by Whatever the wedding (country, city, destination) what to wear can usually be solved with two words: floral dresses.
Appropriately romantic, floral dresses can be glammed up or down depending on the dress code. Its ubiquity on the high street means there’s one to suit all shapes, ages and budgets. It’s no wonder they’ve made a resurgence this season after being announced last year. Proof that you can’t keep a good trend down, especially when it’s so universal.
My own casual wear outfit is bursting with hyper-feminine florals: Ghost’s ditsy-print; Rixo frilly; Ganni puff sleeve. With a wedding coming up in a few weeks – my first for years – I should be jumping at the chance to wear one. However, I think quite the opposite. Once joyfully frou-frou, my floral frocks suddenly feel too girly and twee.
My children are to blame. Since becoming a mother, I want simplicity and ease from my wardrobe. Life with a one and three year old is hectic enough without throwing busy flowers into the mix. A feeling only fueled by fashion’s current fascination with nineties minimalism and all things ‘secret chic’ (think throwback silhouettes and tones with sound).
I’m not the only one who wants to change my wedding look. At fashion rental platform HURR, searches for ‘wedding guest style’ are up 128 per cent year-on-year. But while floral dresses are still a staple, accessories and matching suit sets are among the most sought-after styles right now.
Brands are also responding to the change in mood. “Most people know us as a floral dress brand, but we wanted to offer an alternative that offered more flexibility”, say Clara Francis and Tania Hindmarch, founders of O’Pioneers. The London-based dress label (of which Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan) has introduced smart separates that can be restyled throughout the season. Pair the Frida ultra wide leg trousers (£295) with a silk shirt and blazer for a city wedding, adding a blouse and wedges (yes, they’re back) for a country one.
If you prefer to leave flowers to the flower girls too, here are the best options to try.
Event treatment
Much of the 9-5 trouser suit has been stripped back (it’s called the answer to WFH scruffs) but tailoring can also make an impact on occasion wear.
Light fabrics give a relaxed look. Linen is a seasonal classic (Jaeger has a great selection), but if you’re worried about chafing, try a breathable cotton blend, such as French Connection’s Alania blazer (£99) and matching slacks (£75).
A pop of color stops things looking corporate. See John Lewis powder blue and sugar-pink Me + Em suit. Both can be recreated for future occasions; wear the jackets over a shift dress, add a cocktail blouse to the trousers. The beauty – and value – of suits is in their versatility.
Alania blazer, £99 and matching tiles, £75Both the French connection
Jacket, £125 and trousers £85, Both John Lewis
Jacket, £325 and wide leg trousers, £250Me + Em both
Waist coat, £125 and wide leg trousers, £125, both Allegian
Luxury piece of clothing
Whether it’s a silk shirt and trousers, or a nightie-inspired dress, there’s something effortless about nightwear as party wear. The trick to looking purposeful (other than like you’re wearing your actual PJs) is to be luxurious with fabric and fit. Echew cotton and stretch for satins and silks in silhouette with draped.
Ramp up the glam factor with accessories, too – now’s the time to dust off your strappy heels and big earrings. Having tried this look myself (I would wear a feathered silk suit to a black tie wedding) I would also recommend strong underwear. A beautiful body suit makes you feel more dressed up and gives a smooth silhouette for slinky fabrics to slip over.
Wear an Olivia Von Halle silk tux Jagger jacket and palazzos with raffia accessories for daytime weddings, adding crystal sparkles for the evening. With detachable feather cuffs, the Suzi satin Sleeper dress can go from low-key to va-va-voom depending on the dress code. Or Kitri’s embroidered bed jacket (£215) and coordinating trousers (£165) are just a nod to nightwear.
Blue silk pajama, £611.97, Olivia Von Halle at Harrods
Maxi dress, £230, The Sleep
Front-tie blazer, £215 and pleated trousers (coming soon), £245both Kitri
Graphic prints
In the deluge of wedding guest flowers, other prints are often overlooked. Stripes and spots are so timeless and have a clean, sophisticated look.
Marks and Spencer’s polka dot is in the running for best dressed of the season. Mango’s spotty one-shoulder blouse (£35.99) and palazzo pants (£79.99) also look more premium than the price tag and have an ss24 Dolce & Gabbana touch about them. Although wearing black or white can be considered a wedding guest faux pas when worn in the context of a classic polka, they are perfectly acceptable.
When making stripes, horizontal lines create an elongated silhouette. The Maksu jumper (£360) has a leg-lengthening effect and comes with a matching blazer in case the marquee warmers aren’t ready. The contemporary European label is new to the UK and well worth a look for mid-priced stylish casual wear. For hot weddings, add gold sandals to the tutti-frutti striped halter top (£150) and trousers (£185).
Polka dot dress, £49.50, Marks and Spencer
Plaid blouse, £35.99 and trousers, £79.99Both mangoes
Ruffle top, £106 and wide leg trousers, £145both Maksu
Metallic
Metallics were big on the ss24 catwalks (Versace, Miu Miu, Rokanda to name a few) and are just the ticket to lend high summer glamor to a wedding guest.
Gold and silver are easier than you might expect because they complement almost every other color; amp them up with jewel tones, and play them down with neutrals. They are also flattering, which brightens a complexion.
You don’t want to rescue the happy couple – literally – so stay away from lamé and high-sheen sequins. Instead, look for fabrics with a subtle shimmer. Jigsaw’s silver dress hits the right note, and the knitted look means you can dress it up or down. Packing more of a statement (without being a scene-stealer) is a long-line Melted Mint Velvet waistcoat and trousers.
Gold jacket, £139 and gold trousers, £139both Velvet Mint
Silver dress, £165, puzzles
Color block
The best way to wear color this season is with a solid block. Although pastels are traditional they can tend towards saccharine, especially in dress silhouettes. (Personally I find they wash me out.) Saturated tones feel more grown up and still summery.
More than one fashion editor I know has invested in Mali’s Tove channel maxi (£395). Brown is having a moment and looks great working with gold, cream or black. For garden weddings try Wiggy Kit’s grass green seersucker midi.
The high street has many options. Check out Reiss’ raspberry suit and Whistle’s azure dress. The latter is the perfect match for a beachside reception.
A word of warning: stay away from the red. A guest wore a red dress to my wedding and the photos are testament to the fact that it is attracting attention in the wrong way; you barely notice the rest of the wedding party. Needless to say, if I ever renew my vows I will be issuing a severe ban.
Raspberry jumper, £268, Rice
Ruffle maxi dress, £329, Whistles
Seersucker dress, £395, Woven Kit
