Dec 2008
Christmas again!! Time to spy those summer weddings on beaches and in parks! I must admit to having a big soft spot for the summer wedding as I had a 35-degree temperature for my own big day & loved it. I was always keen on the balmy summer wedding idea. It’s romantic, sensuous, and exotic – that ‘s what I thought anyway. However I was interested to read a fashion piece in the paper recently about how there are those who love summer and those who hate it! Too true! This seems to relate to age and body shape - all very relevant to bridal fashion decisions. The more comfortable one is with one’s body the skimpier the summer wedding frock can be. I think this is because of that age-old adage: “if you have got it flaunt it” and may I add you are quite happy to do so! This goes for bridesmaids and mother of the bride outfits too. A sexy summer look is excellent as long as one is happy to wear it.
However spare a thought for the summer haters – due to the exposure of problem areas such as arms, legs, midriff etc – they need to find a cool and flattering ensemble.
I am adamant that brides really shouldn’t be coerced to wear a style that they are not comfortable in just because they think this is de-rigueur for summer time. Take for instance either the strapless or the slinky look. If you have reservations about whether it suits you – don’t go there! You want to look and feel beautiful not self-conscious.
There are so many other options - cute soft sleeves, floaty fabrics. (See pic here from designer Rose Zurzolo).
The goddess look in summer is divine for brides and attendants eg: empire line so not clingy, usually a nice light natural fabric that will blow in the wind and look rather ethereally pretty. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that you can’t be traditional either by wearing a more structured gown to hold everything in and veils are always gorgeous in the summer light.
It’s the mother-of-the-bride that often has a real challenge to find the right outfit for the summer wedding too. Especially if they are a summer hater! (I told you about age being a factor in hating summer and there are exceptions to this rule but my word of mouth research tells me it’s a fact!). Looking and feeling cool and glamorous, dressed up but not too stiff and uncomfy. It’s a challenge no doubt. You may be attracted to a beautiful slip dress but think it’s not flattering but remember you can wear either a beautiful light jacket or a little shrug to cover the arms if that worries you.
Go for amazing fabric that you fall in love with. There are definitely lots of dresses with loose, gorgeous sleeves around this season and the glam caftan look is one of my faves. (see link below Camilla Franks in Sydney is the best!). Great local designers are worth checking out. They design for our climate! I have popped a few pics here from George Gross’ collection and I suggest some of the links below may be a great help to Mum:
http://www.camilla.com.auhttp://www.leonaedmiston.com/http://www.antheacrawford.com.au/http://www.roseandruby.com/http://www.agclothing.comhttp://www.georgegross.com.au/catalogues/catalogue_gg.aspStay cool till next time.
Kirstie
