Classic Wedding Dress Cuts by Decade

Draped over an organza bustle, this dress's lace overlay is short on fabric and long on drama. It's a bold interpretation of the side hoops, or panniers, used to extend skirt widths in the days of Marie Antoinette. The Details: Ines Di Santo "Lola"gown. Cathy Waterman "Arabesque" earrings(twistonline.com). Carolee choker with Hyman Hendler & Sons ribbon. Stephen Russell platinum bracelet (212-570-6900).

This narrow jacket and bell-shaped skirt recall theriding habits of the late 19th century. A removable hand-embellished train primes it for a trot down the aisle. The Details: Colette Komm corset, jacket, and skirt with detachable train (by special order). De Vera earrings. A. Jaffe ring (800-223-0553).

Dazzling and drop-waisted, this shift has all the glitzand glamour of the Roaring Twenties. With its gauzy,shimmering skirt and embroidered organza tunic, itwas made for sashaying across the dance floor.The Details: Carolina Herrera gown. Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring and bracelet worn as headband with Hyman Hendler & Sons ribbon. Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry earrings. Mikimoto pearl necklaces. Kwiat "Vintage Collection" bracelet.

A bias-cut silk satin gown is striking in its simplicity. This one has an especially flattering feature: blousy silk georgette cape sleeves that cross over the chest and flutter down the back, Greek goddess-style. The Details: Peter Langner "Xantia Due" gown (Roma Sposa, 248-723-4300). Cartier "Evasions Joaillieres Collection" earrings. Bracelets, from top: Camilla Dietz Bergeron, House of Lavande, Kwiat platinum "Deco Collection."

With their crisp tailoring, cinched waists, and ladylike necklines (on the left, a sweetheart; at right, an asymmetrical ruffle), these polished gowns echo the understated elegance of Grace Kelly -- and beg fora groom in tails. The Details (from left): Oscar de la Renta gown #22n36 (MarkIngram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778); B&J Fabrics duchess satin fabric for wrap; De Beers studs, Oscar Heyman necklace (800-642-1912); Tiffany & Co. ring. Romona Keveza gown RK226; Cartier "Tradition" earrings; De Beers necklace and ring; Bulgari "Elisia" bracelet. Both women are wearing Carolina Amato gloves.

Channel the swinging sixties with a bateau neckline,three-quarter-length sleeves, and a knee-grazinghemline that perfectly sums up the expression"short and sweet." The Details: Simple Silhouettes "Aspen" dress. McTeigue & McClelland "Puff" earrings. Ritani ring and "Endless Love O"bracelet.

This groovy bell-sleeve jumpsuit might inspire you to string up a glittering silver ball and put the Bee Gees on repeat, but its hip-slung sash and plunging V-neck are all you need to get the party started. The Details: Donna Karan New York jumpsuit. Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ear clips (800-526-0649). Buccellati necklace. Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet. William Goldberg ring.

Slip into this flirty tulle number -- complete with playful bows and a push-up bustier torn from a page in Madonna's playbook -- and see if you can keep yourself from striking a pose. The Details: Rosa Clara gown. Oscar Heyman earrings (800-642-1912). Ranjana Khan necklace (Priscilla of Boston,617-267-9070). Chamak by Priya Kakkar bangles (Supplements NY, 800-631-3844).

Spun from blush-colored tulle and practically drippingwith dramatic embellishments, this hand-paintedstunner vows to be anything but average. It's unapologetically contemporary and undeniably breathtaking, and it may even elicit a gasp. The Details: Vera Wang gown. Verdura ear clips. Rina Limor necklace. Rachel Leigh necklace. Maja Du Brul necklace. De Beers ring.