Stylist, Creative Director, and Consultant, Lady Alice Manners is quite the fashion arbiter. Here, in the role of Contributing Fashion Writer, she shares her tips and tricks vis-à-vis how to dress for any occasion. This week: summer weddings.
Do we dare utter the words “Occasion Dressing”? I think it might be time…
Coming out of lockdown feels like that first hit of morning sunlight as you draw your curtains back: after the initial shock, you realise it’s actually quite pleasant, even a little exciting? Well, that is certainly the attitude I am taking and fashion never fails to help get me in the mood for socialising again.
I know some of you might be feeling like you have forgotten how to dress; I know my sense of style has definitely changed through these continual lockdowns, but I am now starting to see it as a kind of fashion liberation and have enjoyed embracing new vibes, designs, and colours whilst always committing to making sure that I am comfortable and confident.
But how does that translate into occasion dressing? Specifically, how can we reinvent ourselves for the copious number of wedding invites that will no doubt be flooding our letter boxes over the coming months? My advice: think outside the box, bring your own flare, and always have fun with it.
The summer wedding scene always claims victims of fashion’s easiest faux-pas: showing too much skin. In my view, the art of sensual dressing is all about subtlety. A little peek of flesh through a sheer panel or an open back are suitably alluring without going overboard. The deep neckline on this Khaite number strikes a good balance as do the elegantly revealing shoulder splits on this gorgeous ‘hold my bolero’ piece by Rosie Assoulin.
Of course, if the wedding in question is taking place during the English summer, then that calls for an all eventualities outfit, meaning a coat or cute cardigan are key items to have on standby. Investing in a light-coloured summer coat is never a bad idea, a piece that you can casually drape over your shoulders as you move from ceremony to reception.
Undoubtedly, the ultimate wedding guest dilemma is to hat or not to hat, but considering that we are coming out of a year which has devastated milliners across the country, my attitude is, go for it! You can never regret buying a hat, because really, they are pieces of art in themselves which can look just as splendid perched on your living room ledge as they do upon your head. It is, of course, important to pick your poison wisely though. After all, a hat can make or break an outfit. I tend to start with the dress and then find something to compliment it. For example, if you have opted for a plainer style as your base, any hat with a classic cut should elevate the look, taking it to another level. I am a big believer that no one did this better than the ladies in the 1930s/40s – think undeniably clean and classic styles where silhouettes were everything and an outfit was not an outfit without an elegant, perfectly proportioned hat to finish it off. It’s my go-to era for occasion-wear inspiration.
Rosie Assoulin
The best news for the long wedding season ahead is that the skinny heeled court is out and the chunky (obscenely more comfortable) platform heel is back in. These do however require the slimmest part of your ankle to be seen, so pay attention to the hem of your dress. My tip is a midi-dress (I’m not a fan of knee-length), but be aware of the widest part of your calf and make sure the hem falls an inch or two below that. Personally, I can’t get enough of the Castañer platform heels – they are everything you could want for looking chic whilst sipping champagne and listening to well… speeches. Let’s be real here though, a pair of understated white trainers hidden in the venue are a must if you’re planning on seeing the sun come up.
Any Questions or Tips to add?