Our pick of tailored and dressy outfit ideas for mother of the bride and wedding guest are on-trend for every style of celebration
Mother of the bride and guest outfits are harder to find for autumn and winter weddings. Traditional pale separates and floral dresses don’t quite cut it. But even if you’re expecting a chilly church or a chilly walk to the reception you can still cut a dash. Our pick of investment pieces are all wearable afterwards for parties – we’ve even included a couple of elegant coats that are perfect for important work meetings.
Eastern bright – Suzannah
Inspired by a vintage hunting coat, Hunter is in emerald-green Japanese-influenced jacquard and makes a timeless investment piece to wear to weddings and other grand events. Finely tailored so that it hangs slightly lower at the back, it has covered feature buttons and a silk lining. It can be worn alone as a coat dress, or over a simple black gown or separates. £1,750; suzannah.com
Perfect pleats – Katya Katya
Katya Katya’s patterned Hyacinth dress is a flattering and smart alternative to traditional wedding tailoring. With an on-trend high neckline and pleated cap sleeves, it has a long bodice, shaped to define the waist, and fluid pleated skirt. katyakatya.co.uk
Top tweed – Lalage Beaumont
Lalage Beaumont’s fabulous tailored separates are versatile and always event appropriate. This Claire coat is in a multicoloured tweed with navy details and features fringe edging around the collar, front and cuffs. There’s a simple hook fastening or it can be worn open, as shown, over one of her smart tailored dresses. The coat costs £999 and will earn its keep in your wardrobe for season after season; lalagebeaumont.com
Green glamour – Sassi Holford
From Sassi Holford’s occasion collection, this Eugenie silk gown would be perfect for an evening or ballroom celebration. Cut to reveal the shoulders, it has a button back and soft pleat skirt hem that tapers to show off an elegant pair of heels. Designs can be made to order in a wide range of fabrics and colours and you can see the collection at her Fulham Road flagship. sassiholford.com
Cover chic – Joyce Young
This smart occasion coat, from Joyce Young’s superb mother of the bride collection is perfect for cutting a dash at an autumn or winter wedding and would definitely earn its keep for workwear and smart occasions. In a soft coffee shade, it is cut to reveal the hem of her simple cream shift dress. We love the smart belt with chunky feature buckle and the relaxed slouch pockets. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
Simply red – Laumprel London
Laumprel London’s new collection is full of great party dresses for a smart occasion. This Virginia shirt dress is cut from intricate lace and features velvet ribbon trims. It is cut to mid-calf length and features a detachable mini slip dress. Shown here in red, you’ll also find the same design in black. £380; laumprel.com
Neat cut – Pronovias
In soft cream, this Jadaya tailored dress from the Pronovias Fiesta collection features a flattering v-neck lace bodice, elbow length sleeves and a slim skirt with bow belt. A smart choice for mother of the bride or wedding guest, it is part of a party collection available at Pronovias’ Old Bond Street store. pronovias.com
Long drama – Vera Mont
This Flower Meadow party gown by Betty Barclay party and occasion label Vera Mont is perfect for weddings where you want to feel dressy without wearing a floor-length gown. In a romantic pink with a hint of iridescence for after-dark glamour, the sleeveless dress has a simple bateau neckline and longer-length A-line skirt. Vera Mont stockists include Fenwick and House of Fraser. £295; bettybarclay.com
Flower power – Merve Bayinder
Merve Bayindir’s hats and headdresses range from chic to daring and combine old-school glamour shapes with daring contemporary details. The mother and daughter duo’s millinery journey started in Turkey, but now we’re lucky to have theirer talents in London. Choice pieces include this fascinator dotted with flowers and a chic pillbox in the same colourways (top); mervebayindir.com
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