FLORAL FIXER UPPERS
The sartorial minefield that is summertime event dressing is enough to make a lot of people want to run for the hills (just the mention of a pillbox hat is enough to make me shudder), especially if, like me, you're a serial down-dresser day-to-day. Before I got married a friend told me my dress should be season, location and age appropriate, and I think this is just as true when it comes to being a guest. As summer's social calendar looms, it's time to gear up for weddings, race days and your Great Aunt Mildred's annual garden party – many of which are 10 hour+ marathon events.
The most authoritative fashion titles, both on and offline, have once again declared florals a core season staple – even going as far as saying anything vaguely resembling a pair of curtains/wallpaper can only be a good thing. Especially when they come in featherweight fabrics and feminine silhouettes – I think the one I wore for this shoot will be making several appearances this summer. Brands are once again serving up a bouquet of rose-, lily- and daisy-strewn offerings and, if you pick wisely, many of these will stand the test of time and crucially see your money go further.
If you're more inclined to gravitate towards monochrome that's ok too; it’s more than acceptable to wear black and/or white to weddings these days, and there are plenty of ways to tie it in, just be careful not to overstep. Resist blocking head to toe to avoid looking a) too corporate b) like the bride.
Jumpsuits and stylish separates fare well in place of dresses, cardigans are a solid substitute for cropped blazers and ditching colour in favour of monochrome are all widely regarded go-tos. Just ask the millennials. Injecting your own personality is the real game-changer. Adding a belt and an arm cuff are two of my favourite styling tricks for helping an outfit feel more ‘me’, plus status symbols like lace up flats and chain strap handbags help elevate looks to make them feel more current.
This post was created in collaboration with LK Bennett for The Season collection.
All opinions and styling my own.
