Whatever the wedding ( country, city, destination ) what to wear to it can usually be solved with two words: floral dresses.
Stunningly romance, decorative clothes can be glammed up or down, depending on the dress code. Their accessibility on the high road means there’s one to match every form, age and finances. It’s no question they’ve made a comeback this season after being declared paseé next year. Proof that you can’t keep a good trend down, especially when it’s so universal.
My personal occasionwear closet is bursting with hyper- womanly florals: ditsy- print Ghost, fancy Rixo, breath- sleeved Ganni. I may be jumping at the chance to wear one because I have a wedding coming up in a few days. Nonetheless, I feel quite the opposite. My flowering frocks, which I again frou-frou, immediately feel very girly and twee.
My kids are to blame. Since becoming a mother, I crave simplicity and ease from my closet. With a one and three month old, life is stressful enough without including any active flowers. A feeling that is only fueled by fashion’s obsession with nineties minimalism and all other things “discreed chic” ( think muted tones and pared-back silhouettes ).
I’m not the only one who wants to change up the way I dress for a bride. At system HURR, searches for ‘marriage host type’ have increased 128 per cent yr- on- year. However, while matching suit sets are now among the most sought-after styles, floral dresses are still a common, and tailoring has grown in popularity.
Companies are reacting to the feelings change, too. “Most people know us as a decorative clothing company, but we wanted to offer an alternative that offered more versatility,” say Clara Francis and Tania Hindmarch, members of O’Pioneers. Smart separates that can be restyled throughout the year have been a hit with the London-based clothing brand, which Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan of. For a town marriage, pair the ultra-wide-leg Frida trousers with a silk shirt and jacket, and add a dress and wedges for nation dos.
Here are the most chic alternatives to consider if you want to keep floral arrangements to the flower girls as well.
Occasion befitting
Much has been made of the 9- 5 pant suit return ( call it a response to WFH scruffs ) but tailoring can tip over into occasionwear, to.
Lightweight materials give off a calm appearance. Linen is a seasonal classic ( Jaeger has a great selection ), but if you’re worried about creasing, try a breathable cotton blend, such as French Connection’s Alania blazer and matching slacks.
A roll of coloring stops things looking business. Notice John Lewis ‘ flour blue and Me + Em’s sugar- red suits. Both can be restyled for future events, throw the vests over a move clothing, add a martini dress to the trousers. The charm – and worth – of fits lie in their multi- use flexibility.
both French Connection
and ,both John Lewis
and, both Me + Em
and both Aligne
Luxe pyjamawear
Whether a shiny shirt and pants set, or a nightie- inspired gown, there’s something naturally depraved about nightwear as partywear. The key to adding luxury with fabric and fit is to make it appear more intentional (as opposed to as though you’re wearing your actual PJs). Use silk and satin in draped silhouettes and chew cotton.
Ramp up the glam factor with accessories, too- now’s the time to dust off your strappy heels and big earrings. I’ve tried this look myself, and I wore feather-trimmed silk to a black tie wedding. I’d also suggest sturdy underwear. A gorgeous bodysuit gives you a more formal look and a smooth silhouette for slinky fabrics to glide over.
For daytime weddings, Olivia Von Halle’s silk Jagger tuxedo and palazzos with raffia accessories are available, with a sprinkle of crystal for the evening. With detachable feather cuffs, Sleeper’s satin Suzi 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 ) have just a nod to nightwear.
Blue silk pyjama set, £611.97,
Maxi dress, £230,
and, both Kitri
Graphic prints
In the deluge of wedding guest florals, other prints are often overlooked. Both stripes and spots have a timeless, elegant appearance.
The best high-street dress of the season is Marks and Spencer’s polka dot. Mango’s spotty one- shouldered blouse ( £35.99 ) and palazzo pants ( £79.99 ) also look more premium than the price tag and have a touch of ss24 Dolce & Gabbana about them. Although wearing black or white in the context of a traditional polka dot can be considered a wedding-guest faux pas, they are perfectly acceptable.
When doing stripes, horizontal lines create an elongated silhouette. In case the marquee heaters are n’t up to scratch, Maksu’s striped jumpsuit ($ 360 ) has a leg-lengthening effect and comes with a matching blazer. The European contemporary label is relatively new in the UK and well worth checking out for affordable, stylish occasion wear. For hot- destination weddings, team the tutti- frutti striped halter top ( £150 ) and trousers ( £185 ) with gold sandals.
Polka dot dress, £49.50,
and, both Mango
and, both Maksu
Metallics
Metallics were big on the ss24 catwalks ( Versace, Miu Miu, Rokanda to name a few ) and they’re just the ticket for lending high- summer glamour to a wedding guest look.
Gold and silver complement almost every other color, amp them up with jewel tones, and play them down with neutrals, making them more wearable than you might anticipate. They’re flattering too, imparting a complexion- boosting glow.
You don’t want to outshine the happy couple- literally- so stay away from high- sheen lamé and sequins. Instead, look for fabrics with subtle shimmer. The knitted look makes it look good and can be dressed up or down, and Jigsaw’s silver dress hits the right note. Packing more of a statement (without being scene- stealing) is Mint Velvet’s molten longline waistcoat and trousers.
and, both Mint Velvet
Silver dress, £165,
Block colour
Solid block is the most chic way to wear color this season. While pastels are traditional they can err towards saccharine, especially in a dress silhouette. (Personally, I think they wash me out.) The saturated tones are more summery and grown-up.
More than one fashion editor knows to have made an investment in Tove’s cinnamon Mali maxi. When paired with gold, cream, or black, brown is having a moment. Try Wiggy Kit’s grass-green seersucker midi for weddings in the garden.
The high street has plenty of options. Have a look at Reiss’ raspberry jumpsuit and Whistle’s azur gown. The latter pair perfectly with a beachside reception.
A word of warning: stay away from red. You hardly notice the rest of the wedding party because a guest wore a red dress to my wedding, which is testament to the fact that it was attention-grabbing in the wrong kind of way. Needless to say, if I ever renew my vows, I’ll be issuing a strict ban.
Raspberry jumpsuit, £268,
Ruffle maxi dress, £329,
Seersucker dress, £395,