HERE COMES THE BLUSHING BRIDE ... ... ALL DRESSED IN STRAPLESS WHITE. PEARLS ARE PASSE, TULLE IS STILL IN, TOP IT WITH A TIARA AND YOU'LL DAZZLE HIM AT THE ALTAR.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

And the bride was beautiful in a strapless silk A-line gown sparkling with crystal beads randomly stitched at the bodice and accented with a diamond choker to match her tiara ...

Notice there's no mention of traditional trappings such as a fingertip veil, leg-of-mutton sleeve or Princess Diana-style train. And pearls? They're retro enough to be in, but on their way out.

New millennium brides are part `50s movie star, part prom queen and totally dazzling with an opulence not seen since the `80s.

But don't blind the guests with too much glitz.

``Today's gowns are less ostentatious than we saw in the 'Dynasty' decade. The beading is more subtle and there's a lot less fabric as gowns become more sophisticated to appeal to the growing number of older brides,'' says Lisa Litt, owner of Lili Bridals in Tarzana. According to Litt, who recently participated in a bridal fair at Bloomingdale's in Sherman Oaks, the newest looks are definitely sleeveless.

Even spaghetti straps are looking limp.

``Strapless is the biggest news - think of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' - but in white and not so tight. Make it an A-line silhouette or a ballgown with a fitted waist similar to the one Audrey Hepburn wore in the final scene of 'Funny Face,' just as long as it's strapless,'' says Collene Kennedy, design spokeswoman for David's Bridal stores.

According to Kennedy, those strapless gowns are perfect for an up-`do like Hepburn's, leaving the neckline a blank canvas that needs some adornment, like those jewels seen on Oscar's red carpet. And with it are dangling earrings and a tiara, which Kennedy calls ``head candy.''

``Think regal ... like a Miss America crown, decorated with traditional pearls, or newer combinations of pearls and crystals that can be worn with detachable veils if you've got to have a veil,'' she explains.

Fans who worry they'd look so last year in a tiara, needn't.

Spring bridal magazines are advertising plenty of them. There's even a Web site called TheTiara.com that's dedicated to couture headpiece designs, while the new WeddingChannel.com Web site has hairpins and other ornaments glittering with crystals.

Now, if your heart is set on looking like Cinderella, bridal experts say tulle still rules. That cloud of frothy tulle was the inspiration of Vera Wang, but everybody's interpreted it. What keeps it looking fresh is a corsetted bodice - strapless or with spaghetti straps - and maybe a lace-up back like the one Scarlett O'Hara squeezed into. And to make it really fashion-forward, choose a two-piece ensemble.

Another edgy look for modern brides is crystal-beaded pants, worn with a tank top. It's the alternative choice for the bride who would have worn a miniskirt a few years ago. And according to Litt, it's great for weddings on the beach.

For the wedding party, black-and-white themes are still in because nobody wants their bridesmaid dress to look like a bridesmaid dress. But Litt and Kennedy say the black dresses will look fresher with a little white trim.

Iridescent green is a popular bridesmaid choice at Lili Bridals, and blues and lavender are hot at David's Bridal stores, but champagne, and ballet pink are best sellers at the Victorian Garden in Sherman Oaks. But owner Patti Scalero stresses that this isn't cotton candy pink like the gown Gwyneth Paltrow wore to the Oscars last year. Nor are there any sweetly puffed sleeves.

Remember, strapless is the word in aisle attire.

CAPTION(S):

8 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color -- cover) BRIDAL ELEGANCE Strapless sophistication highlights new millenium's nuptials. Strapless gowns, such as this corset design by British designer Anu Pam from Lili Bridals, are the latest look in bridal attire.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(2 -- color) Beaded pants and a tank top from Lili Bridals in Tarzana offer brides a less-formal alternative.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(3 -- color) Tulle still rules, but a strapless bodice gives this Jessica McClintock design an edgier attitude. Available at WeddingChannel.com.

(4 -- color) Break tradition with a sleeveless two-piece ensemble by Jessica McClintock. Available at WeddingChannel.com.

(5 -- color) Near left, A-line gowns with embellished bodices, like this design by Michaelangelo, at David's Bridal stores.

(6 -- color) Far left, with so much bareness, long gloves are making a comeback. Strapless satin sheath with train by Lady Eleanor, available at David's Bridal stores.

(7 -- color) Tiaras and tulle make a glamorous statement. Gown by Oleg Cassini at David's Bridal stores.

(8 -- color) Sleeveless crepe sheath by Lady Eleanor, with tiara and long gloves, creates an elegant profile. Available at David's Bridal stores.