If I had a pound for every time I heard someone say,
"I have a wedding in {insert month} and I need to loose {insert number} stones/pounds before I can buy anything nice."I would have plenty of money, for more shoes!
The strangest phenomenon of all (for me) is the way women completely forget who they are (style wise) and start shopping for shift dresses, matching court shoes and fascinators. They end up buying alien things from shops they never normally go into.
What makes us feel like we need to fit into this wedding-guest mould?
What happens to our style mojo after that invitation hits the doormat?
I often see women, at weddings, hobbling around in uncomfortable shoes, tight (and restrictive) shapewear and generic wedding outfits.
Why can't we simply 'Weddingify' our own personal style?
Well, I think we can!
A last minute outfit
Usually, we get plenty of notice when it comes to wedding invitations, and plans can be made.
Occasionally though, we get that last minute invite.
Yikes!
I have nothing to wear!!
Luckily, last minute invitations are usually more casual affairs.
However, no matter how informal, a wedding it an occasion that deserves respect.
Ripped jeans are not an option!
Sometimes, a last minute outfit can end up looking great.
With little (or no) time to spare, there is less danger of over thinking, over analysing or over processing your look.
There is no time to get your shoes dyed to match your dress (yuck!).
There is no time to worry.
Just grab.
Accessorise.
And Go!
It is such a simple look.
Simple and comfortable.
Perfect for an all-day event.
This fun skirt has just enough structure to be smart, but is soft and comfortable enough to wear all day.
It has handy pockets too, which I love.
{I have been admiring full midi skirts on ladies like Carin (from @catoinamsterdam, on Instagram) and Vale (Fashion and cookies.com). They manage to look effortlessly beautiful in them}
I wanted to add a punch of colour, so I reached for this classic cashmere fitted jumper.
The outfit really needed a little extra something to lift it out of daywear into wedding territory.
This satin sash and a vintage brooch were perfect!
My metallic green shoes, pearls and a blue clutch, finished things off nicely.
Jumper: CX London (similar)
Shoes: Marta Jonsson (these are lovely)
Satin sash: It came with another dress (similar)
Brooch: Charity shop
Bag: Linea (this one is chic)
Tights: Wolford
Pearls: a gift
GET THE LOOK
How to avoid looking frumpy (at a wedding) over 40.
Break the mould.Avoid the classic shift dress and court shoes combination (unless, of course you are a shift dress and court shoe aficionado) and wear a wedding-version of your usual style.
There is no need to abandon who you are in favour of a 'wedding uniform'.
You can be true to your personal style and hang onto your mojo.
Outfit ideas
- A full midi (or maxi) skirt and a shell top.
- Pencil skirt and cold shoulder top.
- Full, high-waisted skirt and cropped top.
- Culottes and a fine knit.
- Co-ords, in either trousers, culotte or skirt form.
- Playsuit (if you love your legs).
- Jumpsuit, with either full length or cropped legs
- Trouser suit.
Shoes
Wear comfortable (and modern) shoes.You are going to be on your feet, for most of the day, so comfort is essential.
Painful feet are miserable and unattractive.
Pain shows up on your face, and walking like a stork on stilts is not pretty.
Ditch those old shoes your have had for years because they are 'good for a wedding'.
Unless the shoes are beautiful and unique, or a vintage gem, buy something new and modern.
Yes, I know that nude courts lengthen the leg and go with everything, but why not push the boundaries and wear something different?
With all of the beautiful styles and designs available (at every price point) there really is no excuse for boring footwear.
Chose lighter coloured fabrics or pale leathers and you can wear (almost) any style of shoe.
Satin always looks beautiful, as do florals and lace.
Have fun with your footwear!
Shoe styles I love...
Beautiful ballerinas (the lower the vamp, the better).Patterned or embellished courts (or flats).
Sling backs, with chunky heels.
Booties.
Strappy sandals.
Glove shoes.
Shoes that lace (or ribbon) up the leg.
Brogues (flat or heeled).
Wedges (be careful though, court shoe-style wedges can look really frumpy).
It's all about the fabric
Most of your favourite key shapes, and styles, can be found in wedding appropriate fabrics.If you find the right fabrication (almost) anything goes!
It is a good idea to check what colour the bridesmaids are wearing (if there are any) and the mother of the bride. Turning up in something similar can be awkward.
Chose lighter and brighter coloured versions of your favourite styles.
Floral patterns work beautifully.
Stripes and checks are bang on trend this year, and will modernise your look.
Silk, cashmere, fine wool, chiffon, devore, brocade and lace are all winning fabrics for a wedding.
Think about embellishments.
Embroidery, pearls and applique can lift your outfit into 'Wow' territory.
Cover ups
Pashminas may be the go-to cover up for such occasions, but there are so many beautiful alternatives.Try and avoid the matching bolero jacket and go for something unexpected.
A lace trench (a classic trench can work well, as long at it is crisp).
A satin, embroidered bomber looks super-modern.
Sleeveless coats and jackets give a sleek finish.
A luxe dressing gown-style jacket is luxurious, and decadent.
Accessories
As tempting as it is, try and avoid wearing the traditional jewellery 'set' (especially if it is fine jewellery).Yes, it is pretty and classic, but matching delicate items can look old fashioned.
Try and mix things up a bit, for a modern look.
Makeup
Keeping your makeup natural (and fresh looking) is perfect for a daytime wedding.Now is not the time for a full face of slap.
You can always take a liner (or shadow) with you, and create a smokey eye in the evening.
Of course, a bright lip is always a winner!
Extras
Don't forget your shades.Make sure your mascara is waterproof and you have tissues with you.
A beautiful wedding can even bring a tear to a glass eye.
What is your wedding style?
Do you like to do your own thing and break the wedding mould?
Please let me know in the comments...or tweet me @samantha4blair
SHOP WEDDINGS
Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible Monday, Turning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday , Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday, Style story (Saturday)