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 the riding 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 glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. With its gauzy, shimmering skirt and embroidered organza tunic, it was 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 for a groom in tails. The Details (from left): Oscar de la Renta gown #22n36 (Mark Ingram 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-grazing hemline 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 dripping with dramatic embellishments, this hand-painted stunner 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.