In recent years, designer bridal dresses have begun to offer alternatives to the more traditional wedding gowns that most people think about. While there is nothing wrong with a traditional white gown that makes the bride look like a princess, many of today’s modern brides want to break away from tradition, even if only to assert their own personality onto their wedding. These brides want to infuse some of their own sense of style into this garment that is designed to showcase them on their special day.

There is a wide range of boldness that you can go with when you want something a little less traditional for your wedding dress. You could start with wearing a ribbon in your hair that is in the same color scheme as your bridesmaids’ dresses. You can either wear a matching color or one that is contrasting for a bit more of a non-traditional look.

You can also try wearing a colorful flower that matches your bouquet. You can pin it to your hair or tuck it behind your ear. Either way, it offers you the chance to add a splash of color to a more traditional looking white dress without being really bold about it.

It is easy to add a little color to a wedding dress that otherwise looks very much like a traditional dress. You can dress your white wedding gown up by adding a belt or sash in your favorite color. You can also coordinate this color with the rest of your wedding party.

You can also try adding a layer of tulle in a favorite color under the top layer of white in your wedding gown for a look that is bold and magical at the same time. A gradual coloring that gets darker as it reaches the ground is another way to add the boldness of color to any designer wedding gowns you might choose.

The traditional wedding gown has been cut long and layered. You can keep the layers and go for a shorter cut to really make you stand out. Or you can choose a wedding gown without the layers that is cut short in vintage 50s style.

If a short cut for your wedding dress is not your style, you can lower the hem on your dress. A mid-calf length allows you to have a more modern look without leaving tradition all the way behind. Whether you choose poofy layers or a more slimming silhouette, the effect will be breathtakingly beautiful.

Between occasions hosted at work, and by family and friends, your party wardrobe can be stretched thin during the holiday season. Buying a new designer dress or two can give your holiday cheer a boost, but can also put a dent into your bank account if you shop only at high end department stores or tony boutiques. But there is another way to get your fashion fix and still have money left over for an eggnog or two: shopping for “gently used” garments. More than ever, it is possible to find quality fashion, such as designer rompers, jumpsuits, and swimwear, at reasonable prices as the recent economic doldrums have prompted many people to sell clothes that they have rarely used.

It is important, though, to spend time researching in order to identify the various places that specialize in high quality designer clothes. For example, not all secondhand stores are created equal. Places like Goodwill or Salvation Army or a local church’s thrift store will rarely have good quality designer dresses. But there are shops that specialize in designer clothes and usually market themselves as such.

Yard sales are also a hit or miss proposition. Every now and then you might find a designer dress or two but you are more likely to find casual wear.

While most estate sales primarily consist of furniture, some jewelry, fixtures, and artwork, they can also be a treasure trove of well-kept designer dresses, suits, and accessories. Even if the dresses are older, some classic designs never go out of style so these types of sales are worth checking out. Estate sales are often advertised in the newspapers and can take place at the residence—kind of a “five star” yard sale—or at an auction house.

Estate items and high end goods and clothes can also end up at consignment stores, where the owner gets a percentage of the sale price. Most designer dresses at consignment houses are top quality and you’ll likely find a mix of vintage clothing and garments from more recent collections. Consignment stores are typically more expensive than secondhand stores, but they also typically offer garments of excellent quality.

Craig’s List and other online want ads are also good places to look for used designer dresses, and to post a listing for the style of dress or designer you are looking for. Similarly, auction sites like eBay and others can have some great deals if you have the patience to peruse the offerings and stay on top of the bidding.

Whenever buying anything secondhand, especially older designer dresses, assume the piece may need to be altered to fit your height and weight. Also, if you buy online make sure to find out what the return policy is.

Being pregnant does not mean that you will not be able to find dresses that are appropriate for special occasions. Maternity maxi dresses are perfect for parties, weddings, dates, and getting together with friends. These dresses allow plenty of room for baby, while being comfortable on mom.

Short sleeve, long sleeve, and sleeveless versions are all available. This leaves plenty of options for different months of the year. There is also the choice of shorter or longer lengths. Consider longer lengths for more formal type occasions, and shorter lengths for casual to medium dress occasions.

The cut of these dresses is loose, yet not so loose that they are not flattering. Most offer a more form fitting cut at the top, and then loosen up at the mid section to eliminate any restriction or binding around the baby. Solid colors and patterns are both available, both of which will flatter your shape.

Dresses are a popular choice during pregnancy, as some women find pants to be too binding during this time. Dresses allow for plenty of air flow, and will keep you from becoming overheated as you move around.

Maternity maxi dresses are a simple solution to the problem of what to wear while going out during pregnancy. These dresses are a solid choice all the way from the first month to the last.