Top tips for wedding guest outfits

Wedding bells are in the air across Clare and so with the invitation received and the date looming, it can often be a task to pick out an appropriate outfit to wear.
The necessity to find that perfect something can be a challenge as you want something current, that makes a statement – without overshadowing the bridal party, but most importantly it needs to be a nice fitting outfit that can withstand the long day out.
There are the usual frets about clashing with the bridesmaids, not wearing an outfit worn at too many weddings before and how to appropriately accessorise. Lorna Slater, manager of the Ela Maria boutique in Ennis, offers some guidance to Clare ladies on what to wear for the coming wedding season.
She said trends for autumn/winter have a classic, chic and tailored look, with the dress and trouser suit coming to the fore as wedding options.
“In terms of dresses, what we are seeing have very clean lines, cinched waists, with slim belts and a tailored finish. There is a great infusion of colour this season with plenty of jewel colours, purples, pinks  and blues coming through. Nude shades are also staying and winter whites and cognac shades are also filtering in. This is definitely the most colour we’ve seen for winter, which is brilliant.
“The classic black and white chic look is also a timeless look. With the dresses, they offer more of a minimalist look, predominantly in block colours, although animal print is coming through also, especially in the coats and boleros,” Lorna said.
She reminds those shopping for a wedding outfit to remember what you pick will need to be comfortable enough to remain seated in and to dance in and it will also need to stand up to photographs throughout the day. She also advises ladies to keep a close eye on what materials they choose, avoiding materials that crease easily or cling too tightly.
Materials that are in this season include stretch satin, which is a good fabric that won’t crease, while wool blends and silk are also in and allow for ease of movement. These styles can be seen in the Maria Grazia Severa, Ian Stuart and Tara Jarmon lines.
When going for a dress, Lorna recommends guests wear a style suitable to their shape. She explained flattering cuts with capped sleeves or shoulder detail offer good coverage, with Escada and Laurel lines catering to this look. Also of benefit this season is the tailored style, which complements a variety of figures.
An essential item to accompany this simple elegant look has to be statement jewellery, with large necklaces seen in the Maria Calderara or Tata Borello lines. An optional extra is a headpiece, which continues to remain on trend but hats are also making a return to form.
When going for a headpiece, Lorna said the type and style depends on the individual, but brands such as Galway designer Suzie Mahoney and Emily Jean Designs can be dyed to cater to the customer’s needs.
Other ways to liven up a simple tailored dress is to add a slimline belt or elbow-length gloves in a complementing colour. Clutch bags remain popular but plain minimalist handbags are coming on the scene for autumn/winter. Faux fur boleros and coats are also a timeless piece being revived this season.
While the dress is dominant, Lorna says more suits are coming in.
“Again, it is a chic look. We see the high-waisted trouser coming through, typically we are looking at a long trouser with a cigarette style cut. This would be worn with a blouse. Colour is huge this season, so the suit wouldn’t necessarily be confined to being worn with a plain white blouse.
“Greys are sticking around and you would also see more printed blouses being worn with trousers. Blouses should be worn tucked in though, showing off the high waist and detail of the trouser,” she concluded.