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  • Wedding Dresses
    • All Wedding Dresses
    • Coloured Wedding Dresses
    • Off the rack wedding dresses, ready to wear today.
    • Plus Size Perfection Dresses
    • Short Bridal Styles
    • Wedding Dresses with Sleeves
    • Sale Gowns
  • By Style
    • A-line
    • Beach Bridal Styles.
    • Bohemian
    • Fitted
    • Full Skirt
    • Simple Bridal Styles
    • Strapless
    • Train-less
  • Shop Deb Dresses 2026
    • Debutante Dresses
    • Debutante Dresses Under $600
  • Bridal Accessories
    • Wedding Jewellery
    • Wedding Veils
  • CONTACT
    • Book An Appointment Online
    • Contact
    • FAQโ€™s
    • Meet the Team at Leah S Designs
    • Real Leah S Brides
One wedding dress six different ways

How to make your wedding gown look different.

We can show you how to get six looks from one bridal dress. Experiment with these ideas and come up with 6 looks for your wedding dress. Once you are inspired you may come up with a few ideas of your own Here are a few ideas:

Wedding dress bridal belt
wedding-dress-belts-442

1. Accessorize with a belt or sash.

You can change the look by adding different accessories. For example, you could wear a belt to cinch in your waist. This can be attached or removable. If bling is your thing, add a sparkling crystal belt, including pearls among the diamonds. Considerย  teaming with a crystal and pearl hair accessory or some timeless diamond and pearl earrings.

Leah S Designs bridal wedding dresses Melbourne boho deb dress

Forest gown with belt added.

The choices are endless.ย 

A coloured sash is a perfect way of adding interest to a simple wedding dress and suits most styles, from ball gowns to A line or mermaid silhouettes. Match your shoes to the same colour; for example, if you wear a red sash, add a fantastic pair of red heels, giving you a flash of colour beneath the hemline.

Hair-and-make-up

2: Change your hair and makeup:ย 

Experimenting with different hairstyles and makeup looks can give you a completely different appearance. For example, you could go for a romantic updo with soft, natural makeup for a classic look, or a bold, smoky eye with a sleek ponytail for a more modern vibe.

3:How to add layers (petticoats):

Can I add layers to my gown? Yes adding layers to your dress can give it a different silhouette and style. For example, you could wear a slip or crinoline under your dress for added volume, or layer on a skirt or petticoat for a more full and formal look.

A petticoat, also known as a bridal gown petticoat or wedding crinoline, is a garment worn under a bridal gown to give it shape and fullness. It is typically made of layers of tulle or other lightweight, airy fabric. Designed to be worn around the waist, with the skirt draped over it.

How to wear this different look.

To wear a bridal gown petticoat, simply slip it on over your head like a skirt and adjust it to fit comfortably around your waist. Make sure that the petticoat is not visible beneath the skirt of your wedding dress. If you are wearing a very full wedding dress, you may need to use a hoop skirt or additional layers of petticoats to achieve the desired shape and fullness.

Mermaid petticoat

A wedding dress petticoat serves several purposes. It helps to give the wedding dress a more structured and defined shape, creating a more formal and elegant look. It can also make it easier to walk in a ball gown by providing support and structure to the skirt. Finally, a petticoat can add volume and fullness to the skirt of a wedding dresses, creating a more romantic and fairy tale-like look.

Lace jacket bridal dress Leah S Designs Melbourne

4: How can I add sleeves? A jacket:

You can mix and match different pieces to create a unique look. For example, you could pair your bridal style with a denim or leather jacket for a more casual look, or wear it with a formal evening gown jacket for a more formal and sophisticated appearance.

sweetheart neck wedding dress with jacket

Aubrey strapless wedding gown with matching lace jacket.

A lace bridal jacket, also called a bridal gown topper, is a garment that is worn over the top of a gown. It is typically a separate piece that can be added or removed as desired. Some jackets are designed to cover the upper body and arms, while others are more like shawls or wraps that drape over the shoulders.

Adjustable tulle wedding dress jacket with long sleeves

Add sleeves with our tulle wrap jacket.

How to wear a bridal gown topper,

First put on your gown as you normally would. Then, drape the jacket over your shoulders, making sure that it is evenly balanced and sits smoothly on your frame. You can fasten the jacket with buttons, ties, or a hook-and-eye closure, depending on the style. Make any necessary adjustments to the fit of the jacket and your frock, and you’re good to go! It’s a good idea to practice walking and moving around in your outfit before the big day to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident.

detachable skirt for a wedding dress

5: Removable over skirt:

This different look is one of the most dramatic. A detachable wedding dress skirt is a skirt that can be removed from the waistline of a gown, allowing the wearer to change the look during the ceremony or reception.

low back crepe A-line wedding dress with detachable lace train

To wear a detachable tulle skirt, you either slip it over your head or fasten it with buttons or zipper closure. Once the skirt is in place, you can then attach the skirt to the bodice using the provided fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, or hooks and eyes.
There are many styles of removable skirts, including a full ball gown skirt that goes all around the existing skirt. Or a half-reveal skirt, which is dramatic over a mermaid silhouette as it doesn’t totally cover the gown underneath and shows the front of your gown.

detachable-puffy-sleeves

6: Can I add detachable sleeves?

Yes you can. Ask your bridal consultant if your chosen bridal gown can have detachable lace or tulle sleeves that can be added to or removed from your chosen style. They are typically made of the same material or lace as the dress and can be attached using buttons, snaps, or hooks.

How to wear removable sleeves and add a different look.

To wear removable sleeves, you would first choose a dress that has sleeves that can be removed. Then, you can attach the sleeves using the fasteners provided. If the sleeves are attached using buttons, you can simply button them onto the armhole.

If they are attached using snaps or hooks, you may need to line up the snaps or hooks on the sleeves with the corresponding fasteners and then press them together to secure the sleeves in place.

Detachable lace sleeve Melbourne

Once the sleeves are attached, you can adjust the fit as needed by tightening or loosening the sleeves at the cuffs or shoulders. You can also style the sleeves in various ways, such as by puffing them up or leaving them straight and smooth. When you’re ready to remove simply unbutton them or unsnap them.

Who could believe that you can get 6 fantastic different looks from on wedding dress. I’m sure there are possibly more ways just let your imagination run wild.

And don’t be afraid to change it up a bit to suit your taste.

leahsdesigns

โ€ขThe wedding dress store for all sizes.
โ€ขThe dress you want, for the price you love.
โ€ขCanโ€™t wait to meet you.
โ€ขClick๐Ÿ‘‡for an appointment.

Hi, Iโ€™m Leah ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿผ The lady behind Leah S. Designs. Hi, Iโ€™m Leah ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿผ
The lady behind Leah S. Designs.

You may think my number 1 job is a fashion designer โ€” and the truth is, itโ€™s not.
Sure, some times I sketch gowns or sit behind a sewing machine.

My number 1 job is creating a space where women feel seen, comfortable, and truly beautiful.

Leah S. Designs was born 20 years ago from a love of connection, confidence, and those quiet moments when a bride looks in the mirror and her shoulders soften because she finally feels like herself. An inspiring visit, a safe space, a little magic โ€” thatโ€™s what matters most to me.

Helping women feel incredible in their own skin is what gets me up in the mornings.
Itโ€™s never just about the dress. Itโ€™s about how you feel wearing it. 
x leah
#leahsdesigns #bridalstore #melbournebride #selflove
Back to work and debutante season is already in fu Back to work and debutante season is already in full swing ๐Ÿค
Thankfully, we have the dreamiest 2026 deb dresses at Leah Sโ€” like Cloe โ€” to make it all worth it.
See more on our debutante dress collection on our website ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’‹
As 2025 comes to a close, Iโ€™ve been reflecting on As 2025 comes to a close, Iโ€™ve been reflecting on just how far this journey has taken me. ๐Ÿ˜Š
To my beautiful 2025 Leah S brides โ€” thank you for trusting me with such a special part of your wedding day. The tears, the laughs and those mirror moments mean more to me than you know.

And to my 2026 brides-to-be โ€” I cannot wait to meet you and be part of your journey.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Leah S Designs this year โ€” whether you visited the studio, shared a post, or recommended me to a friend. Your support truly means the world.

Hereโ€™s to love and an exciting year ahead โœจ
Bring on 2026 ๐Ÿค
The Leah S Christmas party didnโ€™t disappoint. We k The Leah S Christmas party didnโ€™t disappoint. We kicked things off with lunch @meatflourwineberwick where the food was fabulous, the cocktails ๐Ÿน were flowing and the laughter was out of control. ๐Ÿ˜ Next we took our โ€œcreativityโ€ to @champaintingberwick where we painted glow in the dark turtles, we are borderline real artists now! ๐ŸŽจ Early Merry Christmas from all the ladies at Leah S ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿฟ #leahsdesigns #girlsjustwanttohavefun #artists
Oceana A new style from Leah S designs, how gorgeo Oceana A new style from Leah S designs, how gorgeous is this style for a destination or beach wedding! ๐ŸŒ…๐Ÿ– Designed and only available from Leah S in Hallam. #LeahSDesigns #BeachWeddingDress #Chiffon
Simple. Elegant. Timeless. โœจโœˆ๏ธ The Serenity weddin Simple. Elegant. Timeless. โœจโœˆ๏ธ
The Serenity wedding dress flows beautifully and is effortlessly lightweight โ€” perfect for a destination wedding in Fiji, Bali, Queensland or anywhere your hearts take you. ๐ŸŒด๐Ÿ’ Easy to pack, easy to wear, simply stunning and only from Leah S Designs.
Monique, I don't know what's brighter your smile o Monique, I don't know what's brighter your smile or your dress? ๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŒธ Thank you for sharing and including us in your wedding journey, (and travelling from Warrnambool.) Monique wore our Sunnie dress in ivory and a mixture of purple, red, pink. A perfect choice for this magical country wedding.
If this is what happens when I pack a few of our n If this is what happens when I pack a few of our new sample wedding dresses in my luggage while on holiday, I might have to do it more often! ๐Ÿ›ซ๐ŸŒธ
Shot at the airport beach on Hamilton Island at sunrise ๐ŸŒ…
Now I just need a name for this new dress โ€” any ideas? โœจ
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Posted in: Wedding Dress Style and Fit Guides. Author: Leah

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