3 hot wedding dress trends to be mindful of in 2013

Whether you've been hunting through destination wedding dresses or simple wedding gowns to wear on your big day, it might be worth taking a look at what's becoming popular. Everything from runway models to magazines can give you the inspiration you need to find a fabulous ensemble for your wedding. Here are some styles that are trending in 2013.

1. Illusion necklines
MSN claims that illusion necklines are all the rage on the runway, and they're perfect for any woman who's about to say, "I do." This sheer style has elegance as well as sexiness. 

Wedding dress by Mori Lee style 5109

2. Frills
Now is the time to go over the top, but not with glitter and sequins - think frills and lace to stay in line with current trends on your big day. When added tastefully to a dress, these accents can create a bold, memorable impression on all of your guests.

Wedding Dress by Allure Bridals style 9056

3. Sheer overlays
In addition to wearing an illusion neckline, The Knot states that you might want to consider a sheer overlay to make it seem like you're elegantly gliding down the aisle. Overlays can also give your dress more volume if you want to turn heads.

David Tutera Bridals Dress 112215-Tiana

 

First Communion Dresses

May is a common time for girls to make their First Holy Communion. It may be be one of the first times a girl gets to wear a fancy dress and pretty veil. Even if the date is coming up soon, it's not too late to get a perfect dress for this very special and once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Check with us for availability of these darling white dresses and more!

Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 113366

 Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 110334A

 Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 113363

Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 113347

Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 112323

Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri Dress 111373

 And don't forget some precious white shoes!

Touch Ups Children's Shoe Penny-630 

Touch Ups Children's Shoe Mary -155

Choosing a little black dress

If you've already scoured through formal dresses to settle on a little black one for prom, you might be wondering how you're going to make a bold statement. However some black dresses are great all on there own with embellishments of beads in matching or other colors, fringe, stones, and lace.

Prom Dress by Claudine for Alyce Paris 2226

   Prom Dress by Night Moves 6625

Short prom dress by Mori Lee Sticks & Stones 9200

 

If you do have a more simple little black dress, you can make it interesting with jewelry and some bright coordinating heels. Red, purple, turquoise, or even white can bring a black dress out of the dark and into the bright light! 

Helens Heart Earrings Unclassified JE-202-3-S-Red

 Johnathan Kayne Shoes Shoe Bow-978

 Dyeables Evening Shoes Shoe Lacey-24512

 Helens Heart Earrings Unclassified JE-202-5-S-Aquamarine

Need a dress fast? See our In-Stock dress departments!

Did you know TJ Formal has thousands of dresses in stock in their stores? And any of those dresses can be shipped out the same day you order it! We get in new dresses several times a week and put them on our website. 

How do you tell if a dress is in stock vs. having to be ordered from the manufacturer? Check out the graphic below. Under the size box, we list the sizes and colors that are in stock in our store under the green "In Stock Items." This dress is showing that we have 5 dresses in stock and what sizes and colors are available. Anything other than those 5 dresses, you would need to contact us to see if we can special order it from the manufacturer.

We have prom and homecoming dresses in stock. Like Prom Dress by La Femme 18216.

 We have a variety of Mothers dresses available. Mother-of-the-Bride special occasion dress by VM Collection 70504

  Pageant dresses for big and little girls! Girls Pageant Dress by Tiffany Princess 13342

 Beautiful wedding dresses. Allure Bridals Dress 9022

 Sweet flower girl dresses. Flower Girl Dresses - Joan Calabrese Flower Girl by Mon Cheri dress 110311

New gown trends offer prom dress shopping hints

As the hunt for the perfect prom dress heats up, more young women are scouring through formal dresses in department stores to find a show-stopping gown for the big night. There are many styles that are just now hitting the fashion world that may influence what people buy.

The Huffington Post reports that gold is one of the up and coming trends worth taking advantage of as prom season quickly approaches. This metallic hue is not just for celebrities walking the red carpet - gold can look beautiful on any woman and help her grab all of the attention in the room. 

Tony Bowls Le Gala Dress 113513

 

Sherri Hill Dress 2983

 

Another aspect of prom dresses that appears to be a focal point in the fashion industry is the back. As the Daily Press reports, it seems that more women are focusing on the backs of their ensembles to create a sense of elegance, often seen on the bodies of A-list celebrities. Low backs are becoming especially popular when it comes to gowns of all types.

  

Jasz Couture Dress 4883

 Jovani Prom Dress 7530

 

Whether you already have an idea of what type of dress you want or you're still hunting, perhaps new trends can provide you with inspiration along the way.

10 Matches to Oscar dresses on the Red Carpet

Just for fun, we've come up with some similar matches to dresses worn on the Red Carpet last night. You can get our versions right here at TJ Formal!

Robin Roberts looked gorgeous in her royal blue gown. Similar in a different fabric is Tony Bowls Le Gala Dress 113534.

A beautiful gold embellished gown is worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones. You can find another beautiful gold gown with Jasz Couture Dress 4810.

Gorgeous coral with a gold bodice is shown both on Kerry Washington's dress and La Femme style 18774.

Jessica Chastain's dress was stunning and we found La Femme 18964 as a match.

Naomi Watts wore a sparkly Pewter dress that can be found in a strapless style with La Femme 16546.

This lacy black dress worn by Debra Bullock is similar to Jovani style 3988 - both have sheer skirts to show off toned legs.

Jennifer Aniston wore RED, strapless with folded ruffles on the skirt. Mac Duggal Dress 61135R also has the folded ruffles and strapless bodice.

 

A gold one-shouldered gown was elite and sophisticated on Lara Spencer. A similar gold dress is Jovani Prom Dress 2977.

This one is so close! Different colors with Louis Roe wearing Red and Jovani Prom Dress 926

in Black, but close in design.

And simple, but elegant bright pink mermaid style is worn by Maria Menounos. This Alfred Angelo Bridesmaids Dress 7168 is our match.

So how did we do? While not exact, you get the same feel and look from the dresses we chose. And probably for a fraction of the price!

BIG NEWS!! We're Spreading the Love!

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and see us in our new Charleston store! Like our TJ Formal - Charleston FB page to keep up on the latest news!

Unconventional styles to try in spring 2013

Although spring may still be a few months away, many young women have already begun the hunt for the perfect prom dress. There is ample inspiration to be found on the runways, which continues to give shoppers a good idea of what to look for as they shuffle through formal dresses. Whether you want to find one within the next week or your deadline is a couple of months away, here are some trends to be mindful of in spring 2013.

Layered looks are in
CBS Seattle reports that layering is a big theme this coming season. Whether you want a sleeveless prom dress or one that cascades onto the floor with tiers and ruffles, take this trend into account. A layered look can help you create more volume and intrigue.
 
Jovani Prom Dress 1942

High necklines are hot
You may have already seen women wearing long sleeve gowns on the red carpet, but did you know that high necklines are also coming back into style? Showing less is more these days, and covering up your neck is a hot new trend.

Jovani Prom Dress 7530

Bright colors are a must
Take advantage of the spring season by choosing a prom dress with a pop of color. Fire engine red, mellow yellow or cobalt blue can become your new best friend!

Night Moves Dress 6641

Paparazzi Prom by Mori Lee Dress 93038

Sheer dresses reign supreme

If you're on the hunt for the perfect prom dress or you've been searching through formal dresses to find one for your next cocktail party, you might want to look to the red carpet for help. Celebrities can provide you with the inspiration you need to shop efficiently and find an ensemble that works for the occasion.

One trend that's taking the fashion world by storm is sheer skirts and dresses, according to MSN.com. More celebrities including Rihanna, Kristen Stewart and Katy Perry have stepped out in dresses that have sheer skirts at the end to showcase their gorgeous legs.

Sheer is becoming the way to go for a number of reasons. Not only can it create a sense of elegance, but it can instantly boost the sex appeal of an outfit. While you might think that you can only wear this type of outfit during a night out on the town, celebrities are proving that you can do so during classy affairs as well. 

Mac Duggal Prom Dress 50067M

 Jovani Prom Dress 2664 

Sherri Hill Dress 21102

 

Whether you've just started looking for a dress or you've been searching for one for weeks, taking these trends into account can help you look your best at your next outing.

Three dress trends to try at your holiday party

While some young women are already on the hunt for the perfect prom dress, others are simply trying to make it through the holiday season. With December comes a flood of holiday parties and every woman wants to be outfitted appropriately. Unfortunately, this means going through several formal dresses to find the perfect one, but minding these three hot trends can make shopping a bit easier this winter.

1. Deep sea tones.
InStyle magazine reports that sea tones are all the rage this season and they aren't going away anytime soon. Look for deep ocean blue and seafoam or jade green ensembles to fall in line with the trend. 

Prom Dress by Sherri Hill style 21103

Prom Dress by Tony Bowls Shorts style TS11362

2. Bold Accessories.
Big bangles, long earrings, and elaborate necklaces will make any dress a stand-out! Don't forget some amazing shoes and a match handbag!

Helen's Heart Formal Shoes Shoe FS-EDEN-8-Black

 

  

Helens Heart Bracelets Unclassified JB-F2010G-S-Clear

3. Gold everywhere.
Metallics are still in high demand this winter and nothing brightens a holiday party like a glistening dress. Look for a piece in gold or silver to create an eye-catching, stylish look.

Blush by Alexia Dress 9561