Whatever the wedding (country, city, destination) what to wear to it can usually be solved with two words: floral dresses.
Suitably romantic, floral dresses can be glammed up or down depending on the dress code. Their ubiquity on the high street means there’s one to suit every shape, age and budget. It’s no wonder they’ve made a resurgence this season after being declared paseé last year. Proof that you can’t keep a good trend down, especially when it’s so universal.
My own occasionwear wardrobe is bursting with hyper-feminine florals: ditsy-print Ghost; frilly Rixo; puff-sleeved Ganni. With a wedding to go to in a few weeks – my first in years – I should be jumping at the chance to wear one. However, I feel quite the opposite. Once joyfully frou-frou, my floral frocks suddenly feel too girly and twee.
My children are to blame. Since becoming a mother, I crave simplicity and ease from my wardrobe. Life with a one and three-year-old is hectic enough without throwing busy florals into the mix. A feeling only fueled by fashion’s current preoccupation with nineties minimalism and all things ‘discreet chic’ (think pared-back silhouettes and muted tones).
I’m not the only one looking to switch up my wedding look. At fashion rental platform HURR, searches for ‘wedding guest style’ have increased 128 per cent year-on-year. But while floral dresses are still a staple, tailoring has surged in popularity with matching suit sets currently among the most sought-after styles.
Brands are reacting to the mood shift, too. “Most people know us as a floral dress brand, but we wanted to offer an alternative that offered more versatility”, say Clara Francis and Tania Hindmarch, founders of O’Pioneers. The London-based dress label (of which Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan) has introduced smart separates that can be restyled throughout the season. Team the ultra wide-leg Frida trousers (£295) with a silk shirt and blazer for a city wedding, adding a blouse and wedges (yes, they’re back) for country dos.
If you’d rather leave florals to the flower girls too, here are the chicest alternatives to try.
Occasion suiting
Much has been made of the 9-5 trouser suit comeback (call it a reaction to WFH scruffs) but tailoring can tip over into occasionwear, too.
Lightweight fabrics give a relaxed look. Linen is a seasonal classic (Jaeger has a great selection), but if you’re worried about creasing, try a breathable cotton blend, such as French Connection’s Alania blazer (£99) and matching slacks (£75).
A pop of colour stops things looking corporate. See John Lewis’ powder blue and Me + Em’s sugar-pink suits. Both can be restyled for future occasions; throw the jackets over a shift dress, add a cocktail blouse to the trousers. The beauty – and value – of suits lie in their multi-wear versatility.