7 Ways to Style a Sequin Dress

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If you’re thinking of wearing a sparkling sequin dress, there are three likely reasons: a holiday party, a New Year’s Eve soirée, or a glamorous wedding.

And with social media, you know the photos will live on forever.

Guess what? You’re going to look absolutely stunning! Because we’ve got 7 incredible ways to pull together a style that works for any personality.

Read on and discover how to rock your party look!

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Art Deco

The jazz age was a party. Style your vintage-inspired look with a short bob, red lip, tie headband, geometric earrings, and long necklace. Top it off with a faux fur wrap or beaded shawl.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Vintage

Retro

‘90s style is so in. This easy-going outfit calls for a little sequin dress, a pair of attention-grabbing heels, and simple makeup. Barely-there waves and effortless beauty let your dress do the talking. Top it off with a velvet jacket.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Classic 

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Goth Sparkle

Bold color contrast defines this outfit. Pair dark hues like black and gunmetal with your shimmery gown for a mesmerizing ying-yang effect. Go against the norm for a unique look that is all you. Finish off the look with boots and a leather jacket.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Destination

Glamorous Diva

Light up the room with classic sparkle. Dramatic chandelier earrings and a shimmering bracelet are the way to go. Match your metallics—silver jewelry with silver sequins, gold jewelry with gold, or rose gold with rose gold. Top it off with a silk pashmina or similar.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Glamorous

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Boho Beauty

Mix it up! Pair your sequins with colorful flats or a hat to downplay the sparkle. Accentuate your accessories and definitely mix your metallics. Express your personal style and don’t be afraid to go bold with color. Top this off with your favorite jacket.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Bohemian

Mod Girl

For a super trendy style, pair a sequin top with a non-sparkly tulle or lace skirt. Add dancing flats and a shimmering hair adornment, and keep your other jewelry minimal. Pull in a bold lip or flaunt those lashes. Top it off with a cute cover up or scarf.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Trendy  

The One

For a romantic look, play up your makeup and keep your hair loose and natural. A smoky eye and stunning waves are all you need to connect across a crowded room. Keep your accessories simple and skip the jacket. You can borrow one later.

Planning a wedding? Check out My Bridal Style: Romantic

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Want more styling ideas? Follow us on Instagram for all things related to the bridal industry!

Shoulder Jewelry Spotlight

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Dare to go bare?

Strapless gowns are a bold, beautiful choice for a wedding in any season. In the winter, bare shoulders give you the opportunity to style your gown with a bolero, shawl, pashmina—or shoulder jewelry!

For the most glamorous of brides, shoulder jewelry can complement your dress or transform your entire look. Check out our lovely designs to see your options!

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Enchanting Rhinestone Sparkle

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Pure sparkle beautifully complements your gown with classic elegance. Triple strands of rhinestones connect with rhinestone motifs for a gorgeous alternative to a traditional necklace.

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Shimmering Crystals & Beaded Appliqués

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For extra-dramatic sparkle, a shimmering combination of clear crystals and decadently beaded appliqués adds glamour to your look. This design beautifully complements other crystal or rhinestone accessories.

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Romantic Pearl Appliqués

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Add a whimsical touch of romance to your ensemble with embellished appliqués and pearl strands. This vintage-inspired design beautifully complements pearl jewelry and/or lace gowns.

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Sparkling Crystals & Beads

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Add a light dash of sparkle with alternating strands of silver beads and clear crystals attached to rhinestone motifs. This glittering design is a princess-worthy addition to a dreamy ensemble.

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Vintage Pearls & Rhinestones

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Adorn your shoulders with a vintage-inspired design of pearls and rhinestones. This classic design of triple strands adds lustrous sparkle and wonderfully complements vintage gowns.

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Want to see more? Check out our jewelry sets, bracelets, earrings, and belts for that special something new for your big day!

How To Style a Late Summer Wedding

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As the golden days with warm weather dwindle, we find ourselves looking wistfully at gorgeous outdoor weddings. Boho-luxe, rustic, shabby-chic, beach, and glamping themes make beautiful summer themes; yet as we slowly transition to fall, an entirely new aesthetic beckons.

Bring the bright, airy beauty of summer and rich opulence of an abundant harvest together! Jessica Cooper Photography paired with Sweet Caroline Gowns to feature warm metallics, rich accent colors, and plenty of pretty sparkle.

Make your own late summer wedding utterly radiant with just four styling elements.

Golden Oldies

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Vintage-inspired and dripping with gorgeousness, our lovely gold accessories bridge the gap between seasons with luxurious elegance. Sparkling rhinestones, gold metallic leaves, and intricately decorated details leave the onlooker breathless. Style your whole ensemble around a base metallic color such as gold, copper, rose gold, or silver and you’ll feel like a goddess. Your jewelry, hair piece, veil, belt, and shoes are all opportunities to personalize your look.

Colors That Pop

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We love that bold brides are departing from the traditional white dress and branching out to other colors! Style a confident look for your ceremony or reception with a dress featuring appliqués, ombré, floral print, or just a non-white hue. Let the bridesmaids’ dresses complement your ensemble. Navy, forest green, and marsala evoke earthy elegance; softer tones such as grey, nude, and tan create a neutral backdrop. Shimmering sequin gowns are totally allowed.

Natural Hair

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This year’s brides are going au naturel. Whether you love long waves or are dying to try out a top knot, you can and should customize your look. Start out with your hair down for a laid-back and completely romantic style for the day. For the afternoon and/or ceremony, try twisting your hair into a half-up braid or chignon for a more formal yet still easygoing look. When night hits and you’re ready to party, create a totally chic top bun and flaunt sparkling earrings. Keep your hair styles simple so you can show off more accessories throughout the day.

Romantic Touches

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Blend the beauty of harvest with the lighthearted romance of summer—literally. Create tablescapes that feature calligraphy, lots of greenery, your chosen metallic, upcycled vases, and plants such as gourds, succulents, and berries. Get creative and pick your favorite elements from each season; you’ll be surprised at how well they blend together! You can play up the rustic charm of summer with wildflowers and burlap accents, or lean towards the vibrant allure of autumn with candles and leafy branches. Incorporate striking colors and string up lights, so both your day and night photos will look gorgeous.

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Are you styling a late summer wedding? Follow us on Instagram for more styled shoot inspiration, and browse our Fall 2016 collection for eye-catching accessories.

6 Swoonworthy Bridal Sashes

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Finding the perfect dress is a bit like finding the One: you just know.

Styling your wedding dress perfectly involves creativity. Sometimes, you wish it had a little bit more something. More lace, more bling, different straps. One easy way to transform a design into your dream gown is by adding a bridal sash!

Our lovely belts may be sewn directly onto the dress or tied in the back. This elegant accessory adds sparkle, waist definition, beauty, and originality to your overall look. Check out our top six picks for the upcoming wedding season!

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Romantic Peonies & Lace Sash

Nothing says romance like flowers. Style a gorgeous, unforgettable bridal look with lavish fabric peony flowers featuring sparkling rhinestone centers. A touch of Alençon lace adds feminine flourish to this lovely design. This sash ties in the back on wide satin ties. One size fits most.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic.

Check out the matching peony hair clip 6435.

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Elegant Silver Scrolls Belt

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Add vintage-inspired sparkle to your waistline. Silver embroidered swirls and dazzling rhinestones create an eye-catching, elegant accent fit for a princess. This design ties in the back on folded organza ribbon ties. One size fits most.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage.

Add a swirling rhinestone headband like 6688.

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Sparkling Ethereal Organza Tie

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Bedazzle your bridal gown with a sparkling organza sash. Intricate silver beading and small round rhinestones on a cut out pattern of embellished ovals melt into the background of your dress with sheer beauty. This design ties in the back on organza ribbons. One size fits most.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy.

Add a delicately wired, sparkly hair vine like 6657.

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Want to see more?

Check out our Belts page or follow us on Instagram for styling updates!

Choose the Perfect Veil in 5 Easy Steps

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Romantic. Iconic. Once-in-a-lifetime.

Yes, a bridal gown should be all of these things—but what about your veil?

Your veil is the finishing touch of your bridal wardrobe. Think of it as the chocolate on your ice cream sundae—it makes everything else so much better!

It’s tempting to pick the first style you try on. Just as with gowns, there are actually about a thousand veil options, with different lengths, styles, and materials. Follow these five easy steps to discover a design that is right for you!

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#1: Pick a Theme

First, your whole bridal wardrobe should vibe with your personal style. Figure out if you want a vintage-inspired look, a traditional outfit, a glamorous wardrobe, or an extra-trendy ensemble. Match your gown and veil to that theme.

If you’re laid-back, a full-on lace cathedral veil might not feel right to you. If you’re styling a retro look, you might be charmed by a short veil. Romantics tend to love lace.

On the other hand, some brides like going the opposite way. Tomboys can wind up loving completely feminine styles, and girls who normally lay on the bling might keep things simple and sweet. Your wedding is a special day and it’s totally acceptable to explore different themes!

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#2: Short or Long?

If you’re wearing a formal gown, get a long veil. If you’re wearing a short or casual dress, pick a short veil. There are also a variety of in-between lengths you can try.

Long veils can be cathedral length (108”), chapel length (90”), or floor length (68”). This typically will match or exceed the train of your gown.

Short veils hit above your waist. Common lengths include a birdcage veil or net just (covers your face), shoulder length (26”), and elbow length (32”). These veils pair well with tea or knee length dresses and/or full skirts.

If you’re not sure on length, start long and work your way shorter. Cathedral veils are easily the most romantic, while short blushers tend to be flirty and fun. Fingertip length (38”) and waltz length (54”) are probably the most figure-flattering as they elongate your torso.

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#3: Trim Type

Few brides pick a veil before they’ve chosen a gown. The key here (and it’s pretty easy) is to match or complement your gown. So if your gown has beading, pair it with a beaded veil. If your dress has lace, you can choose a lace-trimmed veil. Simple, right?

An alternate strategy is to focus on your overall style. A satin ribbon edge gives your outfit classic, traditional elegance. A simple rolled or cut edge is more minimalist. Embroidery gives you a rich, luxurious look. Try on a few designs to see what looks good with your gown.

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#4: Number of Layers

The number of layers on the veil just depends on how you are wearing it. These tiers can add lovely shape and volume to your silhouette.

Want the veil to drift behind you? Are you interested in a sleek, modern look? = 1 tier.

Are you going to wear the veil over your face for the walk down the aisle? Do you want added sparkle or trim to dress up the back of your dress, when the veil is flipped back? Would you like the veil to cascade down in waves? = 2 tiers. (You can also just add a blusher.)

Do you want over-the-top drama? Are you flaunting a dramatic skirt, or do you need more volume to balance out your silhouette? = 3+ tiers.

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#5: Pairing

Just as you might pair wine with dinner, what you wear with your veil can completely change its style. This is where your other accessories come in!

A drop veil paired with a shimmering halo, for example, looks beautifully boho-chic. A stunning rhinestone fascinator with a face veil gives a striking, vintage-inspired impression. A long lace cathedral veil with a flower comb tucked underneath appears sweetly romantic.

Your jewelry and/or headpiece should complement your veil, and vice-versa. Get on Pinterest or browse bridal blogs to choose the overall style you want to achieve. Keep in mind that you can wear your accessories together or one at a time for different ceremony and reception looks.

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And that’s it! Now you’re ready to choose the perfect veil for your big day. Try on a few before you make a final decision, and have fun! Remember that no matter what, you’re going to look beautiful.

Need inspiration? Follow us on Instagram and browse our Pinterest pages to get you started!

Made in Metallic: Sparkly Styles for 2016

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 Do you love the metallic trend as much as we do?

We are totally swooning over burnished copper and vintage gold! Stunning antique silver and romantic rose gold are also beautiful complementary colors to this year’s hottest wedding hues.

Decorate a luxurious wedding with dazzling table runners, shimmering bridesmaids’ dresses, and accessories with all the pretty you’ve ever dreamed of. Our top silver and gold picks for 2016 include gorgeous combs, headbands, and halos. Get your sparkle on!

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Everlasting Flower Comb

Style 6636 blends nature-inspired beauty with traditional elegance. Graceful metallic flowers with sparkling rhinestone sprigs tuck easily into an updo for an incredibly romantic accent. Choose silver or gold to coordinate with your other accessories. Feel like a fairy-tale princess on your wedding day!

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Glistening Leaves Headband

Style 6634 adds autumnal grace to your hairstyle. Shimmering metallic leaves in silver or gold amidst wired rhinestone dewdrops create the perfect accessory for any boho-luxe ensemble. Add leaves or wildflowers into your bouquet to tie together an enchanting look.

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Dazzling Petals Headband

Style 6696 takes glamour to a whole new level. Sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted flowers and leaves on a metallic filigree design create a beautiful look made just for you. Style this dazzling headband with a complementary beaded edge veil and sparkling drop earrings.

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Triple Antique Flower Band

Love boho-vintage style? Headband 6687 features dramatic flowers in antique silver or gold with sparkling rhinestone centers. This eye-catching, bold piece looks gorgeous in any season and may be worn with or without a veil. Match gold or rhinestone jewelry to complete a stunning outfit.

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Old World Romance Halo

Incorporate special charm, grace and beauty into your wedding ensemble with style 6579. Now available in both silver and gold, this lovely design of filigree swirls is an elegant finishing touch for any romantic wardrobe. Pair this swoonworthy style with dazzling earrings or a flowing veil.

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Delicate Wired Flower Comb

Add luxurious beauty to your locks with style 6577. Delicately wired sprays and sparkling rhinestone flowers on a comb enhance your look with feminine elegance. Pair this little bit of lovely with dainty accessories to perfectly complement a bohemian gown.

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Want to see more sparkly, romantic, and boho-luxe designs? Check out our Fall 2016 Collection and browse through our belts/jewelry pages for ways to personalize your look.

5 Ways to Style a Boho-Glam Wedding

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Want your wedding to be formal? No problem.

In the forest? Sure.

With a catered breakfast truck? K.

These days, you can mix and match totally different wedding themes, creating an event that feels entirely unique to you. Some people get married in desert canyons wearing gowns to rival royal weddings. Anything goes, really!

Boho-luxe, boho-glam, and camping-chic themes blend casual and formal elements. Style your own celebration by pulling together just 5 things.

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Unstructured Gown

Many people imagine their wedding day look and go from there. A bohemian gown is free-flowing and non-traditional. Personalize a casual dress with sparkling, fun accent pieces! This is perhaps a rare exception to the rule that your wedding gown should take center stage; in this case, your accessories make the outfit.

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Michele Suits for Sweet Caroline Styles

Magical Accessories

You can style a boho-luxe look two ways: with elegant, natural stone jewelry reminiscent of ready-to-wear designs, or with sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted hair vines and the like. Choose a headpiece that is extra-special and will look good with your chosen hairstyle (down, top knot, etc.). Your jewelry should be dramatic and eye-catching, so lay it on!

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Outdoor Venue

A good part of your theme should also be inspired by the venue. If you’re camping out under the stars in the desert with canvas tents, a Coachella vibe makes sense. If you’re staying in yurts on the coast and roasting s’mores, a rustic-chic theme is the better route. Feature the venue’s style in your invites, favors, and decorations.

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Dreamy Decorations

This is the part where your personal style really comes into play. Either feature D.I.Y. elements like mason jars and vintage vases, or create a trendy aesthetic with natural stone place cards and dreamcatchers. Someone who walks into your wedding area should get it, right away.

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Michele Suits for Sweet Caroline Styles

Yummy Food & Drinks

Choose foods appropriate to the location and season. Serve easy-to-eat foods or provide catering that allows people to order. (For this reason, food trucks are a popular choice.) Be sensitive to food allergies and be aware of your environmental footprint. When you really get out into nature, you and/or the caterer should take extra steps to ensure the food stays hot/cold and edible.

Are you planning a bohemian, glamping, or rustic wedding out in the great outdoors? Visit our Pinterest pages and Instagram for more ideas!

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Michele Suits for Sweet Caroline Styles

Our Favorite Day-Night Wedding Jewelry Combos

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Modern weddings are all about personalization. With more and more styling options, it can be overwhelming (or really really fun) to sort through and find designs for your perfect day!

One way to create a wedding that feels like you is by styling an outfit for each event. You’ll want to look and feel dressed to impress. We’ve suggested a few beautiful pairings for your ceremony/reception looks, or for your transition from day to night.

Scroll down and enjoy the sparkle!

Your Look: Today’s Bride

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For a fresh and coordinated look, style your jewelry around your outfit changes. Let your wedding gown take center stage with minimal studs that add a touch of sparkle. Reception dresses often feature more bling—so jazz up your evening attire with shimmering, vintage-inspired drops to match.

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You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

Your Look: Parisian Elegance

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True beauty shines from within, but a few accessories go a long way! Style a wonderfully romantic yet oh-so-chic ensemble with gorgeous filigree and sparkling swirls. Incorporate pearls for a classic bridal ceremony look and switch to all-bling for your candlelight reception.

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You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage 

Your Look: Jet-Setting Dreamer

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Going away to a dream destination to tie the knot? Show off a bridal style that is exotic and glamorous! Create an unforgettable outfit with trendy opal crystal drops for the ceremony—then bring on the bling and incorporate more drama for a ravishing evening look.

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You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Your Look: Hollywood Glamour

Day/Ceremony: EA250 Night/Reception: EA253

In your case, less is… well, less. Look boldly beautiful at your ceremony with drop earrings featuring big stones for a feeling of swanky opulence. To style a stunning reception ensemble, add celeb-worthy drama with the most sparkly earrings you can lay your hands on!

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You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Your Look: Boho Beauty

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You’re a free spirit and don’t need the distraction of a lot of bling. Keep your ceremony look breezy with clear crystals that shimmer in the sunlight with breathtaking beauty. Glamorous, dangling loops with tiny rhinestones give your outfit a chic yet carefree vibe for the after-party.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

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Your Look: Sweet Romantic

Want to see more beautiful jewelry? Check out our bracelets, shoulder jewelry, and belts for more ways to customize your ensemble. Follow us on Instagram for the latest styled shoots and inspiration!