Much like colored ribbons, colored sashes can be used to

Wedding Dresses with Color Accents

The first image that generally comes to mind when picturing a wedding dress is a white gown, but color can be used to great effect in wedding dress design. This does not mean that the dress has to be a solid color either ?a white wedding dress can be accented with color in several different ways in order to create a beautiful wedding gown that no one will forget. To add an additional color, bridesmaid dresses can be coordinated with the accents so that there is a common theme throughout the entire wedding party. The only limit to how color can be used to accent your wedding dress lies with your imagination.

Colored Ribbons

One easy way that color accents can be added to a wedding dress is through the addition of colored ribbons. Depending on the style of the dress these ribbons can be added in several different ways. Colored ribbons can be used as lacing in dresses that feature a corset-like lacing up the front or back of the gown, or along the edges of the different pieces that make up a more elaborate dress. Some dress designers choose to use colored ribbons to trim the edge of a veil or train, providing just a dash of color to a beautiful traditional gown. Others may incorporate colored ribbons into the dress design itself, creating multiple splashes of color in woven ribbon designs.

Colored Sashes

Much like colored ribbons, colored sashes can be used to add a striking color accent to otherwise basic wedding dresses. The most common way in which colored sashes are used is by securing the sash around the bride waist like a belt, though other uses of a colorful sash as part of the wedding dress design are not unheard of. Many wedding dress designers who choose to use colored sashes combine them with matching ribbon accents to help complete a larger color theme within the wedding dress.

Colored Lace

Providing color to larger areas of a white wedding dress is often done using colored lace, allowing the white of the dress to show through even as a colorful design covers it. Many wedding dress designers use panels covered with colorful lace in their designs, exposing them tastefully on the front of the dress skirt as well as on the bodice and train of dresses as well. In many cases the lace chosen is of a subtle color which all but blends with the white of the dress, though colored lace in bright or otherwise obvious colors can also be used to great effect.

Embroidery

The use of embroidery is an excellent way to add color accents to a wedding dress while creating an absolutely beautiful look. The amount of embroidery used can vary from small accents to large designs that cover most of the bodice of the wedding dress. The complexity of embroidered wedding dress designs can range from relatively simple patterns to highly complex pieces, and may incorporate small beads or tasteful sequins in addition to the base embroidery. In addition to use on the bodice of the dress, embroidery may also be used to add color to the train and sleeves of a white dress.

Features to Look for in a Modern Prom Dress

Prom season. Youe been looking forward to it all year long. It the climax to the school year social scene. Naturally, you want to look your best.

In fact, you want to do more than that. You want to be the head-turner. The belle of the ball. The girl who makes other girls jealous because she getting the stares from their dates.

So you absolutely need the perfect prom dress. The one that ultra-cool and super-hot! Not something that your mom wore to her prom back in the dark ages.

Good news! Today cutting edge trends in prom dresses give you a multitude of options which weren available even a few short years ago. So if you want to be the forward-thinking fashionista at this year main event, you need a crash course in what hot this prom season.

Here are five features you should look for in modern prom dresses:

Prints

Don limit your choices to solid colors. Some of the most eye-catching prom dresses these days are all about prints. This way, you can combine all kinds of shades for a uniquely stylish look. Plus, print dresses are more likely to match your favorite shoes and jewelry combinations.

The Green Sleeveless Chartreuse Multiprint Prom Dress combines hues of red, pink, and blue with a sheer midriff and plunging neckline. The Floral Fuscia Multiprint Dress features a fuscia print down to the thigh and a green print down to the floor, along with an open X-back and beaded empire waist. And the Long Silky Knit Print Halter Dress sports a white, lavender, and black painterly print with an empire waist and a tie-in-back halter.

Glam

Many of this season prom dresses are all about the wow factor. Some feature embellishment throughout the entire dress. Others incorporate illusion fabrics which flatter the wearer even more. And sexy wedding dresses some even have fitted silhouettes for a uniquely fashionable look.

The turquoise-and-lime Strapless Layered Tulle Ball Gown is easily identified by its sequin-encrusted sweetheart bustline and its lettuce edge hemline. If purple is your passion, youl want to check out the Short Silky Halter-style Dress with Beaded Neckline and Waist with bows in the back at the empire waist and halter neck. And the Strapless Tulle Dress with Caviar Beading at the bust and hem is available in numerous color choices and has ruching at the empire waist.

Cutouts

If youe been working hard on your figure and/or tan, then you need to show it off when prom rolls around! So you may want a dress with sexy back or side cutouts to accentuate your natural beauty. Or maybe youl go for a dress that is completely backless.

The Jewel-tone Chartreuse Sapphire Gown has sparkling beadwork which accents subtle cutouts, along with a crisscross back which ends in a V-neck in front. You might also like the sexy X-back on the Short Iridescent Taffeta Halter Dress, which also features delicate soutache detail throughout the skirt. And the Jeweled Neck Short Halter Dress is made of gorgeous matte chiffon fabric with a unique "inverted-V" back.

Bows, Ruffles and Tiers

There nothing like a frilly accent to catch the eye! Bows can spruce up almost any style, flirty floral ruffles can create a hot homecoming dresses jaunty look, and tiers can help build a three-dimensional ensemble. And if you can combine these elements, you may just have the most talked-about dress at the prom!

The bow in the back is the perfect accent to the moss-colored Silky Knit Short Dress, which features a bubble skirt, sequined hemline, and delicate spaghetti straps. If youe looking for ruffles, the white Spaghetti Strap Tiered Lace and Mesh Trumpet Gown with a black satin ribbon tied around the waist is chic, trendy, and comfortable. And the Short Strapless Tiered Organza Dress with Sash and Sequined Bust is best described as the "little black dress that makes a big statement."

Asymmetrical

Maybe you want your prom dress to look more like a work of art. Then you might opt for the asymmetrical appearance, which will stand out in a room full of more traditional designs. This look can be achieved using unique draping, straps, or necklines.

The perfect example of asymmetry is the One Shoulder Silky Knit Long Dress, which is available in red or turquoise with a side slit skirt and a fabric flower-detailed bodice. The fiery red Strapless Stretch Satin Dress with Side Shirring and Layered Skirt beautifully flatters fuller figures. And if you want to blend tradition with a splash of flair, the Black and White Mesh Prom Gown is a conventional black strapless silhouette gown with a white side-drape ruffle.

So when youe searching for your prom dress this season, don settle for stodgy, frumpy, boring body coverings that may have been popular last century. Look for prom dresses with the most vibrant colors, dazzling accents, and sexy designs. After all, prom night is supposed to be a night to remember ?so why not make sure everyone remembers the dress you wore to the event?