Citylife in Lichfield May 2024

Dress to
Impress
By Sophie Shelley
Wedding season is almost
upon us and whilst it’s
exciting, there’s always one
question that pops into your
mind the moment that invitation
arrives - what are you going to
wear? You don't want to upstage
the bride but you do want to
wear something flattering,
something that showcases you,
whatever your style. Nowadays,
brides and grooms seem to be taking their wedding wardrobes to
new heights, enlisting the help of professional stylists to curate
diverse looks for their special day; ditching the traditional white
dress and giving themselves more freedom to style themselves.
Wedding attire is all about making a statement. This attention to
style adds a touch of sophistication to the overall celebration.
Colour trends are ever-changing, but this year, expect to see a lot
more bold colours like poppy red and sunset hues.
What about hats?
Despite etiquette being confusing, hats and fascinators are still worn
at all kinds of weddings. Finding a suitable one isn't easy though and
involves a few key considerations. Firstly, your role in the wedding may
influence your choice. Naturally, your age and personal taste will also
play an important part in guiding your decision too but generally, a bigger
role in the wedding requires a more fabulous hat! If you are in the
wedding party, choose a comfortable hat that makes you feel confident
but doesn't hide your face. Whilst close friends or relatives might be able
to get away with making a fabulous fashion statement that'll get
everyone talking, no-one wants a scene-stealing fascinator ruining all the
photographs if you're a distant cousin or plus-one!
If the dress code is formal, this could be your big chance to wear a
truly magnificent hat; you may even be expected to wear one! Consider
the traditional elegance of a large-brimmed wedding hat or take the
opportunity to experiment with a striking fascinator as — let's face it
— this might be your only opportunity if you never go to the races! At
a more casual wedding, where the ceremony or celebrations may take
place outside, you may want to wear a hat to keep your head cool and
your face in the shade. Too casual a hat may look sloppy though, so opt
for a smart, wide-brimmed sunhat or a trendy straw boater to
acknowledge the magic of the day while still feeling laid-back and
comfortable.
If you have a quirky and youthful style, a fascinator can be more fun to
wear than a standard hat. Unusual designs make an unforgettable
statement, while a fascinator with netting or a veil adds a touch of
vintage glamour to your look. If you have short hair or are planning an
up-do for the big day then a fascinator is perfect for accentuating, rather
than hiding, your locks. Plus, fascinators have a distinctly regal vibe —
think Princess Eugenie or Victoria Beckham at the royal weddings!
Perhaps a large-brimmed hat feels a little stuffy for your tastes, but a
fascinator doesn't float your boat either?
A clever blend of the two, known as a ‘hatinator’, will provide all the
drama of a hat without the fear of a rogue gust of wind stealing it away.
You wear it just like a headband, but it provides the look of a
sophisticated hat that's tilted at a flirtatious angle. Most hatinators have
a large, sweeping brim so they can also provide a little shade if you're off
to a wedding in the sunshine.
Lastly, you need to decide whether you want your headpiece to match
your outfit or simply complement it. Matching feels satisfying and saves
you from stressful decisions, while headwear in a complementary colour
or one that picks up on a secondary colour from your outfit will
tastefully elevate your look.
Top Tips For Effortless Wedding Style
The English weather doesn’t exactly make it easy to decide what you
should wear though. Add to that the pressure to look chic yet be
comfortable? So, here are some tips on how to get it right:
• Don’t wear a new outfit for the first time to an important event. You
don’t know whether it will be comfortable or whether it might let you
down.
• Many wedding guests will wear dresses with matching fascinators but
if it suits your personality style - why not try wearing a gorgeous
jumpsuit with heels instead? Be true to yourself!
• Gentlemen - use an unusual tie or interesting colour in your suit to
avoid looking like you are at a business meeting.
• There is nothing worse than watching someone struggle through a
wedding in a pair of killer high heels. Have some spare flats in your bag
for dancing in but make sure they still look good with your outfit.
• It’s essential to differentiate yourself from the Bride and not to be in
any way as in competition with her, so do avoid white!
• Wearing something vintage can help avoid the problem of guests
wearing identical outfits. Just be sure it fits well and is in your colour and
style.
• Wear a colour that suits you. True red can be a great option if you
are not sure. Pair this with accessories that harmonise with your
colours.
If you are getting married or have an invite to a wedding, why not
book yourself in for a colour and/or style analysis and make sure stand
out from the crowd for all the right reasons!
Contact me at Sophie.shelley@houseofcolour.co.uk
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