The Laings Journal
Wedding season is here and with the invitations comes a whole host of wardrobe dilemmas. Dressing for a wedding can be a tricky business but it’s a great excuse to go shopping and treat yourself to something special. It goes without saying that you shouldn't outshine the bride (yes we’re talking to you Pippa Middleton!) but the perfect wedding outfit does require some planning and we’re here to help. Here’s our tips on being a best dressed guest with an event appropriate outfit guide and an essential list of do’s and don’ts.
An outdoors wedding
We all know the weather is unpredictable in Scotland so play it safe with a neutral blazer draped around your shoulders and a lightweight umbrella tucked into your handbag. Better to be safe than have your newly coiffed hair soaked mid-ceremony. A trouser suit is a practical and stylish option for an outdoor wedding. Although trousers seem a less obvious choice than a dress they definitely have their merits particularly when perched outside on plastic or metal seating. We love the pretty flowers on this tailored ‘Avalyn’ trouser suit from Ted Baker. Pair it with a long sleeved chiffon shirt and a delicate necklace like our 14ct White Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Pendant (£325).
A black tie wedding
More and more couples are choosing to up the ante with a black tie dress code. First of all don’t panic. We think a black tie wedding is a great opportunity to dress up and a knee length cocktail dress can look just as elegant as a long gown. Keep your look classic and elegant with this Alice + Olivia tulle strapless black cocktail dress (available at Harvey Nichols) accessorised with a Carat Sterling Silver Round Brilliant Diamond Line Necklace (£775).
A vintage themed wedding
From bunting to retro campervans, vintage themed weddings are having a revival particularly since the launch of Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby remake that rekindled an interest in 1920s style. Brides are inspired by celebrities like Kate Moss, who married musician Jamie Hince in July 2011 in a vintage style John Galliano dress. Galliano was inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald, creating a cream-colored, bias-cut gown with an Art Deco motif along the trim and gold embroidery throughout. Make the effort and embrace the style of decades past with a classic shift dress like this pretty green 1960s brocade dress from Those Were The Days vintage. Wear it with our 18ct white gold freshwater pearl pendant (£225). Jazz hands at the ready!
Don’t forget to bear these things in mind:
• Don’t wear white, cream or ivory. Pippa Middleton and Cara Delevigne got away with it but traditionally only the bride should wear white so do your best to avoid this particular colour palette.
- If there’s a dress code mentioned on the wedding invitation it’s respectful to observe the couples wishes even if it doesn’t tie in with your personal style. This is their day and if you want to be part of it it’s a good idea to go along with the plans in hand.
- When choosing your wedding outfit, comfort should be your main consideration. It’s important to look good but if your dress straps are cutting off your circulation then think twice about wearing it to a wedding. Remember you’ll be in this outfit for at least 8 hours so it’s important to feel comfortable.
- If you’re attending an outdoors wedding make sure you wear shoes with a substantial heel. Stilettos will sink into the grass and get muddy very quickly. Wedges or thicker heels are a better choice – your feet will thank you for it!
· Don’t feel the need to compete with other guests. In preparation for the recent Kimye nuptials couture designer Michael Costello created gowns for Kim Kardashian’s inner circle to ensure no one wore the same outfit. Back in the real world it doesn't matter if two people turn up in the same dress - laugh it off, celebrate their great sense of style and take a funny photograph together. We've all been there.