Randy Fenoli, fashion director for Kleinfeld (646-633-4300; kleinfeldbridal.com), and star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, offers some advice for brides considering a classic wedding gown: “Years from now, when you look back at your wedding photos, you might thank yourself for choosing a timeless style rather than a trendy look,” he says. “You can never go wrong with simple elegance. Very often, less is more.” His top picks for vintage-inspired wedding gowns include “Josephine” by Stephanie James, a tea-length, lacy A-line with a whimsical ribbon accent (pictured on the previous page), and two styles from Peter Langner: “Zanzibar,” an over-the-top tulle ballgown, and “Winnie Deco,” a dress reminiscent of the Hollywood glamour era. He also admires the vintage lines of three Monique Lhuillier gowns: “Bliss,” a silk tulle ballet-length dress; “Lyric,” with an embroidered ruffle tulle skirt; and “Confection,” with Chantilly lace and full tulle skirt.

Whether you crave the sleek art nouveau fashion of the early twentieth century, the flapper look of the ‘20s, or the short and sassy styles of the ‘60s, check out Jenny Packham’s (jennypackham.com) amazing and unusual Fall 2011 bridal gown line that’s reminiscent of bygone eras.

For a chic mid-century attitude, Dina Dolan, manager of the Priscilla of Boston salon in Short Hills (973-376-2345; priscillaofboston.com), especially likes the classic design of Priscilla’s style 4509, a silk-satin strapless ballgown with illusion neckline, adorned with crystals. “This dress is reminiscent of the Jacqueline Kennedy fashion era,” she says.

Another of Dolan’s picks is from Priscilla’s Jewel collection, style JL228. Detach its illusion sleeves, and it becomes a strapless organza ballgown. She also favors two short and flirty styles. “If you like the Marilyn Monroe look, you’ll love ‘Annette’ from our Vineyard collection,” she says. “This little halter dress has a shirt-collar neckline and a generously gathered skirt.” A fun dress with a ‘60s look is “Tavi” from Melissa Sweet. “This short lace dress is covered in flowers made of embroidery, fabric, and beads,” Dolan says.

If you decide on a vintage-inspired theme, go all the way with it. You’ll find a treasure trove of reasonably priced goodies, including gowns for brides and maids, teardrop earrings, rhinestone brooches, and wristlet gloves at etsy.com. Or go in person to My Inheritance in Upper Montclair (973-233-1112; myinheritanceusa.com) or Vintage Alley in Verona (973-857-3222). And for one of the largest inventories of mid-century gowns and glitz in New Jersey, don’t miss Mill Crest Vintage in Lambertville (609-397-4700; millcrestvintage.com).

Then be sure to complete your look with a fun hairstyle. Consider a classic veil or vintage hair clips or combs, and ask your hairdresser to help you create a fresh, elegant look with a nod to a simpler era.