For wedding guest – and mother of the bride – looking the part is essential, and with so much to celebrate now weddings are back, dressing up is a pleasure to be enjoyed. Here are some favourite looks to ensure you shine
The chance to be a wedding guest again – or mother of the bride or groom – is definitely something to celebrate. Parties may be smaller than originally planned, or a different time of year, but that doesn’t stop the festive mood. Let’s face it, the opportunity to dress up again is just too good an opportunity to miss. Here are some of our favourite styles for standing out from the wedding-day crowd.
1. Cape chic
Louise Kennedy’s gorgeous new collection includes several key pieces that are ideal for modern wedding celebrations, and versatile enough to wear for parties or work events long afterwards. This Ameila dress in midnight blue silk features intricate embellishment and a lovely draped cape to give a sleek silhouette. £1,795; louisekennedy.com
2. Smarty pants
We love Sassi Holford’s Montreal jumpsuit. With a flattering halter neck and plunge front, it has wide-leg trousers with front split – adding flow and movement to an ensemble that works just as easily for a summer wedding as an after-dark formal affair. This is a great investment piece for wearing again and again, as it’s a look that will always be in style. Shown here in royal blue, it’s also available in charcoal grey. £1,250; sassiholford.com
3. Eastern edge
Kensington-based couturier House of Benveniste offers choice pieces for party goers. One of our favourites is this Eastern influenced Penelope dress. Made of iridescent silk shot organza with a pink and gold weave, it has on-trend wide sleeves with neat cuffs, a v front and buttons along the length of the gown. POA; bnvcouture.com
4. Jade glamour
A formal coat is a smart choice that will always earn its keep and can be dressed up or down. This tailored silk brocade Vicky design – shown here in a gorgeous shade of jade blue – is from Lalage Beaumont, who always features classic tailored designs in beautiful fabrics to last from season to season. The coat is shown here worn over a classic jade blue shift dress from her collection, but would look equally stunning over black or navy. £1,150; lalagebeaumont.com
5. Glitter twist
Long gowns are a versatile choice for day-to-evening celebrations, and especially appropriate (and practical) for winter weddings. This slimline bias-cut dress from Joyce Young Collections is in a shimmering beaded silk georgette and has an overtop with long sleeves and draped back. It looks stunning after dark. The dress is made to order, which means lots of options to customise to suit your style. POA; joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
6. Velvet nights
Velvet is a classic for winter weddings and is so easy to dress up with a silk or cashmere wrap. This Sophie French navy midi dress from Lalage Beaumont is in silk velvet and has a silver sparkle in the weave to add glamour. It is accessorised here with one of Lalage Beaumont’s exclusive silver Fonteyn clutches. Dress £899, croc print clutch, £495; lalagebeaumont.com
7. Top class
We love the trend for Alice bands for both brides and wedding guests. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable in a full-on hat, they add a glamorous finishing touch that flatters all face shapes and is easy to wear. This Stanhope Headband from iconic hatmaker Lock & Co is in burgundy velvet with a soft black veil studded with subtle black crystals. It’s part of a range of sumptuous occasion hats for wedding guests – you’ll also find fabulous designs for brides who want an alternative to the classic veil. £795; lockhatters.co.uk
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