Ines, L K Bennett- Wedding outfit styling advice

I’M A MOTHER OR THE BRIDE, WHAT SORT OF HAT OR FASCINATOR SHOULD I CHOOSE ?

WHAT WILL SUIT THE INES DRESS BY L K BENNETT?

The great dilemma that faces most of my millinery clients is simple… “What should I put on my head?”. The dresses and outfits are generally an easier choice, after all we wear clothes every day but headwear is a different matter. In these posts I try to demystify the process.

L K Bennett dresses and shoes have always proved to be very popular with my clients so for this week’s post I’ve selected a dress from their new collection for late summer, early autumn. Although it is long sleeved, the fine light fabric won’t be too hot.

*** Please note that the headpieces shown in this post may not be a colour match, they are simply examples of styles that would work. Every headpiece is made is made to the clients requirements ***

THE DRESS

INES - L K BENNETT

“In an American vintage archive print from the 1940s, meet the Ines dress. Crafted from a light and luxurious silk-blend fabric with gold jacquard spot detail, this feminine style has a round, gathered neck, long, sheer sleeves and a floaty midi skirt.” L K Bennett

STYLING OPTION ONE

SCENARIO - SMALL & INTIMATE

The Bride & Groom have decided that they want the wedding to be a small affair with just close family and friends (20 or so guests), an increasingly popular option currently. Working with lots of mothers of the bride I understand that this creates a dilemma, it is your daughter’s wedding and a day when you want to make a real effort for her but also balance this with respecting her wishes for the day. This means keeping the details appropriately special without stealing the limelight. In all likelihood, aside from the bride you will be the only other person in a headpiece.

HEADPIECE - ODILE

The Odile headpiece is understated, elegant and provides just that touch of detail. It is easy to wear on a band (my bands are comfortable and adjustable to ensure that). The feathers are given that extra special lift with the addition of bead tipped stems. The Swarovski crystal and pearl detailing set the design apart from a small high street piece.

I’d make on gold wire and probably recommend going for the red or mustard tones as the dominant colour, dependent on the wearers colouring and preferences.

STYLING OPTION TWO

SCENARIO - MEDIUM SIZED WEDDING OR PETITE CLIENT

The Bride & Groom have decided that they want the wedding to be a medium sized wedding, 60-80 guests, or alternatively I’m catering for a a very petite lady who needs to be careful with her choice of head wear so it doesn’t overwhelm her. As with the small wedding this means keeping the details appropriately special without stealing the limelight. In this instance there maybe more people wearing headpieces but you don’t feel that a full blown traditional hat is you, or appropriate.

HEADPIECE - ARABELLA

The Arabella cocktail hat is perfect for all ladies but doesn’t overwhelm petite ladies who could also wear it to a bigger event. Pheasant curls, coque (the ones with diamond cut ends) and hackle feathers are styled elegantly on a sinamay base with narrow sinamay ribbon detail. The addition of the beading gives a special finish and the beads can compliment the clients jewellery choice if required. It’s neat, fashionable and won’t overwhelm the wearers face, despite being worn forwards.

I think it would be best in one of the contrasting colours and use the blue as a highlight if the client wanted the blue, I prefer things to compliment rather than be too “matchy”.

STYLING OPTION THREE

SCENARIO - LARGE WEDDING OR FLAMBOYANT CLIENT

The Bride & Groom have decided that they want to go all out, there are a lot of guests and the venue may be quite grand. This calls for a headpiece that will be visible, that ticks the “Mother of the Bride” box but that will also be comfortable to wear. In a sea of heads you need to be visible, not in a limelight stealing way but so that you feel appropriately attired to the scale of the occasion though not so much that you do a “My Fair Lady” and block guests view at the ceremony.

HEADPIECE - TIFFANY

The Tiffany headpiece is perfect for all ladies for a bigger event (or those who love to make a statement at a smaller one). Pheasant curls in abundance make this a real statement but one that is easy and comfortable to wear. Practical (that doesn’t look like practicality) is key to being able to both look fabulous and just get on with enjoying the day. The addition of the beading if desired would give an even more spectacular finish. I’ve made this recommendation as despite being worn forwards it won’t overwhelm the wearer. I personally feel that when an outfit has a high neckline it’s best not to box in the face too much that it is lost as the focus. This matters less at the races when it’s all about the hat but at a wedding, it’s all about the people.

As with the Arabella, I think it would be best in one of the contrasting colours and use the blue as a highlight if the client wanted the blue, I prefer things to compliment rather than be too “matchy”.

THE OTHER DETAILS

JEWELLERY

I tend to find that mothers of the bride have existing sentimental jewellery that they wish to wear so my only comments on this would be that this dress doesn’t need a necklace due to the high neckline. At a very dressy event if could carry some large short string pearls possibly but I think for a lot of ladies with the patterned colourful fabric it could be too much. A pendant and chain would be lost. A bracelet won’t be visible with the long sleeve. Earrings will of course work but I’d be tempted to keep to some sort of stud or only a short dangle that just lips the edge of the ear.

HAIR

These pieces will wear with any hair cut. Generally I find that mothers of the bride have shorter hair but if it is longer, I’d recommend an up do to draw the hair away from the face and create an elegant line. Long hair a high neckline and a headpiece could swamp your face.