TYPES OF OUTFIT

Tailored Suiting

This is where all items which make up the outfit are made from the same material and where all of the items are made from the same fabric. Suiting items can include skirts (or varying lengths), trousers, jackets (of various lengths and styles) and even dresses and tops. Whilst traditional tailoring tends to use heavier fabrics such as wool, wedding-wear tends to focus more on crepes and silks combined with chiffon or georgette.

Occasion Wear

In its most simple terms occasion-wear is a combination of the two categories above. Typically a dress or a skirt and top teamed with a complimentary jacket though often with the jacket being made from different fabric to the rest of the outfit. In terms of fabric anything goes but light floaty fabrics which flatter the figure and keep their shape whatever the activity are exceptionally popular. The overall look of the outfit differs from cocktail-wear by being slightly less ornate, not being as rich in colour (e.g. possible less suitable for an formal evening occasion), and possibly being patterned. Think of a light and floaty summer dress with a contemporary floral print teamed with a bead-trimmed, pastel coloured, angora cardigan or shawl.

Whilst you need to let your own personal style come through in the outfit you choose you need to make sure you don’t deviate too far from the theme of the wedding.  For example you may look a little out of place at a classy Country House Wedding in an evening gown, likewise if a sophisticated, contemporary affair has been arranged a cocktail dress would be exactly the right option.

Take your time, shop around and make sure that you get an outfit your son or daughter would approve of (regardless of how voluptuous you are, try to avoid something too revealing that would steal some of the limelight from the happy couple), but just as importantly, one that you are.