery and keep your hair sleek and simple.

✿ Gwen Stefani’s Wedding Dress for the Reception

Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress for the reception was again made of lily-white silk crepe. But this time, it’s a strapless sweetheart minidress. You’ll see that Vera Wang cranked up the heat with this one!

It starts with a corset-like bustier bodice, which creates a fun, sexy vibe. As Gwen Stefani describes her look on Instagram: “You need a party dress when u get to marry Blake Shelton.”

The tumbled tulle skirt is short, ruffled, and features floral embroidery around the waist of the dress. Wang’s team also hand-sewed two love birds on the dress to symbolize the couple. For this look, Gwen’s veil is shorter, adorned with floral appliqués and a white bow.

Stefani’s edgy personality shines through with her footwear choice (which she wore with both wedding dresses): a pair of white sky-high stiletto cowboy boots by Le Silla. She came prepared to dance the night away with Shelton—that’s for sure!

Gwen accessorized with gold bangle bracelets, sparkling earrings, and a cross necklace to complete her unique wedding reception look.

✨ How can you recreate this look?

• – Corset bodices are a hot bridal trend right now. If you’re looking to stray from tradition, keep an eye out for corset bodices. Oftentimes, you can find ones with beautiful embroidery—both sexy and feminine!

 

• – Bold footwear is another way to stand out from other brides. If you think plain white pumps are boring, we encourage you to go for something that better reflects your style—especially if your dress is a short length. Anything goes—perhaps you go for something bedazzled or a completely different color. Show them off (and your legs)!

 

• – Add meaningful accessories. Maybe you won’t spend extra cash on getting custom hand-sewn embroidery. Still, we encourage you to take a page out of Gwen’s book and personalize your wedding look—whether it’s a favorite piece of jewelry or a family heirloom.

Looking for more wedding dress inspo?

There’s endless information on wedding dresses out there—so we’ve saved you some of the work by including more articles right here for you!

There’s another recent bride whose wedding dress caught a lot of attention. Here’s how you can score Meghan Markle’s royal look.

Not a traditional gal? We can get behind that! Check out this article on alternative wedding dresses for rockstar brides.

Having an intimate backyard wedding? Here are five wedding dress styles which is perfect for this low-key vibe!

Homecoming is fast approaching—have you picked out your dress yet?

When buying a homecoming dress, there are many things to consider, such as length, material, silhouette, and color.

Some of you may have your eyes on a red homecoming dress—a bold choice! Red is one of the most visible colors in the color spectrum; its striking shade can instantly grab people’s attention. It can be a tricky color to pull off. But if styled right, you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons.

So that’s why we’re here today. With these five styling tips, you’ll be well on your way to rocking this fiery shade on homecoming.

1. Add some gold or silver sparkle

We love red homecoming dresses because they go well with any bling—silver or gold!

We’re not just talking about jewelry and accessories. Because homecoming dresses are typically short in length (naturally making them more semi-formal), you can dial up the glam with a dress that features silver and gold embellishments. To really let these sparkling metals shine through, opt for a dark red homecoming dress.

Sequins, jewels, lace, beads, and more—your options are endless. If you want a lot of sparkle, go for a dress that features a fully bedazzled bodice. If you’re looking for something more subtle, a red dress with a gold or silver belt would be perfect.

2. Add some texture

If adding some sparkle to your red homecoming dress is a little too bold for your taste, we recommend considering a textured dress or a darker shade. (This dark red short homecoming dress with sequins is calling your name!)

Adding texture, rather than a pop of color or sparkle, offers the perfect balance you’re looking for—more oomph than a dress featuring just one material, but less flashy than an embellished one.

Tulle, mesh, beads, and sequins are all materials and embellishments that can jazz up your red homecoming dress.

3. Pair with black, gold, silver or nude shoes

Because homecoming dresses are short, your feet will be front and center. In addition to getting a fabulous pedicure, you’ll want to rock an eye-catching pair of shoes.

Wearing the same color shoes as your dress is a thing of the past. To rock a red homecoming dress, we recommend choosing a black, gold, silver, or nude pair.

For those who gravitate towards sparkle, go for gold or silver. If you’d like something a bit simpler, both black and nude would look great. For shorter gals, we recommend trying a pair of nude heels—those will really lengthen your legs!

While strappy heeled sandals seem to be the go-to for homecoming, wear what’s comfortable to you—you’ll be dancing the night away after all! A block heel is an excellent alternative if you want some height but also stability.

4. Wear a belt

We love homecoming dresses that feature belts—and they work well here for two reasons.

First, it helps break up the monochromatic look. Some people worry that wearing only one color will make an outfit boring. Or, with a bold color like red, you may feel like there’s just too much color. This is entirely subjective, but if that thought crossed your mind, then try adding a belt! Thin or thick, it will do the trick.

Plus, belts accentuate your hourglass shape—who could say no to some extra curves?

5. Choose jewelry based on your neckline

Because your homecoming dress is fiery red, you’re already bound to attract some eyes. There’s no need to wear a lot of jewelry to complete your look—less is certainly more.

With that said, it is homecoming, after all. Take this opportunity to wear one or two of your finest pieces of jewelry! Here’s how you can narrow down the options: choose your jewelry based on the neckline of your homecoming dress.

If it features a high neckline, we typically suggest pulling your hair up or away from your face—which means a pair of shoulder-grazing earrings would be perfect!

If your dress has a low V-neck, wear your hair down and rock your favorite necklace.

Need more inspo for your red homecoming dress?

You’ve chosen the color for your homecoming dress, but have you decided on the length? Accessories? The silhouette? Makeup? (We know, it’s a lot to think about!)

Don’t worry, you can find more homecoming dress inspo right here:

• • Turn Heads with These 6 Homecoming Dresses Fit For a Queen
• • Beauty Tips: 60 Second Hacks to Look Better Instantly

Homecoming will be here before you know it—do you have the perfect dress picked out?

Homecoming is a semi-formal occasion. Therefore, homecoming dresses are typically shorter in length. (Save the longer gowns for prom!) But beyond that, there are many styles to choose from. So where do you start? Right here, of course!

When shopping for your short homecoming dress, consider these five style tips to find one that’s right for you. Ready to turn heads?

1. Fit-and-flare dress silhouette

The fit-and-flare dress is a classic choice for homecoming. The silhouette—a fitted bodice flowing into a subtle flare below the hips—is incredibly versatile and flatters many body types. Plus, it’s comfortable for dancing. No wonder we see so many short fit-and-flare dresses at homecoming!

We love that they come in just about every style and iteration you can imagine. With sleeves or without. Embellished or minimalist. With an exaggerated flare or a softer one. Traditional or modern. There are no rules with this silhouette!

💞 Style tip: When shopping for your own homecoming dress, make sure to try it on and aim for a length just above the knee—the perfect length for a semi-formal occasion like homecoming.

2. High Neckline

Because a short homecoming dress will show more leg than a prom dress, you may want to consider a dress that has a high neckline—this can help balance out your look.

Our personal favorite? A high-neck halter dress. Exposing the shoulders is a great way to create an hourglass shape.

💞 Style tip: If you buy a dress with a high neckline, we recommend throwing up your hair in a loose bun or a half updo. Keep some loosely curled strands out to frame your face. Effortlessly chic!

3. Simple Hair and Makeup

Speaking of your homecoming hairstyle, we encourage you to keep things simple—and save the intricate updos for prom.

In fact, many girls choose to keep their hair down and naturally styled. If you’d like to pull your hair away from your face and shoulders (say, if you choose a higher neckline) then a half updo or pinning your hair are great styling options.

A natural face has been on trend for a while and it’s perfectly suitable for homecoming. Some mascara, bronzer, and highlighter are all you need for bright eyes and a subtle glow.

However, at the end of the day, you should style your look the way you want to! If you’d like to rock some bolder makeup—we totally encourage you to. With that said, we recommend choosing a bolder eye or bolder lip, not both.

💞 Style Tip: There will be lots of dancing at homecoming, make sure to use some hairspray to lock your strands into place!

4. Add Embellishments

To dress up your homecoming look, we recommend choosing a dress that features embellishments, or adding some sparkle through your accessories.

Why not? When else can you get away with it?

There are many different types of embellishments: glitter, sequins, bows, jewels, embroidery, and more.

💞 Style tip: If you choose a fit-and-flare dress, a satin or bedazzled waistband is the perfect way to add some glam, while accentuating your figure. When accessorizing, you can add sparkle through jewelry, your purse, or even your footwear! A dazzling shoe is a great way to tie together your homecoming look.

5. Add Final Touches

To complete your look, you can go several routes: an eye-catching shoe, a bold purse, or a feminine hairpiece, to name a few.

What’s the homecoming shoe of choice? Strappy heels. Just like a short homecoming dress, a strappy heel offers the perfect balance for a semi-formal occasion. As we already mentioned, we encourage you to channel your inner Cinderella and pick a heel with some sparkle.

If heels aren’t comfortable for you, no problem! Choose a flat or block heel to give you more stability on the dance floor.

When shopping for your homecoming dress, don’t forget to consider your purse. You’ll need something to carry your things! It’s the worst when you’re scrambling to get ready for an event and realize you have nothing that matches your outfit.

💞 Styling Tip: Go for a bold clutch! It can be patterned or a totally different color than your dress if you’d like. Turn this staple into a statement piece.

Ready to stylize your short homecoming dress?

Alright ladies, are you ready to shop and stylize your short homecoming dress? We have a feeling you now have some ideas for creating the perfect look!

If you’re looking for more homecoming inspo, take a look at this blog post: Turn Heads with These 6 Homecoming Dresses Fit for a Queen

Dressing up for an occasion is always exciting, but figuring out what to wear can be tricky. There seems to be a different dress code for every event! So today, we’re helping you decode: cocktail attire.

*✧ What is cocktail attire?

Since a cocktail party isn’t super formal, there’s no need to bust out your ball gown—but cocktail attire does allow for some sparkle and glam. Typically, women will wear a short or mid-length dress, but skirts and pantsuits are also appropriate.

From there, the world is your oyster. To get you inspired, we’ll be discussing five cocktail dresses and how to accessorize them. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know what cocktail attire is but also how to dress to impress for your next event.

1. Off-The-Shoulder Embellished Dress

Off-the-shoulder dresses are all the rage right now—and a short or mid-length one would be perfect cocktail attire. Show off those shoulders, ladies!

At cocktail parties, we see a lot of sparkle—sequins, jewels, gold, silver. Embrace your inner queen! As you can see below, this cocktail dress is super textured and bedazzled—it’s sure to catch the light and score some looks.

Neutral colors, such as gold, silver, black, and nude, are common colors for cocktail dresses.

Pair this dress with a clutch and strappy heeled sandals. Simple, yet stunning.

2. One-shoulder Bodycon Dress

Speaking of exposed shoulders, a one-shoulder dress is totally fit for cocktail attire. For an extra fabulous look, opt for a bodycon dress with an asymmetric neckline and show off your slim waistline! Va-va-voom.

Sparkly sequin on point? Yes, please! We love that the cocktail dress decorated with beautiful feather with dazzling sequin—it’s eye-catching but not too flashy. Look up “cocktail dress” in the dictionary, and you’ll see this: subtle glam.

If you pick a baby blue dress, glossy silver heels would work—but we encourage you to get a little bold and choose a gold pair of heels. Complete the look with a lovely half-up half-down hairstyle.

3. Two-Piece Dress

Are you a gal that loves to be different? Then you have to take a look at this two-piece cocktail dress that showcases beautiful floral embroidery.

Want to show off your figure? Go for a pencil skirt and embrace that hourglass figure! Don’t worry, a higher neckline—as you see below—will balance the cropped top.

If you choose a dark color, we encourage you to add some glitter to your shoe choice. Gold, silver, bedazzled—any will do.

To keep this look fun and unique, rock a fishtail braid. They’re so beautiful and surprisingly simple to do—everyone will ask you how you did it!

4. Long-Sleeve Bodycon Dress

Another body-hugging dress that’s great for cocktail attire is the long-sleeve bodycon dress.

These long-sleeve beauties are perfect for cocktail parties in the fall and wintertime—you can show off your legs while keeping warm. (Pro tip!)

As you can see below, you can totally play around with different fabrics and textures. We love the mesh sleeves here—and the sequin embroidery laid on top.

Because the dress is such a showstopper, feel free to keep the accessories minimal. Pairing it with silver or gold shoes is a fabulous way to bring the look together.

5. Cut-Away Shoulder Crepe Dress

From the dress to the accessories, this has cocktail attire written all over it. A form-fitting dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves is a classy choice for your next cocktail party.

Like on the dress below, subtle glitter captures the glam that is typical for cocktail attire—but it’s not too distracting. (Skip the neon yellow this event)

Anytime you pair a dress with nude heels, you elongate the legs. For a short cocktail dress like this one, it’s the perfect opportunity to do so.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we encourage you to rock a cocktail hat or headpiece, because. when else can you?! Trust us, you’ll feel like royalty when you put it on. (Move over Meghan Markle.)

Got another upcoming occasion?

Decoding dress codes doesn’t start here—and it certainly doesn’t end here either. There are many events where you’ll need to create the perfect look: weddings, galas, prom, quinceanera, homecoming, and more. So take a look at our blog—we’ve got you covered!

Although we’re just entering summer, there’s one thing on many girls’ minds right now: What am I going to wear to homecoming?

There will be glitz. There will be glam. But which homecoming dress is for you?

Most girls opt for short homecoming dresses to mid-length dresses—and save the long ones for prom. But that doesn’t mean they have to be any less glamorous.

Whether you scored the title of Homecoming Queen or you’re rocking the invisible crown you know you deserve, here are six homecoming dresses fit for a queen—aka. you!

1. Steal the Show in Red and Gold

Red is the color of power, passion, strength, and energy. For those of you who want to stand out and rock a homecoming dress with confidence, we encourage you to wear red!

To up the glamour, find a dress with lace details and a tulle skirt. And if you really want to capture the crowd, go for gold details—like the look above. The dress has intricate gold lace on the bodice and hem of the skirt, and is paired with gold heeled sandals and shoulder-grazing earrings. The outcome? A regal homecoming dress that deserves the crown!

2. Shimmer and Shine in Glitters

Want an eye-catching homecoming dress? Then you must have glitters! A jewel accented waistline too? Sign me up!

We also love that this dress is free-flowing and features an illusion V-neck, so you can dance without worrying about anything falling out of place.

Keep your hair loose and lightly curled to rock this dress effortlessly. And add some nude pumps or heeled sandals to give yourself legs for days!

3. Twirl in a Tulle Dress

As you can see, most homecoming dresses cinch at the waist and then flow loosely against the legs—so you dance the night away (comfortably).

What do we love about the dress above? All the details—you don’t have to choose one.

This dress features tulle, lace, silver sequins, an illusion sweetheart neckline, and an open back—talk about a showstopper! To get the whole look, no need to go overboard with accessories, makeup, or hair. A pair of silver heels will do.

4. Glow in Gems and Jewels

Calling all royalty! Homecoming is your day to shine—so why not do just that by rocking a homecoming dress embellished with gems and jewels?

To keep your look modern, check out the sweetheart dress above. The corset-style bodice is decorated with jewels and sequins, which pairs beautifully with its ruffle skirt. Talk about the perfect combination of edgy and regal!

No need to stress about the rest of your homecoming look. Keep your hair down naturally, rock minimal makeup, and skip the accessories. All eyes will be on your dress.

5. Stand Out in a High-Low Dress

As we mentioned, most girls opt for short or mid-length homecoming dresses—but that doesn’t mean all do!

For those of you who want to stand out from the others and do something a little different, a high-low homecoming dress is for you.

A high-low dress is exactly as it sounds: short in the front and long in the back. We love that the dress above still captures classic homecoming details, though—such as jewel detailing and a free-flowing tulle skirt.

We encourage you to sweep your hair to the side to celebrate the angles at play here.

6. Shine in a One-Shoulder Dress

Want to look effortlessly chic? Well, then you need to get your hands on a one-shoulder dress! They capture the same amount of glam as a strapless dress—with half the effort (literally).

One-shoulder dresses are perfect for homecoming. You can shimmy the night away and show off your shoulders without having to pull up and adjust your dress constantly. (Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too).

Love the look above? Look for a bright dress that has a jeweled-embellished bodice. And to score the model’s hair and makeup, choose a bold eyeshadow that matches the dress color and pull your hair into a half-do. Va-va-voom!

✭ Related Content ✭

Before you know it, homecoming will be behind you, and you’ll be preparing for prom night! Look no further. GLS Collective has you covered with these blog posts:

• • Best Tips to Prepare For Prom Night
• • Do’s and Don’ts on Your Prom Night
• • Prom Dress Styles, Which One is For You?

A quinceañera party is a perfect time for a proud young Latina woman to razzle and dazzle.

When a beauty turns 15, it’s her time to shine and show off all her moves in front of friends and family. This day marks a special milestone and rite of passage into womanhood, as well as an introduction into courtship. Think debutante ball.

While some of the marriage eligibility customs are no longer maintained in our modern age, two things are guaranteed at a quinceañera celebration; glamour and dance!

Aside from community, there is nothing more important at the party than grooving and looking fuego in a big beautiful gown!

— Traditional Quinceañera Dresses

Traditionally a quinceañera dress is white or pale in color to symbolize purity. As with most traditions, both styles and messaging have evolved.

These days extravagant quinceañera dresses come in all shapes and colors, even bold ones. Mexican gowns, for example, often sport white and bright red/blue patterns in styles inspired by ranch, or ‘charro’ fashion.

— Summer Quinceañera Dresses

Summer celebrations may call for something breezy and beautiful, because no one wants to be actually glowing with heat at their quinceañera party – only with happiness. We’ve got a couple of quinceanera dress inspo perfect for a summer celebration. Bring on the fiesta and the cameras, because these dresses aren’t playin’; they’ll have all eyes on the belle of the ball!

1. Poised Princess

This beautiful quinceanera dress brings the dazzle, while still erring on the side of traditional. Its sparkle draws the eye directly to the objective target: the honorable quinceañera herself. Classically beautiful and perfect for a poised princess.

2. Bold and Beautiful

Now this gorgeous mesh quinceanera dress is a statement piece. It says “I’m growing into a bold and confident young woman”, and who can do anything but admire that? The details are intricate and sophisticated, the colors traditionally Mexican inspired. It’s a memorable piece if ever there was one.

3. Cool and Confidently Chic

Cinderella who? This is a literal fairytale gown, there’s just no two ways about it. What sweetheart wouldn’t die for this sweetheart neckline? Anyone in this dress automatically wins the admiration of all onlookers.

4. Fiercely Feminine

Exuding a bridal vibe, This feminine number will have potential dates envisioning their entire futures with the beauty wearing it. The embroideries and jewels are delicate embellishments that act as vehicles to present the femininity and maturity of the featured quinceañera.

5. The Black Swan

Speaking of tradition, this isn’t that. With every important fashion movement, comes a counter-movement, arguably at the heart of fashion itself.

This black embellished quinceañera dress is for the young ladies, and feminine folk alike, who are paving their own path through adolescence into adulthood. It says ‘feminine, but not dainty’ – ‘strong but not intimidating. Black will always be dripping with sophistication and class.

6. Royal Blue for a Big Debut

This super elegant number surely fits a royal. The complex embroidery on top balances out the calming, smooth blue below, making this piece so regal. All eyes on her, all night.

7. Girl on Fire

Take a moment to swoon. This Elizabeth K dress brings the fuego for real. Gorgeous flamey ruffles draw attention like a matador commanding their subject. The gold ties the whole piece together like a work of art.

8.Summer Snow Queen

This saintly white quinceañera dress is whimsical and polished all at once. With a dash of wind, and a spicy spin, Miss Quinceañera would definitely look like a queen as she waltz the night away.

9.Gorgeous Green

When it comes to unique green quinceañera dresses, this one has it all. The color is definitely distinct, making our quinceanera princess stand out.

10. Eye Candy

For the most feminine of 15-year-olds, baby pinks and ruffles are the dream. This gown almost looks… appetizing. Cotton candy swirls and rose-y rolls make for a soft and sensory statement. The pastel glam carries over to the top with jewel highlights and contours. Sometimes quinceañera fairy tales do come true.

— Tips for Accessorizing Your Quinceañera Dress —

Common accessories to compliment the lavish quinceañera dress include:

1. ● Crowns or tiaras
2. ● Hairpieces (clips or flowers)
3. ● Jewelry
4. ● A bouquet
5. ● Shawls or bolero
6. ● Hand bags/clutches

Only one or two other style details should be glamorous, aside from the gown, otherwise the look can get too busy. The purpose of accessories is to compliment the main attraction, which is the dress, not distract from it.

Colors of additional items should compliment the dress color (either the same within the complementary palette). If makeup color options match both the dress and eye/skin/hair tones, it can be colorful, but if there is conflict then neutral colors are a safer bet.

Shawls are beautiful sheer add-ons that can come in handy as the evening cools down after sunset. They also add an air of sophistication and modesty to the look.

Flowers, especially roses, are traditionally worn in the hair of latina femmes for a beautifully feminine kahlo-effect. Sparkly crowns and clips are also popular and adds flair, though jewelry and hair accessories should be balanced for the most polished, sophisticated look.

The quinceañera herself is the star of the show, but the dress is her vehicle to express and celebrate herself, all she’s been through, and all that’s ahead. The dress carries culture, tradition, and individual style to the fiesta de quince años. For that one day, it all has to be perfect.

You may have heard this fashion advice once or twice before: if you don’t feel like yourself in an outfit, don’t buy it!

The same goes for wedding dresses. Especially wedding dresses! It’s your big day, and you want to feel like your confident self on your special day. So be unique and authentic in your own style, and don’t let old traditions stand in your way.

These days it’s praised to be yourself in every part of your life, and that includes your wedding day.

— Top Trending Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Ideas —

If long, white, or veiled is just not you, let’s check out some styles that put a twist to traditional wedding dresses. The possibilities are endless, and you can definitely add a touch of your personality to whatever outfit you end up choosing.

1. A Two-Piece Set

A two-piece wedding dress is a fun and fabulous way to switch up from the usual bridal look. This mermaid two-piece beauty, style GL2373, for example, includes a lovely jeweled crop top with a long skirt bottom. Now, this can go in many directions to suit your needs.

Feeling more outside the box? You can even mix and match your two pieces! You can have an outstanding crop top style with a plain skirt or switch it around with a basic crop top and an out-of-the-box type of skirt. It can be long, short, a tutu, or split kind of skirt. Whichever suits your personality and makes you stand out on your wedding day!

2. A Wedding Jumpsuit

If you’re not a dress or skirt type of person, a white jumpsuit might just be the perfect fit for you. You can get all kinds of designs when it comes to jumpsuits, short or long. They can be flashy and have very original styles. Choose whatever matches your personality best. If you’re not comfortable in a dress, a jumpsuit will surely keep you comfortable and allow you to move, dance, and entertain your guests all night long.

3. Short Wedding Dresses

Another cute alternative is a short wedding dress, style GS1978. Short gowns are another way to stand out on your wedding day. You can go for a sleek, simple short dress or go all out with a puffy tea-length dress. There are even some with feathers, fringe, and glitter.

With a shorter dress, you’ll also have an option to show off some wedding accessories like shoes, and of course your legs.

For example, if you want to go for a total rocker bride look, you can throw on a funky leather jacket that match your short wedding dress. Maybe add feathers to your hair or even a unique headpiece. Adding these small details can help you go from bride to all-around queen!

4. Anything But White

Who says you can only say “I do” in white? In this day and age, colors are totally acceptable. People will definitely be turning heads to watch you walk down the aisle.

Take this gorgeous pink gown, style GL1923 for example.

Here are a few other color choices that are trending currently for the all-out brides who want something different:

1. — Blush Pink
2. — Scarlet Red
3. — Bright Yellow
4. — Bright Boho
5. — Colorful Watercolour Designs
6. — Sheer Panels
7. — Black and Nudes
8. — Rose Gold
9. — Gold
10. — Two-Toned
11. — Coral Colour
12. — Navy Blue
13. — Greens
14. — Pastels

These are just to name a few. Adding color to your wedding gown can really bring out your personality and make you stand out in a crowd.

It’s now easy to set yourself apart from the other brides, and if you want to rock and roll your way to the aisle, you can definitely do so, in style! The key is being true to your style and finding a gorgeous piece to complement it!

Browse our bridal collection for more wedding dress ideas and find other fashion pieces for special occasions.

A sweetheart neckline is as feminine and romantic as it sounds—it has a high back, low-cut front, and is shaped like the top of a heart. For an occasion like your wedding, it’s absolutely fitting.

What’s extra sweet about a sweetheart neckline? It’s one of the most versatile, flattering necklines around. It can work to enhance (and create the illusion of) curves. Plus, it elongates the neck and torso, adding balance to the overall silhouette.

A sweetheart wedding dress can have sleeves, straps, or no straps at all. Yes, you really have all the options!

That’s also true for how you style and accessorize it. While versatility is great—it can also be overwhelming to whittle down the options to create your perfect look.

We know you’ll look stunning in a sweetheart wedding gown no matter what. But to help you create a look that’s true to you, here are five ways to rock the neckline on your big day.

1. A strapless dress with a statement necklace — for the bold bride

Calling all the bold brides out there—this look is for you.

You’re the kinda gal who doesn’t want to hide behind any jewelry or a bold lip. It’s just you and a slinky silhouette.

Want to further accentuate an hourglass figure? Bare your shoulders with a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown.

Throwing your hair up in a low, messy bun exudes confidence. But if you want to choose a bold accessory, some dazzling teardrop earrings would look stunning.

2. An off-the-shoulder gown with tousled tresses — for the laid-back bride

Love the sweetheart neckline but looking for a laidback feel? This one’s for you.

Instead of a glamorous updo, keep your hair down in loose curls. Or, feel free to pin one side or put it in an updo for a little bit more structure.

Wedding gowns with off-the-shoulder sleeves are all the rage right now. Why? They capture so many looks at once—sexy, romantic, feminine, carefree, you name it. No need to add any necklace here if you don’t want to. You can totally rock the feminine neckline as it is!

But come on, it is your wedding day after all—add some sparkle to your look with some shoulder-grazing earrings.

3. A long-sleeve gown with a tiara — for the glamorous bride

For those who are taking this opportunity to dress like a queen (No shame, we’re with you!)—this look has your name written all over it.

What makes it look so regal?

First, the sleeves on this off-the-shoulder gown mimic long, white gloves that a princess would wear. (Anyone else seeing Anne Hathaway in the Princess Diaries?)

But the clear giveaway is obviously the tiara—the model pulls her hair back and adorns her updo with a stunning sparkly headpiece.

If you decide to go for the decorative sleeves and a glamorous tiara, skip the earrings and necklace. A bare neckline will provide balance to your look.

4. A spaghetti strap dress with a floral headpiece — for the boho bride

Yes, the sweetheart neckline can also be rocked by the free-spirited bride. How exactly can you make it airy and whimsical?

Spaghetti straps are a great way to dial down the glamour. If you’re having a rustic, low-key wedding, a gown like this would be perfect!

For your hair, you have plenty of options. You can do a simple bun, rock a half updo or a low braid, or wear your hair completely down and untamed.

If you decide to pull your hair into an updo, add some more boho flair with a floral or botanical headband. While the model wears a rhinestone one, you could get away with a real flower crown for this look.

5. A sleeveless gown with an illusion sweetheart neckline — for the elegant bride

Love the idea of a sweetheart wedding gown but apprehensive about a deep neckline? Well, there are ways around that—you can find a gown that creates the illusion of one.

How? The designers add a see-through fabric, like mesh, to the top of the bodice to add some coverage. Don’t worry, you still get the same benefits of a sweetheart neckline—like accentuated curves and an elongated neck.

But because you technically have some fabric covering your chest, skip a necklace. Instead, pull your hair up, and opt for chic earrings or a hair clip.

Want more wedding dress tips and inspo?

• • Five Best Wedding Dress Styles For an Intimate Wedding
• • Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dresses: How to Score the Royal Look on Your Big Day
• • Four Tips For Preserving Your Wedding Dress

A lot of women ask us about wedding dress preservation. Why? A wedding dress isn’t just any ol’ dress—it bears so many beautiful memories and emotions. For that reason, it’s no surprise that many brides want to keep and preserve them as a family heirloom. It represents the day when two families merge into one.

But wedding dresses are intricately designed, and therefore, incredibly delicate. You probably know that you can’t just throw it in the washing machine after your big night. But did you know you shouldn’t store it in plastic and hang it up in your closet either?

If you don’t preserve your dress properly, the material will deteriorate quite quickly. Common signs are yellowing of the fabric, mold and mildew growth, permanent fabric creasing, brown oxidation spots.

It doesn’t sound pretty, does it? It doesn’t look pretty either. The photo below compares two silk veils—one preserved and one not.

To keep your dress radiating the love, happiness, and laughter from your wedding day, here are four wedding dress preservation tips:

Tip 1: Clean your wedding dress right away

Some brides wait weeks before cleaning their wedding dress, and that’s a big no-no. Why? The longer you wait, the longer the stains have to set in, making them harder to remove.

So if you’re off on your honeymoon the next day, enlist a family member or friend to get it to the dry cleaner the next day. Remember, the sooner, the better!

Tip 2: Go to a specialized wedding dress cleaner

Did you know there could be invisible stains on your wedding dress? White wine and other substances may dry clear, but they contain sugars that will caramelize over time.

Specialized wedding dress cleaners are trained to find these invisible stains. They also know how to preserve the dress—which is an additional service.

We recommend doing a bit of research on who you work with—so your dress is in good hands.

For example, ask them what cleaning solution they use or what their wedding dress cleaning and preservation process is. They should be using a virgin solvent rather than a recycled solvent. Recycled ones are typically used for ordinary dry cleaning—but they contain impurities that can redeposit onto clothing and leave your wedding dress with a…not-so-nice smell. With that said, you should also take a look at your gown’s label for specific directions and cleaning solutions it can handle. And whatever it says—listen to it!

Tip 3: Preserve your wedding dress in an airtight acid-free box

When we say airtight, we mean it. Typically, a preserved dress is stored in a 100% acid-free box where the oxygen has been sucked out and replaced with nitrogen. This prevents oxidation (aging, discoloration, etc.) which can happen to clothes that have been stored for several years. The dress should also be wrapped in 100% acid-free tissue paper for additional protection.

Wedding gown specialists recommend you never break the seal. If you do, you’ll need to preserve and seal it back up again.

If you choose not to store it in a box, please don’t store your dress in a regular, zip-up plastic bag! Plastic like that holds moisture and can potentially discolor a wedding dress. The exception is acid-free plastic (which the preservation boxes are made from).

We know you’re also pretty tempted to hang your gown in your closet, so it’s there to admire whenever you please. But experts strongly recommend removing it from a hanger, which can cause the heavy dresses to become misshapen. If you want to preserve it for generations to come, it’s best to store it properly.

Tip 4: Store your wedding dress in a cool, dark place

Wedding dress preservation and hot, humid temperatures do not go hand-in-hand. Storing your dress in direct sunlight is another surefire way to discolor and damage your gown. So once it’s cleaned and preserved, put it in a cool, dark, dry place.

Keep in mind that some environments vary in temperature from season to season, such as attics and basements. This atmospheric change from warm to cold could create condensation and could spoil all your hard work preserving it!

And if you choose to clean and preserve your wedding dress at home…

Some of our previous wedding dress preservation tips assume that you’re getting professional cleaning done. If you choose to clean and preserve your wedding gown at home, here are some quick DIY tips for you:

1. 1) Always use white cotton gloves when handling the dress
2. 2) Spot test the fabric to make sure your cleaner won’t harm it
3. 3) Use a soft-bristled brush—a toothbrush will do!
4. 4) Never, ever use bleach—the material is much too delicate and could be irreversibly damaged
5. 5) Wrap the clean, dry dress in acid-free tissue paper
6. 6) Place layers of acid-free tissue paper between the folds of the dress to avoid permanent creasing
7. 7) Place the dress in an acid-free container with silica desiccant packets for humidity control
8. 8) Store in a cool, dry, dark place

More wedding-related tips!

We love that you’re planning ahead to make sure your wedding dress preserves beautifully. If your wedding is approaching and you’d like some more expert tips—for you, your mom, or bridesmaids—we’ve got you covered!

• • What is Your Bridal Style: Choose Your Dream Wedding Dress
• • Look Amazing On Your Wedding Day
• • The Ultimate Style Guide For The Mother Of The Bride
• • How To Choose The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

Minimalist, but elegant. Timeless, yet modern. Sexy, and refined.

Meghan Markle is known for bringing two worlds together—one that is real and relatable and another that is lavish and glamorous.

Her wedding looks were no different. They captured that beautiful balance perfectly. It’s no wonder that women worldwide still turn to Meghan Markle for inspiration as they create their own wedding look. Her looks weren’t over the top. From the dresses to her hair and makeup, she kept things simple.

The outcome? Two royal looks that were simply stunning. And today, we’re breaking them down for you—so you can look and feel like a princess when you walk down the aisle, too.

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dresses

1— Givenchy Wedding Dress

Meghan Markle donned two wedding dresses—one for the ceremony and one for the reception. For the ceremony, she wore a stunning Givenchy gown that epitomizes timeless, minimal elegance. How can you score the look and feel of this dress—without paying the £100,000+ price tag?

• A bateau (or boat) neckline: This is a straight neckline that stretches across the collarbone to each shoulder.

• Three-quarter length sleeves: The length of these sleeves may vary on each person because they are three-quarters of your arm or halfway between your elbow and wrist.

• Silk material: Silk is smooth, light, and luxurious, with a natural shine. It also feels incredibly soft on the skin!

We can’t take our eyes off this embroidered Mesh dress. It’s not silk material, but it still looks absolutely stunning (and regal) nevertheless. We especially love the jewel embellishment that adds an oomph to the dress’ understated elegance.

If you can find a dress that features this trifecta, you’re well on your way to scoring Meghan’s first look.

2— Stella McCartney Wedding Dress

As we mentioned, one reason why Meghan Markle is so well-liked is that she’s relatable. She, too, wanted a second look that would take her into the evening comfortably. This Stella McCartney halter-neck sheath gown did just that.

What makes this gown so notable?

• A halter neckline: Instead of two straps, a single strap runs from the front of the garment around the back of the neck, exposing the shoulders and generally leaving the upper back uncovered.

• Silk crepe: Crepe describes a weaving method that leaves a distinctively crisp and crimped appearance.

• Sheath silhouette: A sheath dress is a fitted, straight-cut dress that nips at the waist. This style of dress is super flattering because the exposed shoulders and sheath fit create an hourglass shape. Get it in a silk crepe material, and you’ve nailed the second look!

This style GL2243 has it all—a halter neckline to show off the shoulders, a cinched waist to give that hourglass shape, and stunning floral embroidery to add texture to the dress (and another touch of femininity).

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Accessories

While Meghan’s dresses were elegantly simple, her accessories upped the glamour. When it comes to your royal look, we encourage you to embrace your femininity and wear accessories fit for a queen. Use Meghan’s lineup as inspo:

1— Veil: You don’t need a 16.5-foot veil to score Meghan’s royal look. What do we love most about hers? The intricate floral embroidery on the ends. While these flowers are distinctive flora of all 53 Commonwealth countries, we think you could get away with something a tad simpler.

2— Bandeau tiara: What’s a royal look without a tiara?! Meghan wore the famed Queen Mary bandeau tiara made of diamonds and platinum. What’s a bandeau tiara? A headband-style ornament of low profile, usually without a graduation in height from one side to the other, and is often worn on the forehead.

3— Court shoes (or pumps): Meghan opted for classic court shoes from the same brand that created her first wedding dress—Givenchy. A court shoe is a British term to describe a type of shoe worn in the royal courts by the wealthy upper class or royals. What does it look like? A classic pump. Find one in silk satin, and nobody will know your pair from hers.

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Hair and Makeup

Long before the wedding, she’s pushed to be authentic—and her wedding day was no exception. We love that her hair and makeup are something you can totally recreate for yourself on your wedding day:

1— A low, messy bun: Meghan’s bun was low and securely pinned to the nape of her neck towards the right. Her hair was parted right down the middle, with a few face-framing strands loosely curled to soften the look.

2— A natural base: When it came to Meghan’s skin, she kept things light and natural—allowing her freckles to come through. She noted that she wanted to avoid a bunch of contouring and strobing. But to add glow and a slight flush, her makeup artist used a luminizer and a coral cream blush.

3— A smokey, doe-eyed look: Meghan’s makeup artist wanted to draw attention to her eyes while keeping things natural. So instead of black or gray eyeshadow, he used shades of warm brown. To make eyes look like they’re “fluttering” when she glanced up at Harry, he customized and shaped some of the outer lashes to give her that doe-eyed look.