This clearly depends in lots of ways on the Ascot dress you end up selecting. But there are certainly a couple of style rules of thumb we would follow when it comes to a day at Royal Ascot. And it’s all about comfort.
Although 6-inch stilettos look fabulous with your outfit in the mirror, they might not be quite so practical. If the thought of sore feet fills you with dread, these are the shoe styles we would recommend for a day at the races.
Kitten heels have made a comeback. They’re back in style and for good reason. We suddenly realised that they’re incredibly comfortable.
If you’re not sure about this trend, look out for pointed sling-backs. This work beautifully with midi skirts and dresses. Minimal and strappy is also very on-trend.
Wedges are always a wise choice. They spread the surface area of your body weight which puts less pressure on the balls of your feet where the pain is usually worse.
For a modern look, you could also try a pair of flatforms, which is a flatter wedge with some height.
Forgo the stiletto and opt for chunky heels instead. These again put less pressure on your feet and ankles and give you much more support long-term.
If you’re not a heels gal, that’s fine. Flats can work, just choose a chic and stylish option so that they don’t let your look down.
The most flattering flats you could choose are pointed ballerina flats. They elongate your legs just like pointed heels, giving you all the comfort you need.
Shoes are arguably your most important accessory when it comes to Ascot. They will determine your comfort with a long day on your feet. Plus, shoes really do pull an outfit together. However, remember to save time to think about your other accessories too.
At Royal Ascot, a hat, fascinator or headpiece is part of the official dress code. And in some enclosures – a certain size headpiece is mandatory. Opt for a hue that complements and coordinates with the colour of your outfit. Or choose something that completely contrasts. For example, black and white or navy and coral.
Your bag of choice needs to be the perfect size for race day. It needs to be big enough to carry your daily essentials but as small as possible otherwise. An oversized bag at Ascot is never a good look. Try to take a minimal selection of makeup and beauty tools with you so that a small shoulder bag or clutch will suffice.
Style and comfort need to play equal roles when it comes to deciding what to wear to Ascot.
Although looking great and feeling your best is important, if you can’t last all day in your shoes, you’ll regret your choice. Opt for lower heels, chunkier heels, wedges or even flats for ultimate comfort.
Browse Ascot dresses and outfits in our latest collection online now.]]>If you’re the mother of the bride, you’ve probably found plenty of options to browse already. But if you’re the mother of the groom, guidelines can be a little less clear.
But what is the difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses?
To try and make your wedding outfit shopping a little easier, we’ve put together some highlights that might help.
Lots of mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of groom (MOG) dresses are very similar. Plus, the formality of the wedding will dictate how dressy you decide to go. However, one main difference between MOB and MOG shopping is timing.
Tradition states that the mother of the bride should choose first. We say, just keep communication open. As soon as you start to think about shopping, get together for a chat – or at least a phone call – and discuss your ideas. This way, you can both be considerate and make choices that will complement the bridal party AND one another. Or even better why not make arrangements to go shopping together?
Unless requested by the bride, you don’t want to match colours or match with the bridesmaids but coordination is key for chic photographs. Again, this will be something worth talking to the bride about. Maybe she envisions everyone in neutral tones. Maybe she’d prefer bold and bright. This should help to guide you.
Coordinating in formality is also important. If the mother of the bride chooses a very casual and relaxed look – no doubt approved by the bride – you probably don’t want to then choose something very formal and sparkly as the mother of the groom. Open communication will help to guide here – as well as the venue and time of year.
In short, yes. If the mother of the bride decides to wear long, this doesn’t mean you have to. Especially if you’re not comfortable in a full-length dress or outfit. However, make sure you choose something that coordinates with the formality of a long dress so that you don’t feel too casual.
If you’re a stepmother of either the bride or the groom, you are equally an important part of the wedding party. You will likely wear a similar style and formality of dress as the mothers. If you can, communicate with the mothers in terms of styles, colours and formality.
And if this is difficult, ask for a little help from the bride when it comes to guidance.
If it’s your son’s big day and you’re not sure on the mother of the groom etiquette when it comes to dresses, these quick tips should help.
Mother of the bride dresses and mother of the groom dresses and outfits are the same, it's all down to individual style. Whether it’s a black-tie or a casual affair, the style rules for wedding party guest outfits are similar.
To ensure your shopping and styling experience runs smoothly, it’s best to keep both parties in the know. And grab a little advice from the bride if you’re not sure.
You’ll find our mother of the bride and groom dresses and outfits edited together in our latest collection.]]>So, if your son is engaged to be married and you’re on the hunt for the perfect outfit, today we’re talking all about colour.
We’ve recently taken a look at the difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses. In this blog, we outlined a few of the modern mother of the groom outfit etiquette tips.
From making sure you keep communication up with the mother of the bride to checking your choice with the bride, there’s a couple of things you can do to make sure you look great. And keep everyone else in the bridal party happy too.
But what colour should the groom’s mother wear?
An important question no matter what you plan to wear. Or how formal the wedding.
Here are our top tips on how to choose which colour to wear as the mother of the groom.
The mother of the bride will most likely be encouraged to coordinate but not match with the bridesmaid’s colour palette. The advice is similar for a mother of the groom.
Although you want to coordinate with the bridesmaids so that you don’t clash colours in the photography, you definitely don’t want to choose anything too similar either.
To make sure you get it just right, allow the bride and bridesmaids some time to get clear on the colour palette they’ll be wearing. Once this is decided, it will be easier for you to choose something that works next to it.
Prints are a perfect choice for weddings of all kinds. And the perfect option for a mother of the groom outfit.
From beautiful summery floral prints to statement abstract or classic prints, such as polka dots, it’s a great way to choose something unique.
If the bride would like you to coordinate with the bridesmaids, as we mentioned above, you could choose a print that works this colour in. Making sure your mother of the groom dress is different enough to the bridesmaids.
Pastel colour palettes always tend to work well for weddings. Plus, they’re very on-trend for 2020.
Whether you go for soft pinks and blues or this season’s pastel green, these soft and feminine shades give you an elegant mother of the groom outfit.
Plus, these colours tend to work beautifully with most other colours so you have less chance of finding a clash.
Style Tip – Traditionally, light cream and black are avoided by mothers of the bride and groom. However, today, this can often be an elegant choice. If you’re considering opting for a very light hue or black, it might be worth running it by the bride to make sure she’s happy with your selection.
The earlier you can start browsing for your mother of the groom outfit, the better. With a huge range of options, it’s best to start early so that you can start to narrow down the cuts, fabrics and colours that work best for you.
For more mother of the groom dress inspiration, browse the collections at Fab Frocks. If you need extra help when it comes to coordinating with the bridal party colour palette, just drop us an email. We’d love to help make some suggestions.]]>But at some point, you’ll also need to consider your own mother of the bride outfit.
Which style, shape, length, fabric. And sometimes the most difficult factor to choose – colour.
So, if you’re at the stage of wondering, what colour should a mother of the bride dress be? This collection of style tips should come in handy.
One of the first colour palettes that the bride will choose is the bridesmaid dresses. This will work in line with the flowers, possibly the invites and many other factors on the big day. The bridesmaid dresses are usually a key colour when it comes to the wedding.
Once the bridesmaid dresses have been selected, you can use this choice to help decide which colour is best for the mother of the bride.
Your mother of the bride dress should coordinate with the bridesmaids – but not match.
So, if the bridesmaids were in green, you might select another shade of green that works in coordination with theirs. You don’t want to match and you don’t want to clash. Something that works purposely is perfect.
Neutral colours are often an elegant and stylish choice for a mother of the bride outfit. Soft skin tones, minimal monochromes and light pastels all fit into this neutral category.
This way, the mother of the bride outfit tends to sit well in photographs, working with most other palettes.
If you don’t like the idea of wearing one solid head to toe colour, choosing a print can be a modern yet still formal way to go for a mother of the bride outfit.
Depending on the time of year, choose between full-length maxi dresses or voluminous tea dresses. This can be a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding guest outfit without opting for a top to bottom hue.
When it comes to pairing accessories with print mother of the bride dresses, keep it simple. You don’t want the accessories to clash with the print.
Try a minimal matching fascinator and a coordinating clutch with nude heels.
Fancy a touch of sparkle for your daughter’s big day? Why not.
Whether she’s having a romantic evening wedding or a formal daytime ‘do, some sequins or beadwork can be the perfect choice for a mother of the bride dress.
If the wedding is not in the evening, consider choosing something with beadwork through the bodice rather than head to toe. And if opting for something super sparkly, keep accessories simple and chic for a polished and elegant completed look.
When it comes to style etiquette for a mother of the bride dress, we’ve laid out our top tips in our recent blog. Browse the latest mother of the bride outfits in this season’s new collection at Fab Frocks for more inspiration. ]]>Whether you’re headed to a beachfront wedding with a relaxed vibe or a church do with all the trimmings, you’re going to need some ideas. We’ve put together our most popular wedding guest outfit ideas for what a guest should wear in 2020.
Minimalist style is having a moment. Simple, strappy and chic makes for a perfect wedding guest dress.
How to make the look contemporary and polished? Add statement earrings that take your simple dress to the next level. Opt for an on-trend mini bag and strappy heels to complete your wedding guest style.
A jumpsuit is officially the new wedding guest dress alternative. Chic and smart, a jumpsuit serves for any formality wedding.
Choose style with on-trend wide-legs or cropped tailored fits for a modern look. Luxe evening fabrics, such as velvet, are a timeless choice. Particularly for an evening event.
Don’t be afraid to choose statement prints if you’re headed to a wedding in 2020. Bold and bright doesn’t mean garish. Just opt for simple and coordinating accessories that keep your look elegant.
It’s not just statement prints that will look great at a wedding in 2020. Classic prints are back in the spotlight this year and anything from a simple stripe to a classic polka dot works perfectly.
Want to make sure your polka dots are contemporary? Choose either an oversized or a micro version of the classic print for a modern take on the look.
If you’re considering opting for something other than a classic dress for your wedding guest outfit, think about tailoring.
Two-piece suits for women are a popular choice and we’re seeing anything from classic navy to bold pops of red. For an on-trend take on the tailored look, choose wide-leg trousers and double-breasted blazers.
Make sure your outfit is finished perfectly for a wedding by adding a coordinating or clashing fascinator to make a chic sartorial statement.
Ever just assumed black was off the cards for a wedding guest outfit? Think again. When done well, black is a timeless and stylish choice for a wedding at any time of year.
Opt for lightweight fabric or a black print or choose bright shoes and accessories to break up an all-black look. A touch of sparkle lightens a black dress so consider sparkling sequins or beadwork if black is your go-to palette.
If you’re struggling with the dress code or just not sure how formal to go for your next wedding, it’s always worth checking with the bride. Your wedding guest outfit could be anything from an evening gown to a jumpsuit but with the right fit and accessories, it will be just right.
Search for wedding guest outfit ideas from Fab Frock’s latest collections.
]]>In age-old etiquette books, you might find some outdated reasons for not wearing black to a wedding. But now, it can be a chic and simple way to do wedding guest attire.
When it comes to black, it’s all about how you do it. Black can be sultry and sexy. Even though a little bit of this is fine for a wedding guest outfit, you don’t want to attract too much attention. So, steer away from anything too saucy and plunging and stick to contemporary and simple cuts.
Here are our top tips on styling a black wedding guest outfit.
This season’s on-trend dark floral prints or a classic polka dot. Black prints are a great way to wear black to a wedding. Prints break up the darker hue. This gives you more of a classic wedding look while keeping you in your favourite palette.
Sometimes black can look and feel heavy. To combat this for a wedding outfit, opt for feminine details. Ruffles and ruching will keep your look soft and chic.
Embroidery injects touches of colour and detail. This works beautifully when layered with sheer fabrics, such as tulle.
Unless your wedding is in the depth of winter, lightweight fabrics tend to work best when opting for black. Fabrics like chiffon and silk create soft and feminine lines. Team this with feminine details, such as ruffles for wedding outfit perfection.
A little sparkle can brighten up any black wedding guest outfit. Opt for sequins or beadwork on a black dress as the perfect wedding look.
A black dress isn’t your only option if you’re considering black for a wedding this year or next. How about a chic and stylish black jumpsuit? Now, the perfect wedding outfit alternative to a classic dress, choose a sleek wide-leg jumpsuit and opt for luxe accessories. Statement earrings or a crystal belt will keep your look ultra-feminine.
If black is your go-to, why not brighten up your head to toe look with a pop of colour? Colourful shoes or a bright clutch add just the right touch of on-trend colour to any wedding outfit.
One of the best ways to work out if you can wear black to a wedding is to simply check with the bride. Every bride will feel differently about this. Some won’t have a care in the world if their guests turn up in black. But asking outright gives your bride the chance to suggest brighter choices.
Wearing black to a wedding is no longer a fashion faux-pas. So, if it’s your favourite palette, embrace the dark side. Dress your black wedding guest outfit up with just the right details and accessories to make it work.
For more inspiration of what to wear for a wedding this year, browse the latest Fab Frocks collections. You’ll find wedding guest outfits for every venue and time of year.]]>Wedding style has evolved. Mother of the bride dressing has more options than ever before. But this also means it might feel a little overwhelming when starting out on your search.
At Fab Frocks, we see A LOT of mothers of the bride – and groom. So, we’ve put together some of the most popular choices below to help you to start to think about your options.
But first, let’s go through our top tips on how to choose a mother of the bride outfit.
Simple, yet effective. If you’ve not done it yet, sit down and have a coffee with your daughter as your first point of call. She probably has an idea of how she’d like you to look on the day and she might give you some ideas to start your search.
Now would be a great time to flick through Pinterest or magazines together to get on the same page.
Coordinating your colours - but not matching - with the bridal party will help you to choose something that looks best in the wedding photos.
You don’t want to match the bridesmaids but you’ll want to steer away from clashing with them if you’ll all be stood together in the majority of photos.
It’s easy to get carried away with shopping for a mother of bride outfit as soon as your daughter gives you the news. But it’s always best to wait it out for a couple more details as the wedding planning commences.
Waiting for invites, the confirmed venue and time of year will give you the info you need to get the look right and avoid shopping regret later.
Even if you want your outfit to be a surprise, make sure you compare notes with the mother of the groom to make sure you’ve not gone too similar. Or better still why not go shopping together?
Letting them know your outfit’s brand will ensure they don’t turn up in the same look. Colours and general style details will give them plenty to work with when choosing their own outfit.
When you’re ready to start shopping for your mother of the bride outfits, you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. These might include:
The most important thing to note about choosing your mother of the bride outfit is to remember to enjoy the process. Choose something you will feel comfortable and confident in all day and you can’t lose. Browse our latest mother of the bride dresses and outfits and begin to discover the styles that will work for your daughter’s special day.
]]>Of course, I am not talking head to toe in bubblegum pink. There is an age we all reach when we run the risk of looking like a sugar plum fairy if we overdo it on the pink. However, pink is a stunning colour.
Pink dresses are very in for occasionwear. Take a look at our pink mother of the bride outfits and you will see so much choice in all manner of shades.
Soft vintage pinks are really in vogue and this shade looks particularly gorgeous in chiffon.
You can also choose dusky pinks or those with a hint of lilac running through. All make superb choices for wedding outfits as they are subtle and sophisticated. They also complement an ivory wedding dress beautifully.
If you want to make a stronger statement, then fuchsia pinks or magenta pinks can look amazing, especially for high summer weddings.
There are a lot of lovely floral pink looks around for spring/summer too which are so feminine and pretty.
Did you know it didn’t always used to be pink for girls and blue for boys? The Ladies’ Home Journal article in June 1918 said, “The generally accepted rule is pink is for the boys and blue for the girls. The reason is that pink, being a more decided and stronger colour, is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty is prettier for the girl.”
So, perhaps it’s time to get our men wearing pink too!
]]>The new season sees a growing trend for standalone dresses, especially for summer weddings and the designers at Ispirato have certainly taken that into account. Their signature stretch dresses are back with ruching that compliments the figure and options of either plain colours or vibrant prints, like the angelica print below.
The collection will always feature dresses and bolero looks and the focus is all about a great look, a great fit and above all, comfort. Layered dresses that compliment the curves of the body in combined with coordinating bolero jackets add a touch of class for any mother of the bride or groom.
Of course most of the dresses have a sleeve in one form or another whether it is a cap sleeve through to three-quarter length sleeve. It's one of the main requests we get in the boutique and a sleeve doesn't mean that the dress will look frumpy, far from it.
Like with many of our styles we have a range of sizes available and once these have sold then we can't normally restock them. In a lot of cases now designers just make what we order and that's it. So our advice is always if you see a style you like then either come into the boutique and try it or order it so you can try it at home.
Visit our Ispirato Mother Of The Bride & Groom page for more details of the styles and availability. If a style is coming soon then you can complete the form to be contacted when it arrives. Alternatively just keep an eye on the page and it will be updated as soon as a style arrives.
]]>If you’ve got a wedding coming up, and you want to plan the perfect look from head to toe, here’s a useful guide to help you.
It’s a good idea to choose the wedding guest dress first, then coordinate your accessories with it. When you get the dress home from the shop, lay it out on the bed, and think about the following:
Try on the dress in the mirror to ascertain what accessories are needed. For example, if the dress looks a little ‘plain’ around the middle, a pretty belt could add visual interest. If you’ve chosen a midi-length dress, you might want to wear a pair of kitten heels, as these work excellently with dresses that end at the knee.
Don’t forget to consider what you’ll wear on your head too. Traditionally, a hat or fascinator is what most women wear to a wedding. Does your dress need a wide-brimmed hat (which is also useful for keeping the sun out of your eyes)? Or would a feathered fascinator set it off to perfection?
When you’re shopping for accessories, it’s a good idea to take the dress with you. Then, you can hold the accessories against it, to check there are no clashing colours or textures.
Remember that you’ll also need to think about other details. For example, what make-up would work with the outfit? Is a smoky eyeshadow the way forwards, or would pastel shades be better?
Which fragrance is going to complement it best? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Some women even choose to wear male scents, such as the popular Green Irish Tweed perfume, especially in the summer, as it has notes of cut grass.
Shopping for accessories should never be a stressful experience. If you’re not sure which items to buy, ask a friend for advice – sometimes, two pairs of eyes are better than one.
]]>Our new collection from Veromia Occasions has just arrived and goes big on vintage dresses this season. There is an amazing choice of beautiful A-line dresses with pretty back detail including bows. They have a little bit of netted underskirt to make them fuller and still allow enough room for more petticoats if you really want to go for the full-on rock and roll look.
Even better news, many of these dresses are just over £200, comparable with the high street but you will only find them in independent boutiques. So, you reduce your chance of seeing other people in the same dress as you!
The A-line style is so easy to wear. It nips you in at the waist and helps to disguise if you are hippy.
It is also really easy to move around in and dance in. No wonder it became the choice of the rock and roller!
There is also the pencil dress style for this season – think Joanie from ‘Mad’Men’. This is designed to complement your curves and is such a feminine look.
Floral prints are very in which reflects the vintage influence. However, this season they are not all bold and bright. More subtle shades of soft pinks and navy blues feature so they offer a more sophisticated look.
I love the vintage style – there is something glamorous, feminine and flirty without being overtly out there that really works. So enjoy taking a trip back in time with your wardrobe that will bring you right up to date for this season.
]]>I had a lovely mother of the groom in this week who actually bought her son with her. He was so keen to make his mum feel included in all the wedding planning. This was her only son and she had no daughters. For her this was it! Her chance to shine and make her son really proud. She opted for a stunning Veni Infantino outfit. It complemented the mother of the bride’s outfit and the bride was delighted that it worked with her wedding theme too.
Mums are worriers. That’s part of our job. In the 20 years we have been helping mothers of the bride and groom find their outfit, there’s something about this VIP role (very important parent) that makes even the most confident of women feel under pressure.
All eyes on them after the bride – that kind of message can send even the calmest of our mothers into overdrive!
So go easy on your mum.
There’s some stunning occasion-wear available now. On-trend labels like Linea Raffaelli, Carla Ruiz, Couture Club, Veni Infantino and Luis Civit are perfect for younger mums (in age and spirit) who don’t like to look mumsie.
For a more classic and sophisticated style, Condici mother of the bride is a winner. There’s some great plus-size collections for the fuller-figured – Dressed Up by Veromia for instance.
Mums come in all shapes and sizes so let’s celebrate that!
The most stressful shopping experiences are when an entourage of “experts” – bride, best friend, sister, even husband – join the mother of the bride to give their opinions. I had one poor woman trying to please eight friends she bought along to “help” her! It ends up in confusion for the person trying to find an outfit that is right for them, not to mention some ugly disagreements.
The mother and daughter girlie day out shopping is wonderful if you have that sort of relationship with your mum but try to leave it at that. Two’s company….. or maybe three if you can encourage dad along too.
If the idea of shopping with your mum makes you break out into a cold sweat, leave your mum to choose for herself. With FaceTime and WhatApp, long-distance approval is easy.
My top tip for being a perfect bride rather than a Bridezilla. Try to resist dictating about what your mum should and shouldn’t wear. You’ve probably never taken an interest before and she’s a grown woman who can make her own decisions.
Of course, discuss your colour themes and thoughts but the bottom line is that your mum not only needs to look amazing on your big day but also feel comfortable and confident.
Yes, I’m all for getting her out of her comfort zone so she looks truly special but forcing her to wear an outfit you like but she doesn’t is a recipe for disaster. She’ll be spotted grimacing in the wedding photos for years to come. We all know mums don’t hide their feelings that well.
You’ve chosen your dream dress. Now it’s her turn.
]]>More than in any other clothing sector, when it comes to occasionwear, sizing can be a real headache. We stock 15 mother of the bride designers and in one label, I can fit a size 10 customer into a size 8 (that’s always a real positive!) and when trying on another designer, a size 8 would have to wear a size 12! Imagine what that does to the psychology when you have a customer who feels she is normally a size 14 and then has to go up two sizes! I’ve had women refusing to go up a size even though they love an outfit. Unable to get beyond the fixation with the size label, they miss out on a dream outfit that is stunning and so flattering for their figure.
If I could do away with size cubes I would and instead refer to styles for example by petite or curvaceous, but with well over a thousand dresses in stock it’s just tricky to do that. Of course things aren't helped by the wide range of stretch fabrics now in the high street stores. From jeans to t-shirts this stretch is one of the main reasons that we don't really know our true size anymore.
Alongside the campaign that celebrated women realising they’re more than just a number, I do think there’s a need for more honesty with ourselves about the sizes we wear. Most women flex in size whether it is thanks to overindulging in wine and food and underindulging on exercise, or perhaps even an unexpected illness. Coming to terms with that can mean that you are happy to wear whatever size you need – as long as it looks fabulous. So maybe us women should focus more on our style rather than getting so hung up on our size?
]]>Don’t get us wrong. Even though our body clock is now in complete confusion, We are so pleased to have these gorgeous outfits delivered early. It is so exciting to see the fresh baby blue combinations and the delicate pink colours.
If you are on the hunt for an outfit for your daughter or son’s wedding, you are no doubt discovering it doesn’t work like normal clothing. Most of us want to get our outfit at least a few months before the wedding date. Some of us prefer to get it ticked off the list even earlier, if for no other reason than to silence all those people asking ‘what are you going to wear?’
That’s why we make sure we get early deliveries so we have a choice of Spring/Summer outfits in the depths of winter.
This designer is our star if you want sophistication and style. It is so easy to wear and extremely flattering. You can be in it from 7am to 7pm, running around looking after brides, bridesmaids and husbands, and still be crease-free and comfortable.
We don’t know how they do it – but think it is something to do with the clever layering – that also helps you actually look a size smaller. Not surprising then that our customers love it.
This UK designer seems to suit women of all shapes and sizes. We make sure we have a choice of styles in 6 to 24 as the fit is so good. Yes! for the first time ever we are now stocking size 6 mother of the bride.
There are sleeves in many of the dresses to cover your arms and if you are not a fan of lots of structure and padding, these styles have a great cut and fit without any restrictive fabrics.
So ignore the fact that the clocks will go back soon and it is getting colder. Warm yourself up with thoughts of those lovely Spring/Summer events and what you will be wearing to them.
Take a look at our other blog post: John Charles - A New Look For Mothers Of The Bride & Groom
]]>In come softer fabrics such as chiffon to offer a lighter look for summer weddings and events and a new style that exudes femininity. There is almost a vintage look to some of the new styles, which we love. Harking back to the days of glamour, styles such as this 26847 shown at the top of the page offer a flattering design with waterfall sleeves and an asymmetrical peplum style over a pencil skirt.
Of course John Charles are renowned for their fitted stretch fabrics and they certainly aren't leaving these behind. The increasingly popular boat neckline is a strong look for 2020 and John Charles 26864 shown above features this look with a beautiful lavender and blue print, ideal for summer weddings.
For the first time we are seeing the introduction of trouser suits for mothers of the bride and groom. Bucking the traditional look, it's definitely something we get asked for and is a welcome addition to the range of options available to mothers. Adding their own stamp to this look the designer brings elegant features into John Charles 26863 such as the waterfall sleeves and draping side which softens the transition from top to trouser beautifully.
So if you have considered John Charles in the past but found the styling too structured for you then it's time to revisit this designers stunning collection for the new 2020 season.
]]>
The other great thing about a fifties style mother of the bride outfit or occasion outfit is that you can so easily wear the dress again. Stick a petticoat underneath it for a fuller, party dress style and add some statement jewellery. Dress it down with a neat little cardigan for a less formal daytime occasion.
Of course at the back of every mothers mind as they reach this stage of their family life is the image of a 1970's or '80's picture of a mother of the bride, often referred to as 'the queen mum look'. Not wanting to look like that is one of the common things we hear when we first talk to customers in the boutique, that and not wanting to look frumpy. So finding the right outfit that makes you feel modern is a criteria we more often than not encounter.
Now modern can mean different things to different people. The dictionary says 'relating to the present or recent times' but like many things it's all down to interpretation.
When you're shopping for your outfit one thing above all stands true, and that's be open minded. Often outfits can misrepresent themselves on the hanger and need body shape to bring them to life. After all the years we have lost count how many times ladies have tried on outfits on recommendation to discover a look that they love but would never have chosen from the hanger appeal.
With hundreds of outfits on websites, Instagram, Pinterest and more it's no wonder that it all blurs into one after a while. Choosing 'the' style can be influenced by so many criteria so again be open minded about it. Try styles that are out of your comfort zone and a bit different to what you normally wear, you may well be pleasantly surprised. As well as dresses elegant trouser suits for weddings are now also on offer.
You may like the classic and elegant look of Condici Mother Of The Bride with it's neat tailoring and matching head wear, or the feminine styles of Linea Raffaelli with European influences and luxurious fabric.
When you browse the styles decide on what modern means to you and try different types of styles. Even if it's just to discount them it all helps to narrow down the selection till you find the one that makes you feel amazing. Jacket or no jacket, sleeves or no sleeves, try it and see what it looks like in the mirror.
]]>Top to toe sparkle does demand confidence if you want to pull the look off. There’s no point buying a gorgeous, glitzy dress then hiding in a corner all night.
Bright red or cobalt blue sequin dresses look really festive or go for the ice maiden look. Silvers or aqua blues look amazing for winter wonderland themed parties. Think Elsa from ‘Frozen’.
If you’re after a more subtle sequin look, there’s a lot of champagne or dark red around this season. This is a warm colour, very soft and sophisticated. A great alternative if you are not a fan of sequins in bold colours.
We had one lady ask if she was too old to wear sequins? Well quite simply, you can never be too old to sparkle. Everything in moderation and all that.
So if you don’t fancy full-on sequins, there’s some gorgeous evening dresses out there with just a touch of sparkle on the neckline, sleeves or middle like the Michaela Louisa one above.
A very Happy Glitzmas is on the way!
]]>Now when we talk about evening wear of course we mean dresses, but two years ago we stepped out of our comfort zone and started stocking Atom Label, a range of simple, yet oh so flattering, jersey styles with the Carbon Jumpsuit at the top of the bestsellers list. It's fair to so that we have never looked back and the reaction from our customers says it all.
Today saw the Autumn delivery arrive along with a party twist on Carbon style featuring a top transformed with black sparkle fabric into an party must-have.
Now if you've never discovered the Carbon style then you are certainly missing out. The times we have heard customers say they don't like jumpsuits, well that is until they try one of these on. It's almost like a resurrection of the Spanx phenomena! With ruching in all the right places and a style that can be worn on the shoulder, one shoulder, or off the shoulder, this truly is the ultimate in versatility for your party wardrobe.
So if you have a party invite don't discount a jumpsuit, you really have to try one! And if you don't want the sparkle they also come in plain jersey too.
]]>A chic combination of feminine and versatile, this classic wrap dress is the perfect choice for a dress that can take you from formal to smart-casual with just a change of accessories.
The fresh emerald and lime print sits on a soft grey backdrop and the frill neckline and waist tie accents add to the delicate femininity of the dress while flattering the figure
Nothing says summer than a floral print dress in flowing chiffon and high-low style 191301 from Frank Lyman certainly fits the bill.
Featuring a separate soft pink jersey under-dress this crossover style will look equally great with a pair of heels or a pair of flip-flops.
Embrace prints this summer with a versatile Frank Lyman dress, perfect for anything from a summer work conference to a wedding or special occasion.
Elegantly simple, this short dress features a scooped neckline and flattering cap sleeves with a chic and modern fitted silhouette. Plus, you can wear it floral or wear it plain, this dress is fully reversible with a vibrant orange plain side.
]]>Choosing the perfect wedding guest outfit will depend on several things, such as time of year, venue, and formality of the service and reception. Alongside this, you’ll need to consider the styles that suit your shape and the colours that work best with your skin tone.
No matter how tempting, try to choose your outfit first rather than falling in love with a hat or pair of shoes that you then need to work with. This can make things much more difficult.
A couple of things to avoid for your wedding guest outfit:
Once you’ve nailed your wedding look and you’re totally happy with it, you can really start to have some fun with your accessories. Depending on the look you’ve decided to opt for, accessorising is always different. If you’ve chosen a very simple dress or special occasion set, you might want to transform it with printed or heavily detailed accessories. Similarly, if you’re outfit is lace, embellished or printed, you’ll most likely want to opt for simple, elegant accessories.
For the sake of wanting to help everyone if we can skip to either the simple outfit or the detailed outfit for some tips on how best to accessorise.
It’s great to have fun with a headpiece and next to a simple outfit, it can look fabulous. Choose either perfectly matching or opposite colourings when selecting headwear and use the opportunity to really have some fun with it.
Clutches are always elegant for weddings and the most important thing about shoes is to ensure you’ve worn them plenty to ensure they don’t hurt your feet and ruin your day. If your look is simple, why not add sparkle or even a contemporary print through your shoes or bag (or both!).
If you don’t decide to wear a hat or fascinator, this is the perfect opportunity to make a statement with jewellery. Statement earrings are a modern way to add sparkle without a necklace and it also creates a little drama at the hairline without the need for a hat.
If your outfit is incredibly detailed, stick to headwear with simple, elegant lines and not too much fuss. Pick out a soft colour from within your outfit’s palette and match your hat or fascinator to this hue.
If your outfit is very detailed, a barely-there sandal will elongate the legs without stealing attention from your look. A simple clutch adds a touch of elegance.
Keep jewellery chic and small. Here, a pair of elegant studs will set your hair and makeup off without taking away focus from the outfit.
Remember, your outfit is yours and you need to inject your own personal style into your look. So, although we’ve provided a little guidance to ease you into your shopping, our rules are never steadfast and if you want to pair print with print, you can! If you want to add sparkle to lace, why not?
Always keep in mind when choosing a wedding guest outfit that these pictures might end up in your family or friend’s house for years, so remember to try to choose something elegant, timeless and chic and you’ll love your outfit for years to come.
Start your wedding outfit shopping with our special occasions range and remember to check back with the blog for all of our favourite styling tips and tricks.
]]>Host, Claudia Winkleman, in her two-tone orange and black dress looked like she’d forgotten to take her gym vest off before putting her evening dress on! The square, high neckline with peep shoulders also made her look even more angular. Compare it to the gorgeous, high-necked and classy look of contestant Naga Munchetty, which complemented her cropped hair so amazingly and you can see what I mean! Tess Daly’s white, slashed neckline dress was better but again, seemed to square off her shoulders and make her look broader.
Getting the neckline right is crucial when it comes to evening dresses and off-the shoulder gowns are not an easy look unless you have the poise and frame of ‘Strictly’ judge Darcy Bussell. Gorgeous in her navy gown (told you navy was the new black in my earlier blog!) she had done all the right things. Her hair gracefully swept up extended her swan-like neck even more and softened the lines of her shoulders. Wearing hair down with an off-the shoulder look can block you in so do bear in mind your hairstyle if you’re going to expose your neck, shoulders or cleavage.
And for those of us who prefer to be less up-front than Anastasia (!) but want an elegant neckline, clever dresses with discreet nude netting like Gina Bacconi 90012 pictured above can give all the glamour of the off-the shoulder effect without you feeling naked or worst still, spending the whole night trying to keep the straps sitting on your shoulders right. This dress even solves the problem of jewellery with beautiful beadwork created in a necklace-effect to give you a perfectly dressed decolletage.
]]>Days like this I’m not ashamed to say bring out the Diva in me. And I know I’m in good company. TV presenter Susanna Reid and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood also have a Diva side to them.
The Diva I’m talking about is a range of fabulous day dresses. Designed and made in the UK, they are body-con styling. Many have short or three-quarter length sleeves. They’ve also got clever ruching across the middle to hide your tummy. The choice of colours and patterns is amazing too. There’s everything from lime green (like the one Carol is wearing above) to russet red or vintage floral prints.
Better still, they never need ironing, can be machine washed and are so easy to wear.
Loads of female celebrities are loving these dresses. Nigella Lawson, Louise Minchin, Carol Vordeman, Ruth Langsford and Amanda Redman to name drop a few. And of course the lovely Carol K. Let’s face it, if you’re presenting the weather at some ungodly hour in the morning, you don’t want to have to worry about what you’re going to wear do you? If it’s good enough for them in their high profile workplaces, then it’s perfect for me in my more humble one.
The price point is brilliant too – starting at £95.
I threw one on this morning, teamed it with a pair of boots (noone needs to know I have un-matching socks hidden underneath) and glammed it up with a statement necklace. A matter of moments and I’m ready. Look out Monday. I’m unleashing the Diva in me!
It’s without a doubt trickier to find an outfit for a winter event. You have to consider the chill factor as well as the fashion stakes. Standing, with teeth chattering and your body shivering reduces your glamorous look somewhat.
That’s where a frock coat and matching dress can really fit the bill. The frock coat gives you more cover and can be of a heavier fabric.
Frock coats are certainly back in vogue thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge who is helping bring occasionwear into the 21st century.
And let’s face it she does her fair share of standing on cold and windy parade grounds so she should know!
The key to a frock coat looking good is the way it’s shaped.
Long lines can help to elongate your body.
Lots of fabric can swamp you so be careful if you have a petite frame.
A nipped in waistline or belt can help to flatter you at the middle but make sure it sits in the right place or it can look over-bulky.
The length of a frock coat is crucial.
A really long frock coat can drown you and make you look shorter than you actually are.
If you’re blessed with height, a frock coat that is too short will make you look gangley.
Bear in mind length can be altered on coat hems fairly easily so this should help you to get the proportion and balance of the look just right for your figure.
The frock coat doesn’t have to be longer than the dress. Seeing a bit of the dress detail below the coat looks very attractive.
Remember after the event, a frock coat worn with jeans or smart trousers can look amazing.
]]>This lady has honestly never owned a dress in her life. Her comfort zone is Converse trainers, jeans and a baggy jumper.
She doesn’t mind me sharing that she was of a fuller figure. “My breasts are too big for dresses, my tummy to fat and my hips to wide!”That’s her very unfair description of herself. “I’ve never worn a dress in my life and you’ll never be able to find me one!” Well , I like a challenge!
And I did find her a dress – in fact the first one she tried on! It’s from our lovely Dressed Up collection. This is a plus-size range, specifically designed with the more curvaceous female in mind. Unlike a lot of collections which are designed by men, it’s designed by a woman and one of a bigger build so she relates to the needs of her wearers really well.
As the auntie at a winter wedding, my customer wants to look fabulous in a wedding guest outfit that she can wear again.
This dress eradicates all her hang-ups. The diagonal overlay of Veromia Dressed Up DU150 means her tummy and arms are covered elegantly. The layered bandage styling of the rest of the dress slims her hips and legs. It has the trick of giving her lower half a longer silhouette.
With a hat or headpiece for the wedding, it looks amazing. Worn on its own as a cocktail dress or for a dinner date, it’s equally glamorous. One happy shopper and a convert to our religion of wearing dresses.
]]>The amount of passers by that have stood outside the shop this week saying they always thought we only sold expensive dresses is incredible and yet we always aim with our window displays to show a range of dresses at price points to suit all budgets.
It’s interesting that this assumption will stop people coming in to a shop where they can pick up a gorgeous dress at the same price or sometimes cheaper than on the high street. I even encouraged – well my team said it was more like dragged – a couple of ladies in who were admiring the window to take a look at what we had to offer. They were pleasantly surprised at the price point.
So please don’t ignore your independent dress boutiques if you’re lucky enough to have some near you. We may be small but we’re beautifully formed and not as pricey as you think!
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